43 Across

NYT Daily ? September 24, 2025

Soft volleyball hits

Answer:

DINKS

Hint:

These gentle, strategic taps are often used near the net to catch opponents off guard in beach volleyball. Think of a short, soft sound the ball might make.

Explanation:

In volleyball, a "dink" is a soft, controlled hit that barely clears the net, often used to catch opponents off guard. The clue plays it straight—no wordplay or tricks—just a direct reference to these gentle, strategic taps. If you’ve ever watched or played volleyball, you’ve likely seen players use dinks to outsmart blockers with finesse instead of power. The answer fits because it’s the exact term for those light, precise hits.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints