Pickleball 101: Rules, Gear, and How to Play

Keep up with the latest news and events from Dope Pickleball Co.

Four pink and yellow glitter-infused pickleballs on a pickleball court

July 23, 2026

Pickleball Score-Calling Etiquette: Who Calls It and How to Correct It

Who calls the pickleball score, what each number means, why doubles begins at 0-0-2, and how to correct a disagreement without stopping the game.

June 16, 2026

Pickleball Etiquette: Rules, Courtesy and Open Play

A source-backed guide distinguishing official pickleball rules from local open-play customs, including line calls, score calls, rotation, coaching, safety, and sportsmanship.

May 27, 2026

Is Pickleball an Old Person Sport?

Pickleball is played across age groups, not only by older adults. This article looks at accessibility, competition, culture, and why the sport appeals to players at different life stages.

May 26, 2026

When Was Pickleball Invented? The 1965 Origin Story

Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island in 1965. Learn who created it, how the first game began, and what is documented versus disputed.

May 25, 2026

In Pickleball, Who Serves First?

Who serves first in pickleball, why doubles starts at 0-0-2, and how traditional serving order works using current USA Pickleball rules.

May 24, 2026

Pickleball Scoring Explained: Why It's Confusing and How to Get It Fast

Pickleball scoring made simple: side-out scoring, the three-number call, server 1 vs 2, the 0-0-2 start, and games to 11 win by 2.

May 21, 2026

Pickleball Court Dimensions: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're painting lines on a driveway, booking court time, or just settling a debate at the net, here are the exact pickleball court dimensions — plus how much total space you actually need and how a pickleball court compares to tennis and badminton.

May 17, 2026

Doubles Strategy for Beginners: The 5 Fundamentals That Win Points

The five doubles strategy fundamentals that beginner pickleball players need — positioning, communication, and when to attack.

May 10, 2026

How to Serve in Pickleball: The Rules, the Mechanics, and the Strategy

How to serve legally in pickleball: the underhand rule, the legal drop serve, where to stand, the doubles serving order, and placement that wins points.

May 9, 2026

Pickleball Rules Every New Player Should Know

Learn the serving, two-bounce, scoring, non-volley-zone, line-call, fault, and equipment checks that matter before a first pickleball game.

May 6, 2026

How to Choose Your First Pickleball Paddle

Choosing your first pickleball paddle, explained simply: weight, face material, core, grip, and budget, plus the one that turns heads.

July 20, 2025

The Kitchen in Pickleball: Rules, Strategy, and Faults

What the kitchen (non-volley zone) is, the 7-foot rule, exactly what counts as a fault, what you're allowed to do, and how better players win at the kitchen line.

May 31, 2025

Do You Need a USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddle?

Do you need a USAPA approved paddle? Only for sanctioned tournaments. For rec play, choose the paddle you love carrying onto the court.

May 31, 2025

Can You Use a Non-Approved Pickleball Paddle?

A non-approved paddle is generally a sanctioned-competition eligibility issue, not a criminal-law question. Check the current equipment list and the rules of the specific facility, league, or event.

Three men playing pickleball on a backyard court

May 25, 2025

Why Is It Called Pickleball? Name Origin Explained

Why is pickleball called pickleball? Compare the evidence behind the pickle-boat explanation and Pickles-the-dog story, plus a sourced 1965 timeline.

May 25, 2025

Is Pickleball Easier Than Tennis? A Balanced Comparison

Pickleball may be quicker for some beginners to start, but difficulty depends on experience, mobility, coaching, format, and competitive level.

May 25, 2025

What Are the 5 Rules of Pickleball?

New to pickleball? Welcome to the most addictive sport on the planet. The rules are refreshingly simple — you can learn enough to play in about five minutes — but a few of them (looking at you, kitchen) trip up almost every beginner.

May 25, 2025

What Is Pickleball? Rules, Equipment and How to Play

Pickleball is a singles-or-doubles paddle sport played with a perforated plastic ball on a 20-by-44-foot court. Learn its equipment, serve, scoring, kitchen, two-bounce rule, and name origin.

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SOO DOPE!!!

The amount of detail & thought that went into this paddle & High Roller treasure chest is UN-REAL! When you’re holding this paddle, it feels like the holy grail. There’s something about playing with a paddle that has so much thought that went into it that it’s like playing with an original Picasso & everyone else is playing with copies that have some big brand name on them (boring). If you want to blend in with the sheep, this paddle is NOT for you. If you’re ready to stand out and turn some spectators heads towards your court during games, this IS the paddle for YOU!!!

Beautiful Paddle

In terms of aesthetics and design, this paddle sets a new standard in the luxury pickleball category. Putting performance aside, it's easily the most visually striking paddle on the market - elegant, modern, and undeniably premium.

EYE CATCHER CONVO STARTER

Received this bundle the other day. I was immediately impressed by the packaging and how professional it looked. Time and effort was very much put into this bundle.

Next day, I got to play with the paddle. I will say, this paddle isn’t gonna be a bullet serving monster, but it is consistent and very pleasant to hit with. Also, the amount of people asking to see the paddle and hear about the DOPE story was fun to share. Excited to see what this company does moving forward!

Thank you so much! We’re pumped you noticed the packaging and detail—it really means a lot.

You nailed it: the High Roller wasn’t made to be a cannon, but a smooth, stylish performer that still turns heads. Appreciate you spreading the DOPE story.

We’ve got more heat coming your way soon!

Top Notch! 🤩🤩🤩

The high roller bundle sets a new bar for racket sports all over the world. Almost everything you need to step out on the court to dominate. Look good, feel great, play even better!

RJ007! 🔥 You already know how much that means coming from you. We’re working behind the scenes to keep raising the bar—on and off the court. You help make this movement what it is.

Appreciate you always. ♠️

On the fence

The paddle is nice, it does have some weird markings on one side in the area of the sweet spot don't know what they’re from.Doesn’t effect the performance I guess.There is some cool swag though, keep the stickers, key chains, and dice and give me the hat instead.

Thanks for the honest feedback, Randall—we seriously appreciate it. 🙏

We’ve actually been making some updates on the performance side and would love to get the new version out to you once it’s finished. Any feedback like this helps us keep pushing and improving.

Hopefully the next one earns us that fifth star!

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Pickleball 101: Rules, Gear, and How to Play

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