Pickleball 101: Rules, Gear, and How to Play

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

June 16, 2026

Pickleball Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules Every Player Should Know

Pickleball runs on a code of unwritten rules. Here's how to call your own faults, make fair line calls, handle open-play rotation, and be the player everyone wants back on their court.

May 27, 2026

Is Pickleball an Old Person Sport?

Let’s Get This Out of the Way: No, It’s Not If you've ever scrolled through social media and caught a glimpse of someone in New Balances and a sun visor swatting a wiffle ball over a net, you might've thought,...

May 26, 2026

When Was Pickleball Invented?

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has rapidly ascended from a backyard pastime to a global sensation. But when did this unique sport first make its debut? In this blog, we delve into the...

May 25, 2026

In Pickleball, Who Serves First?

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

The exact pickleball court dimensions — 20' x 44', the 7-foot kitchen, service boxes, net height — plus how much total space you need and how it compares to tennis.

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 Needs to Know Before Their First Game

Before you set foot on the court, here are the essential rules that govern every pickleball game — from the two-bounce rule to kitchen violations to how scoring actually works.

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

Is It Illegal to Use a Non-USA Pickleball Approved Paddle?

Is it illegal to use a non-USA Pickleball approved paddle? No for rec play, yes for sanctioned tournaments. The honest, full answer.

May 25, 2025

The Surprising Story Behind “Pickleball”

The Surprising Story Behind the Name “Pickleball” How a Backyard Game With a Funny Name Took Over the Sports World Pickleball. It’s a word that makes people pause, smirk, or raise an eyebrow—especially if they’ve never played. But for the...

May 25, 2025

Is Pickleball Easier Than Tennis?

Let’s Be Real: “Easier” Depends on Who You Ask If you’ve ever stood on a tennis court trying to chase down a spinning serve or watched a pro rally last 20+ shots, you know tennis is no joke. The speed,...

May 25, 2025

What Are the 5 Rules of Pickleball?

New to pickleball? Learn the five core rules — the underhand serve, the two-bounce rule, the kitchen, scoring, and faults — explained simply so you can step on the court with confidence.

May 25, 2025

What is Pickleball and Why is it Called That?

Discover the origins of pickleball

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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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