Pickleball 101: Rules, Gear, and How to Play

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

Pink and yellow glitter-infused pickleballs by Dope Pickleball Co.

June 27, 2026

How Did Pickleball Get Its Name? Pickle Boat vs. Dog

The documented pickleball name story points to Joan Pritchard and the pickle boat of rowing. Compare that timeline with the later Pickles-the-dog myth.

High Roller Pickleball Club Bundle flatlay by Dope Pickleball Co.

May 26, 2026

When Was Pickleball Invented? The 1965 Origin & Timeline

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Explore the first equipment, rules, name, and timeline.

High Roller chrome gold pickleball paddle with case and playing cards.

May 25, 2025

The Surprising Story Behind Pickleball: Bainbridge, 1965

How an improvised family game on Bainbridge Island became pickleball: the first court and equipment, evolving rules, pickle-boat name, and lasting design.

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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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