"Dink" is the most beloved word in pickleball, which means half the products and half the media in this sport have it in their name, including us.
If you searched a dink-something and landed here, this page sorts out which one you were actually looking for in about two minutes.
One very crowded name.
🧭 The quick disambiguation
- Dink'r (us, thedinkr.com): a doorway pickleball trainer. A ball on a retractable cord that hangs in a standard doorframe so you can practice dinks, resets, and volleys alone at home. Made by two ER doctors who needed a way to practice between shifts. Also the maker of Dink Ink, the self-inking ball stamper.
- Dink Drop: a different company with a different kind of training aid. Not us, no relation.
- Dink Master: also a different product line, typically board-style rebounders. Not us either.
- The Dink: the pickleball media company, newsletter, and site. We read it too. No relation.
- The Dink (the movie): the Apple pickleball film. We are not affiliated with it in any way. We did enjoy the name-twin moment.
🏥 Who is behind Dink'r
Dink'r is a two-person company started by two emergency physicians.
One of us got hooked on pickleball, could not get court time around hospital shifts, and started practicing with a ball on a string rigged in a doorway. The polished version of that rig became the Dink'r trainer. The full story is in our doorway trainer explainer.
We are a small operation on purpose: two products (the trainer and the Dink Ink stamper), designed by us, sold at thedinkr.com.
Is Dink'r legit?
Fair question to ask about any small brand. The short version: the Dink'r has been through thousands of home rally sessions, and it gets bought most often by beginners building confidence and by parents whose kids want to rally indoors.
Here is what customers say, in their own words:
"As someone who is TERRIBLE at tennis, ping pong, and most sports requiring hand-eye coordination, I could not get the hang of pickleball initially. I was looking for a practice tool I could use by myself in the comfort of my own home. This product was exactly what I was looking for. You don't need a partner to use it, which is great. Would definitely buy this again."
Verified customer review
"I hate having to ask for time to practice since it's super hard to get a free court where I live. This trainer lets you practice right at home. Absolutely perfect for a beginner like me."
Verified customer review
"Honestly really convenient because my schedule is so busy. Lets me practice quick whenever I need."
Verified customer review
"She said it was the most practical pickleball-related gift she has ever received and has been using it daily since getting it. Added bonus: my niece can practice using it too."
Verified customer review
And the honest fine print we volunteer everywhere: it trains the soft game. Dinks, resets, volleys, hand-eye. It does not train serves or full-court drives, and if that is what you need, our ball machine guide will point you at the right tool even though it is not ours.
FAQ
Are Dink'r and Dink Drop the same company?
No. Dink'r makes the doorway trainer and the Dink Ink ball stamper. Dink Drop is a separate company with a different product.
Is Dink'r connected to The Dink or the pickleball movie?
No relation to either. The Dink is a media company, the movie is Apple's, and we are two doctors with a doorway trainer who happened to love the same word.
Where can I buy the Dink'r?
At thedinkr.com. The trainer is $36 and the Dink Ink stampers are $15.
Is the Dink'r good for beginners?
It was built for exactly that: getting comfortable with the soft game at home before (or between) real games, with a silent foam ball option for apartments and kids.