The History of Pickleball: How It All Began

Learn about the history and evolution of this beloved game.

Pickleball is a relatively new sport that has gained popularity around the world. It’s a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is played with a paddle and plastic ball on a court that os smaller than a tennis court. In this blog post, we will explore the history of pickleball and how it all began.

In 1965, a congressman from the state of Washington named Joel Pritchard was playing a round of golf with his friend Bill Bell and their kids. They realized that their kids were bored and did not enjoy playing golf. This lead them to start looking for a new game to play with their families. A game that everyone will enjoy, regarding of their athletic skill level.

They had a badminton court, but the shuttlecock aka “birdie” (a small cork hemisphere with 16 gross feathers attached to it), which is used to play badminton, kept getting lost in the wind. Because of that, they decided to improvise and lowered the net to 36 inches, about the height of a tennis net, and used a plastic ball that was similar in size to a Wiffle ball. What do you know, this new game that they had created was a lot of fun! They started to experiment with different rules and strategies and played the game with their families and friends. Since family and friends enjoyed the game so much, Pritchard and Bell created a rulebook and started hosting tournaments. They introduced the game to the local YMCA, which quickly became popular in the community.

You might wonder how pickleball got its name? Some believed that it was named after Pritchard’s dalmatian, “Pickles” who loved chasing after the ball. Others believed that it was named after a type of boat called a "pickle boat," which is a boat that has a crew made up of leftovers from other boats. What do you think?

Pickleball continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and many countries started to play the game. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was founded in 1984 and they promoted and organized the sport. To legitimize the sport and make it more accessible to players of all levels, USAPA created a standardized set of rules and equipment specifications.

In the United States, Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sport. It is a popular sport that is played all over the world, especially among older adults because it is a low-impact sport that can be played indoors or outdoors. Pickleball has evolved over time, with new rules and strategies being developed.

Pickleball has gained popularity because it can be enjoyed by people of all ages and creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for players of all backgrounds. The smaller court size and slower pace makes it easier for beginners to learn and enjoy. However, advanced player can also make this game more challenging, with the opportunity to develop strategy, accurate shots, and quick reflexes. Pickleball is a game that encourages friendly competition and fosters a sense of community among players. Today, pickleball is played by millions of people around the world, and it continues to grow in popularity.