Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, with millions of players of all ages and skill levels. Despite its popularity, many people are unaware of the origin of the sport’s name. While it may seem like a strange name for a sport, the story behind it is actually quite simple. Why is it called pickleball?
The game of pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, three friends who were looking for a way to keep their families entertained during a lazy summer afternoon. They combined elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong to create a new game that could be played on a small court with a low net. According to legend, the game was named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball and run off with it during games.
While the story of the dog may not be correct as we will see in a moment, the name “pickleball” has stuck, and the sport has become a beloved pastime for millions of people around the world. With its origins in the Pacific Northwest, pickleball has spread rapidly in recent years, and is now played in every state in the US and in dozens of other countries. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, the story of how pickleball got its name is a fascinating piece of sports history that is sure to delight and inspire.
Why Is It Called Pickleball: Origin of the Name
There are several theories about the origin of the name “pickleball.” One theory, as mentioned, is that the game was named after the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles. According to this theory, Pickles would chase after the ball during games and hide it in the bushes, leading to the name “pickleball.”
However, this theory has been debunked by the Pritchard family, who have stated that the game was already named “pickleball” before Pickles was even born.
Another theory is that the game was named after the term “pickle boat” in rowing. The Prichard family shares that Joel’s wife, Joan, who had been a competitive rower, coined the term Pickleball because it reminded her of a boat called a pickle boat.
A pickle boat is a boat that is filled with rowers from different boats who did not have enough rowers to make their own boat. Similarly, pickleball combines elements from different sports, such as tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. That seems to be the most plausible reason for the name.
Today, pickleball is played by millions of people of all ages and skill levels. The game has evolved over the years, with new equipment and rules being introduced to make it faster and more exciting. However, the inventors and origins of the game remain an important part of pickleball’s history and legacy.
Gameplay and Equipment
Paddles and Balls
Pickleball paddles are similar to table tennis or ping-pong paddles, but larger and made of different materials. They are typically made of lightweight materials such as wood, graphite, or composite materials. The size of the paddle cannot exceed 24 inches in length and 8 inches in width.
The ball used in pickleball is a perforated plastic ball that is similar in size to a wiffle ball. The ball is designed to be lightweight and have a low bounce, making it easier to control and hit accurately.
Court and Net
Pickleball courts are 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, similar in size to a doubles badminton court. The court is divided into two halves by a net that is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the center.
There is also a non-volley zone, commonly known as the “kitchen,” which is a 7-foot area on either side of the net where players are not allowed to hit the ball in the air. This rule is in place to prevent players from getting too close to the net and dominating the game with volleys.
Rules and Terminology
The rules of pickleball are outlined in a rulebook that is published by the USA Pickleball Association. Some of the basic rules include serving underhand, allowing only one serve attempt per turn, and hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces twice.
There are also several unique terms used in pickleball, such as “dinking,” which refers to hitting the ball softly over the net and into the non-volley zone, and “side out,” which refers to losing the serve after committing a fault.
Overall, the gameplay and equipment of pickleball are designed to be accessible and easy to learn, while still providing a challenging and competitive experience for players of all skill levels.
Popularity and Growth
Since its creation in 1965, pickleball has grown in popularity and is now played all over the world. It is a sport that can be played by people of all ages, making it a popular choice for community centers, parks, and schools. The sport’s growth can be attributed to several factors, including its competitive nature, ease of learning, and the social aspect of playing doubles.
Pickleball tournaments have also played a significant role in the sport’s growth. Competitive players from all over the world come together to compete in tournaments, such as the US Open Pickleball Championships and the National Pickleball Tournament. These events have helped to increase awareness of the sport and attract new players.
Pickleball Inc. and the USA Pickleball Association have also played a significant role in promoting the sport. These organizations have worked to establish rules, regulations, and standards for the sport. They have also provided resources for players, including equipment, training, and certification programs.
One of the reasons for pickleball’s popularity is that it is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball participation increased by 21.3% in 2019, making it the fastest-growing sport in the United States. This growth can be attributed to the sport’s accessibility, low cost, and the fact that it can be played indoors or outdoors.
Another reason for the sport’s popularity is its appeal to seniors. Many seniors find that pickleball is a great way to stay active and socialize with others. The sport’s low-impact nature also makes it an ideal choice for seniors who may have joint pain or other physical limitations.
In conclusion, pickleball’s popularity and growth can be attributed to several factors, including its competitive nature, ease of learning, and the social aspect of playing doubles. Pickleball tournaments, organizations such as Pickleball Inc. and the USA Pickleball Association, and the sport’s appeal to seniors have all played a significant role in the sport’s growth. As the sport continues to grow, it is likely that we will see even more pickleball courts popping up in parks and community centers around the world.
So, Why Is It Called Pickleball
It seemed that the reason why it is called pickleball is best thought of in terms of the “pickle boat” story, although we have heard any version of that.
Either way, enjoy the game. It is a great one!
