History of pickleball

Pickleball is a relatively new sport, but it has quickly become one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States and around the world. Here’s a brief history of the game:

Origins of Pickleball (1965)

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State, and his friends Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. According to the story, the three men were looking for a way to entertain their families during a summer weekend at Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle. They initially tried to set up a game of badminton, but they couldn’t find a full set of equipment, so they improvised.

The result was a combination of several sports:

• Badminton: The net was set at a height similar to badminton’s, and the court dimensions were adapted to accommodate a smaller space.
• Tennis: The game was played with a paddle and a ball, similar to tennis, but with some modifications to the rules.
• Table Tennis: The ball used in pickleball is much like a wiffle ball, a lightweight plastic ball with holes, similar to a table tennis ball.

Pritchard and his friends used paddles made from wood, and they played on a court that was roughly the size of a badminton court. At first, they didn’t have official rules, so they just made up the game as they went along.

Naming the Game: Pickleball

There are a couple of theories about how pickleball got its name:

1. The Pritchard Family Dog: One common explanation is that the game was named after Joel Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would often chase after the ball during games, running around the court and occasionally chewing on the ball. The name "Pickleball" supposedly came from the dog’s antics.
2. "Pickle Boat" in Rowing: Another theory is that the name comes from the term “pickle boat” in rowing, which refers to a boat that is made up of rowers who are left over from other boats. The inventors are said to have likened the sport to a "pickle boat" because it combined elements from several different sports.

Early Development (1965-1970s)

After its invention, pickleball was initially a local pastime, played by Pritchard’s family and friends. The game’s popularity began to grow, and it soon spread to nearby communities. The first official rules of pickleball were established in 1967 by the three founders, and by the 1970s, the game had developed into a more structured sport with its own set of regulations.

In 1972, the first pickleball association, the Pickleball Association (PA), was formed to promote the game. In 1976, the first pickleball tournament was held in Washington State, and it attracted a variety of players, including some competitive athletes. This marked the beginning of pickleball’s transition from a backyard game to a formalized sport.

National Growth (1980s-2000s)

The 1980s and 1990s saw an increase in the sport’s popularity, particularly in the United States. In 1984, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was founded, which became a major force in the development and promotion of the sport. As people became more interested in the game, the number of tournaments and pickleball courts began to grow, and the sport slowly gained national recognition.

Pickleball Goes Global (2000s-Present)

In recent years, pickleball has exploded in popularity, especially among older adults. The game's appeal lies in its accessibility—it’s easy to learn, less physically demanding than some other racquet sports like tennis, and can be played both indoors and outdoors.

• In the 2000s, there was a marked increase in the number of dedicated pickleball courts, and the sport began to spread internationally, with growing communities in Canada, Europe, and Australia.
• The International Pickleball Federation (IPF) was formed in 2010, further cementing the sport’s global expansion. The first world championship for pickleball was held in 2016, drawing participants from several countries.

Explosive Growth (2010s-Present)

The sport’s growth continued to surge throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, fueled by a number of factors:

• The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in its popularity, as people looked for socially distant, outdoor activities. Pickleball was a good fit because it requires only a small court and limited equipment.
• Major sports networks began covering pickleball tournaments, further boosting its visibility.
• In 2021, the USA Pickleball Association reported that pickleball had an estimated 4.8 million players in the United States alone, with that number continuing to grow.

Pickleball has also attracted the attention of celebrities and professional athletes, including former tennis star Andre Agassi and basketball legend LeBron James, both of whom have endorsed the sport or shown interest in playing.

The Future of Pickleball

As of the 2020s, pickleball continues to grow in popularity, and it shows no signs of slowing down. The sport is being played in retirement communities, schools, parks, and fitness centers worldwide. The creation of professional pickleball leagues, like the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), has added to the sport’s legitimacy as a professional endeavor.

With its accessibility, low cost of entry, and the rise of dedicated courts and events, pickleball is well on its way to becoming a staple in the world of recreational sports.

Key Facts About Pickleball Today

• Court Size: A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long (for both singles and doubles).
• Equipment: Players use a paddle (typically made of composite materials) and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a wiffle ball.
• Gameplay: The game is played with either 2 or 4 players, and the objective is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court without them returning it.

Pickleball’s combination of simplicity, fun, and social interaction has made it a game that appeals to people of all ages, from kids to seniors.