Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve heard about Pickleball, the sport that is sweeping the nation. You know people that play Pickleball but why is pickleball called pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that has been growing in popularity in recent years. It is a combination of elements from badminton, tennis, and table tennis, and it can be played both indoors and outdoors. The game was invented in the 1960s by Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington state, and his friends Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. But the question that many people have is why is it called pickleball?
The Origins of the Game
The game was first played on the Pritchard’s backyard badminton court, with the use of a perforated plastic ball and wooden paddles. The game quickly caught on among Pritchard’s friends and family, and it wasn’t long before it was being played in other parts of the community. As the game grew in popularity, Pritchard and his friends realized that they needed a name for it.
The Story Behind the Name
According to Pritchard, the game was named after his dog Pickles, who would chase after the ball and hide it in the bushes. The name “pickleball” was chosen because it was a fun and playful name that reflected the nature of the game. Pritchard and his friends felt that the name was fitting because it was a light-hearted and casual sport, and it was meant to be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
Pickleball’s Growth and Development
Pickleball was officially trademarked in 1972, and since then it has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Today, pickleball can be found in community centers, parks, and schools across the country. The sport has also seen increased popularity worldwide, with pickleball courts and tournaments popping up in Canada, Europe, and Australia.
The sport has also evolved over time. The original game was played with wooden paddles and a perforated plastic ball, but today’s pickleball equipment is made of composite materials like graphite and fiberglass. The ball has also changed, it is now made of wiffle ball, and has a hole in it.
Pickleball’s Popularity Among Seniors
Pickleball has also become a popular sport for seniors, as it is low-impact and easy on the joints. The sport is also a great way to stay active and socialize with others, as it is often played in doubles. Pickleball has taken off, even with unique variations such as, nude pickleball!
In conclusion, Pickleball is called Pickleball because it was named after the dog of the inventor Joel Pritchard, who would chase after the ball and hide it in the bushes. The name was chosen because it was a fun and playful name that reflected the nature of the game. Pickleball has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s, and it continues to be a popular sport enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. With the sport’s growing popularity, it’s likely that you will see more pickleball courts and tournaments popping up in your community. So grab a pickleball paddle and give it a try!
