The History of Pickleball 丨How Did Pickleball Get Its Name?

Pickleball is a popular sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a fun and exciting game that is played on a court with a net, a perforated plastic ball, and paddles. But have you ever wondered how this unique sport got its name?

The story of how Pickleball got its name is an interesting one. It all started in 1965 when Joel Pritchard, a congressman from Washington state, and his friend Bill Bell were looking for a new game to entertain their families during the summer. They were at Pritchard's house on Bainbridge Island, and the kids were bored. They decided to set up a badminton court, but when they couldn't find the shuttlecock, they improvised with a perforated plastic ball.

The game was an instant hit, but they quickly realized that the plastic ball didn't bounce well on the asphalt surface. They lowered the net and came up with a set of rules that made the game more challenging and exciting. They also added paddles to make it easier to hit the ball.

One day, while they were playing, Pritchard's dog, a cocker spaniel named Pickles, started chasing after the ball and running off with it. The kids thought it was hilarious and started calling the game "pickle's ball." The name stuck, and they continued to play the game throughout the summer.

The following year, Pritchard and Bell decided to refine the game and make it more official. They created a set of rules and started inviting their friends to play. The game quickly gained popularity, and they started to spread the word about this new and exciting sport.

But it wasn't until 1972 that Pickleball got its official name. Pritchard's wife, Joan, was writing an article about the game for a local newspaper. She asked her husband what the game was called, and he replied, "I don't know, but why don't you call it Pickleball?" The name was catchy, and it stuck.

Since then, Pickleball has continued to grow in popularity. It is played by people of all ages and skill levels, and there are now Pickleball clubs and tournaments all over the world. The game has even been recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and there is talk of it becoming an Olympic sport in the future.

In conclusion, the story of how Pickleball got its name is a fun and interesting one. It is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its inventors, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, and the playful spirit of their families. Pickleball has come a long way since its humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island, and it is now a sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Whether you're a seasoned player or a first-timer, Pickleball is a game that is sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment.