From a backyard game on Bainbridge Island to the fastest-growing sport in America.
Pickleball, a sport that has captured the hearts of millions, has a surprisingly humble origin story. It began not on a grand court with professional athletes, but in a backyard on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in the summer of 1965. This guide will take you on a journey through the history of pickleball, from its impromptu creation to its current status as the fastest-growing sport in the United States.
The Invention of Pickleball
The story of pickleball begins with three fathers – Joel Pritchard, a U.S. Congressman, and his friends Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. They were looking for a way to entertain their bored children on a summer afternoon. With a badminton court but no shuttlecock, they improvised, using table tennis paddles and a perforated plastic ball. They lowered the badminton net, and the game of pickleball was born.
The Naming of the Game
There are two competing stories about how pickleball got its name. According to Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, she started calling the game pickleball because “the combination of different sports reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” The other story is that the game was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball and run off with it. While the dog story is more charming, the pickle boat story is the more likely origin.
The Growth of a Sport
From its simple beginnings, pickleball began to spread. In 1967, the first permanent pickleball court was built in the backyard of Joel Pritchard’s friend and neighbor, Bob O’Brian. In 1972, a corporation was formed to protect the creation of this new sport.
The first known pickleball tournament was held in 1976 at the Southcenter Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington. By 1990, pickleball was being played in all 50 states.
The Modern Era of Pickleball
The 21st century has seen an explosion in the popularity of pickleball. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was formed in 2005 to promote the growth and development of the sport. Today, there are thousands of pickleball courts across the country, and the sport is played by millions of people of all ages and skill levels.
Conclusion
From a simple backyard game to a global phenomenon, the story of pickleball is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and the love of the game. As the sport continues to grow, one thing is certain: the future of pickleball is bright.