A niche sport but a fun one, Pickleball was invented back in 1965 on Bainbridge Island. The game is simple – it involves hitting a perforated plastic ball over a net with a small racquet, similar to tennis.
The game was invented when three tennis lovers – Bill Bell, Barney McCallum and Joel Pritchard wanted to make things fun for their little kids in the summertime. The equipment evolved from daily household items and today, the sport is popular all throughout the USA and Canada, and has also found acceptance in Asian and European countries as well.
How did the name originate?
Pickleball’s interesting name has various accounts of its origin. According to Pritchard’s wife, Joan, the game was called pickleball because the combination reminded her of a pickle boat where oarsmen had to choose from leftovers of other boats.
The other claim by McCallum says that it was named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles who would chase after the ball and run away with it.
What else about Pickleball?
There are five major rules of pickleball, and these are:
- The ball must stay inbounds at all times
- There should be one bounce per side
- The serving should be done right at the baseline
- The serve cannot land in the zone of no-volley
- The game ends at 11, 15 or 21 points.
The game has spread all over. The general name is Pickleball and it has gained popularity among senior citizens because of the relatively less movement that is required.
Pick up a paddle and find out how fun this game can be with friends!