Some tales start with heroes or inventors, but this one begins with a furry friend who had no idea they’d help create history. Think about it – some of our favorite things have the weirdest names, and there’s usually a fun story behind them. If you are wondering why is it called pickleball, then this is one of those tales that’ll make you grin and probably scratch your head a bit too. It’s funny how life works – sometimes the smallest moments, like a pet chasing after a ball, can grow into something that changes how millions of people spend their weekends.
How Pickleball Got Its Name
Back in 1965, a few friends got together on Bainbridge Island, Washington. They invented a new game. A few days later, Joan Pritchard came up with a fun name for it: pickleball. She got the idea from a type of rowing boat called a “pickle boat.”
Years later, some people started saying Joan named the game after her dog, Pickles. But the Pritchard family always said that wasn’t true. The dog came later and was actually named after the game.
So, which story is right? It turns out, the dog, Pickles, wasn’t even born until 1968! That means the original story is the real one. Pickleball was named after the pickle boat, not the dog.
Where Did the Dog Rumor Come From?
A long time ago, Joel Pritchard was talking to a reporter. The reporter wanted a fun, easy-to-remember story about how pickleball got its name. So, Joel jokingly suggested they say it was named after their dog, Pickles. The reporter thought it was a great idea and wrote the story that way.
A lot of people heard the dog story and started to believe it. Even some of the people who were there when the game was named started to remember it differently! But the truth is, Joan Pritchard named the game after the pickle boat. She’s the real hero of the story!
About College Crew “Pickle Boats”
Joan Pritchard, who was a big fan of college rowing, knew all about “pickle boats.” These were boats filled with extra rowers who didn’t make the main team. She thought it was a funny name, and it reminded her of how pickleball was a mix of different sports.
When she and her friends were playing their new game in the summer of 1965, she just blurted out, “Pickleball!” And that’s how the name stuck. It was a perfect fit for a game that was a bit of a mix-up itself.
When Was Pickleball Invented? History and Timeline
It all began in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, a trio of friends, were looking for a fun, low-impact activity. They cobbled together a game using badminton paddles, a wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net. And just like that, pickleball was born!
The first permanent pickleball court was built in the backyard of Joel Pritchard’s friend and neighbor, Bob O’Brien. As word of this new, fun sport spread, more and more people started playing. In 1972, a corporation was formed to protect and promote this budding sport.
By the mid-1970s, pickleball was gaining significant attention. Articles in The National Observer and Tennis Magazine brought the sport to a wider audience. The first official pickleball tournament was held in 1976 in Tukwila, Washington.
The game’s rules were formally established in 1984 with the publication of the first official rulebook. The United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA), now known as USA Pickleball, was founded in 1984 to advance the sport on a national level. The organization standardized the rules and began promoting tournaments across the country.
What makes pickleball particularly appealing is its accessibility. The court is smaller than a tennis court, making it easier for players to cover the area. The paddle is lightweight and easier to handle than a tennis racquet, and the plastic ball travels at a slower speed than a tennis ball. These factors combine to make the game less physically demanding while still providing an excellent workout and opportunities for competitive play.
A Growing Passion
The 1980s marked a period of rapid growth for pickleball. Sid Williams, a dedicated player and organizer, played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport in Washington state. In 1984, the United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) was established to oversee the sport’s development.
The first composite paddle, made from innovative materials, was created by Arlen Paranto. This marked a significant milestone in pickleball equipment. By the early 1990s, pickleball was being played in all 50 states.
The sport’s appeal to players of all ages, from young children to seniors, has contributed to its widespread popularity. The inclusion of pickleball in events like the Arizona Senior Olympics and the Huntsman World Senior Games has further elevated its status.
In 2005, the USAPA was established to oversee the sport’s growth and development. This organization has played a vital role in promoting pickleball and ensuring its future.
Pickleball’s Prevalence Today
By 1990, people across all of America were playing pickleball. The game grew because more places opened up where people could play – like community centers, YMCAs, parks, schools, tennis clubs, and even at home.
In March 2023, a report from the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) showed that more than 48 million grown-ups in America tried playing pickleball at least once in the past year. The most players were found in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
The report also found that the average player is 35 years old, showing how popular the game has become with younger folks between 18 and 44. The sport is growing much faster than anyone thought it would, with more people now playing in tournaments and joining competitive leagues.
USA Pickleball says they now have more than 70,000 members who play for fun and in competitions. They also found that there are more than 44,000 courts across America, and over 10,000 different places to play in North America.
Bottomline
Many people often ask “Why is it called pickleball?” The origin of the name has two popular stories. According to Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, she named the game after the “pickle boat” in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats. However, another story suggests that the game was named after the Pritchards’ family dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball while they played.
The question “Why is it called pickleball?” continues to spark friendly debates among enthusiasts, though the Pritchard family maintains that the pickle boat story is the true origin.
FAQ
Who Invented Pickleball?
Pickleball, a delightful blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, a trio of friends, created this fun and accessible sport.
Why Is Pickleball Called Pickleball?
The name “pickleball” is a playful reference to the “pickle boat” in crew racing, where leftover rowers from various teams are combined into a single boat. Just like the pickle boat, pickleball is a fun mix of different elements.
When Was the Rise of The Pickleball?
The sport gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to dedicated players and organizations like the USAPA. Today, pickleball is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, making it one of the fastest-growing sports.
