What is pickleball and why is it called that?

Okay, let’s be honest. The first time I heard the word pickleball, I thought it was some kind of county fair eating contest. But no — it’s actually a sport, and not just any sport. It’s one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. So, if you’ve been wondering what it is and why in the world it’s called pickleball, let’s break it down.

Table of Contents

• What is Pickleball?
• How Do You Play Pickleball?
• The Basic Equipment You Need
• Why is it Called Pickleball?
• A Quick Look at Pickleball’s History
• How the Game Spread Across the U.S.
• Why People Love Pickleball
• Pickleball’s Popularity Today
• Conclusion

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that mixes elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. The game is played on a small court (about a third the size of a tennis court) with a low net. Instead of a tennis ball, you use a lightweight, perforated plastic ball — it looks like a wiffle ball. The paddles are bigger than ping pong paddles but smaller than tennis racquets. The goal is simple: hit the ball over the net without letting it bounce twice on your side.

How Do You Play Pickleball?

The rules are pretty straightforward, which is one reason why people fall in love with the sport so quickly:

1. It can be played as singles (1 vs. 1) or doubles (2 vs. 2).
2. The ball must be served underhand and diagonally across the court.
3. Each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed (called the “double bounce rule”).
4. You can’t smash the ball from the area close to the net — that’s the “kitchen.”
5. Games are typically played to 11 points, and you have to win by 2.

If you’ve ever played tennis or ping pong, you’ll pick up pickleball in no time. And if you haven’t, don’t worry — it’s one of the easiest sports to learn from scratch.

The Basic Equipment You Need

Getting started with pickleball is refreshingly affordable compared to many other sports. All you need is:

• A pickleball paddle (prices range from $30 to $150 depending on quality).
• A set of pickleballs (indoor or outdoor versions — they’re slightly different).
• A net (many gyms and rec centers already have these set up).
• Court shoes (running shoes work, but shoes with better grip are ideal).

That’s it. No $200 tennis racquet or country club membership required.

Why is it Called Pickleball?

Here’s the million-dollar question. Why the name “pickleball”? There are actually two competing origin stories:

• The Dog Story: Joel Pritchard, one of the co-creators, had a dog named Pickles. Apparently, the dog loved chasing stray balls and running off with them. The family jokingly called the new game “Pickle’s ball,” and over time it became pickleball.
• The Pickle Boat Story: According to Joan Pritchard (Joel’s wife), the name came from rowing. A “pickle boat” is made up of leftover rowers from other crews. Since pickleball was created using leftovers from other sports (badminton net, ping pong paddles, etc.), the name just made sense.

So, which one’s true? Honestly, no one knows for sure. But either way, it’s quirky — and the name definitely makes the sport more memorable.

A Quick Look at Pickleball’s History

Pickleball was invented in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum were looking for something fun their kids could do. They lowered a badminton net, grabbed some ping pong paddles, and used a plastic ball. Boom — pickleball was born. What started as a backyard activity quickly became a neighborhood favorite.

How the Game Spread Across the U.S.

For years, pickleball grew quietly through word of mouth and community centers. It first became popular with retirees because it’s low impact and easy on the joints. By the 1980s, formal organizations were forming, and by the 2000s, pickleball was making its way into schools, recreation programs, and even professional tournaments.

Why People Love Pickleball

So why has pickleball exploded in popularity? Here are a few reasons:

• Easy to learn: You don’t need years of training — most people can play on their first day.
• Social: Doubles matches are perfect for making new friends and building community.
• Good exercise: It’s a solid workout without being as punishing as tennis or running.
• All ages welcome: You’ll see kids, parents, and grandparents all playing together.
• Affordable: Low-cost gear and tons of public courts mean it’s accessible to everyone.

Pickleball’s Popularity Today

Fast forward to today, and pickleball is everywhere. Cities are converting unused tennis courts into pickleball courts. Celebrities like LeBron James and Tom Brady have invested in professional pickleball leagues. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has grown to millions of players in just the last few years — and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Conclusion

So there you have it — pickleball explained, plus the mystery behind its funny name. Whether it came from a playful dog or a rowing term, what matters is that the game has grown into something way bigger than anyone expected. I love that a simple backyard invention in the ‘60s has turned into a sport that unites generations. If you haven’t tried pickleball yet, maybe it’s time to grab a paddle and see what all the hype is about.