What is Pickleball?

Pickleball is an increasingly popular racquet sport with a long and interesting history. It is played with a solid paddle and plastic ball, generally on a court the size of a badminton court or smaller. It’s relatively low skill level and wide age appeal makes it a great recreational sport for people of all ages and abilities and it is enjoyed by millions of players around the world.

History & Origins

The game of Pickleball was invented by Joel Pritchard, a U.S. Representative from Washington, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in 1965 at the home of Joel Pritchard on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. It is believed that the name “pickleball” was derived from the Pritchard family’s Poodle, Pickles, who liked to chase the ball around the court.

At its inception, the game was played on a badminton court with more traditional badminton equipment such as paddles and a much smaller ball. Over the years, the game has evolved to the current equipment such as a larger, lighter, and perforated plastic ball and a much larger court to accommodate more players.

Gameplay & Equipment

Pickleball is a paddle sport (similar to a racquet sport) played on a court that is the size of a badminton court. The objective is to hit the ball across the court and past the other players, who work together to send the ball back. Points are earned when the opposing player fails to return the ball, or if it hits the net. The game can be played with two to four people who use wood or composite paddles to hit the ball. The ball is usually made of polyethylene and is slightly larger than a golf ball.

Benefits of Pickleball

Pickleball is a great way to stay active without putting too much strain or stress on the body. It is low impact and can be played at any level, making it the perfect choice for all ages and abilities. The game is highly social and encourages communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, it is a great cardiovascular workout and helps to strengthen the core and increase coordination and balance.

Conclusion

Pickleball is a popular racquet sport that is enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. It is a great way to stay active and have fun while developing social skills and problem-solving abilities. Pickleball is relatively low skill level and wide age appeal allows players of all ages and abilities to participate. Above all, Pickleball is a great sport designed for player enjoyment and exercise.