Pickleball, the sport that’s taken the world by storm, has a name that’s as quirky as it is intriguing. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do they call it pickleball?” you’re not alone. This fast-paced, paddle-based game has a fascinating origin story that’s as unique as its name. Let’s dive into the history, myths, and facts surrounding the naming of this beloved sport.
The Birth of Pickleball: A Happy Accident
To understand why pickleball is called pickleball, we need to travel back in time to the summer of 1965. It all began on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the home of Joel Pritchard, a congressman, and his friend Bill Bell. After a game of golf, they returned to Pritchard’s home to find their families bored and restless.
In an attempt to entertain everyone, Pritchard and Bell decided to set up a badminton game. However, they couldn’t find a full set of rackets. Undeterred, they improvised with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. They lowered the badminton net and started playing on the asphalt badminton court.
As they played, they realized they had stumbled upon something special. The game was fun, easy to learn, and addictive. Over the next few days, they refined the rules with the help of another friend, Barney McCallum. Little did they know, they had just invented a sport that would captivate millions in the years to come.
The Naming Mystery: Debunking the Myths
Now, onto the burning question: why is it called pickleball? There are a few popular theories, but let’s start by debunking the most common myth.
The Pickle Boat Theory
One widely circulated story suggests that the game was named after the “pickle boat” in crew racing. In rowing, the pickle boat is made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats. The theory goes that pickleball, being a mix of other sports, was named after this concept.
While it’s a charming story, it’s not the real reason. Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan, who was present during the game’s creation, has debunked this theory in interviews. So, if it’s not about pickle boats, what’s the real story?
The Family Dog Theory
The most widely accepted explanation for the name “pickleball” involves the Pritchard family dog, Pickles. According to this version, whenever a stray ball would roll by, Pickles would chase after it and run off with it. The family started calling it “Pickle’s ball,” which eventually morphed into “pickleball.”
This story has been repeated countless times and even appears in some official pickleball literature. However, there’s a twist to this tale that many don’t know about.
The Truth Behind the Name
Here’s where things get interesting. While the dog named Pickles did exist, the timeline doesn’t quite add up. Joan Pritchard, in an interview for the official pickleball history, revealed that Pickles the dog came along a couple of years after the game was invented and named.
So, if it wasn’t the dog, where did the name come from? Joan Pritchard provided the answer. She explained that 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.”
Interestingly, this circles back to the pickle boat theory we debunked earlier. While it wasn’t the widely spread version involving Bill Bell, Joan’s explanation does tie the name to the concept of a pickle boat.
The plot thickens when you consider that the Pritchards did eventually get a dog and named it Pickles after the game. This reverse naming is likely what led to the confusion and the spread of the “dog theory” over the years.
The Evolution of Pickleball
Regardless of its naming origin, pickleball has come a long way since its inception in 1965. From a backyard game invented to cure boredom, it has evolved into a sport played by millions across the globe. Let’s take a look at how pickleball has grown and changed over the years.
Early Days and Rule Development
In the beginning, pickleball was played with handmade equipment and makeshift rules. The inventors spent weekends refining the game, experimenting with different net heights, paddle sizes, and court dimensions. They eventually settled on rules that made the game accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
One of the unique aspects they introduced was the “non-volley zone,” commonly known as “the kitchen.” This 7-foot area on either side of the net prevents players from smashing the ball from a position too close to the net, adding a strategic element to the game. If you’re curious about the specifics, check out this detailed guide on pickleball court dimensions.
Spreading Beyond Bainbridge Island
Word of this fun new game spread quickly. By 1972, pickleball had become popular enough to warrant the formation of the first corporation to protect and promote the sport. The founders began manufacturing equipment to meet the growing demand.
In 1975, the National Observer published an article about pickleball, introducing it to a national audience. This exposure led to even more growth, with the sport spreading across the United States and eventually internationally.
Organizational Development
As pickleball grew in popularity, the need for standardized rules and organized play became apparent. In 1984, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was formed, becoming the official governing body of the sport in the United States.
The USAPA took on the responsibility of promoting the sport, standardizing rules, and organizing tournaments. They also developed a rating system to classify players based on skill level, similar to tennis. If you’re interested in understanding how players are ranked, you might want to explore more about pickleball ratings.
Pickleball Today: A Global Phenomenon
Fast forward to today, and pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America and beyond. Its appeal lies in its accessibility – it’s easy to learn but challenging to master, making it enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.
Popularity Explosion
The COVID-19 pandemic, surprisingly, contributed to a surge in pickleball’s popularity. As people sought outdoor activities that allowed for social distancing, many discovered pickleball. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball participation grew by 21.3% between 2019 and 2020.
This growth has continued, with more than 4.8 million players in the US alone as of 2022. Cities across the country are scrambling to build dedicated pickleball courts to meet the demand. If you’re looking to join in on the fun, you might want to check out pickleball courts near you.
Professional Pickleball
As the sport has grown, so has its professional scene. There are now several professional pickleball tours, with top players competing for substantial prize money. The increased visibility of these professional tournaments has further fueled the sport’s growth and popularity.
Pickleball in Popular Culture
Pickleball has also made its way into popular culture. Celebrities have been spotted playing the game, and it’s been featured in TV shows and movies. There’s even a growing market for pickleball-themed merchandise and gifts, showing just how much the sport has captured people’s hearts.
The Future of Pickleball
As we look to the future, it’s clear that pickleball’s journey is far from over. The sport continues to evolve and grow, with new innovations in equipment and playing strategies emerging all the time.
Technological Advancements
Like many sports, pickleball is benefiting from technological advancements. New materials are being used to create more responsive paddles, and ball designs are being refined for better performance. There’s even talk of introducing electronic line-calling systems similar to those used in professional tennis.
Olympic Aspirations
While pickleball isn’t currently an Olympic sport, there’s a growing movement to change that. The International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) is working towards getting the sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee. While it’s a long process, many pickleball enthusiasts dream of seeing their favorite sport on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
Continued Growth and Innovation
As more people discover pickleball, we can expect to see continued innovation in how and where the game is played. From indoor facilities designed specifically for pickleball to portable courts that can be set up anywhere, the sport is becoming more accessible than ever.
There’s also a growing trend of pickleball-focused resorts and vacation destinations, catering to enthusiasts who want to combine their love of the game with travel. Who knows, we might even see pickleball franchises popping up in the near future!
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Pickleball
So, why do they call it pickleball? Whether it was named after a family dog, inspired by the concept of a pickle boat, or a combination of both, one thing is clear: the quirky name has become an integral part of the sport’s charm and identity.
From its humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island to its current status as a global phenomenon, pickleball has come a long way. Its growth is a testament to the game’s universal appeal – it’s fun, social, and accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
As we’ve seen, the story of pickleball’s name is just one small part of its rich history and bright future. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone who’s just heard about the sport, there’s never been a better time to grab a paddle and join in the fun. After all, with a name like pickleball, how can you resist giving it a try?
So the next time someone asks you, “Why do they call it pickleball?” you’ll have plenty to tell them. And who knows? You might just inspire them to pick up a paddle and experience the joy of pickleball for themselves!