Believe it or not, pickleball has nothing to do with pickles!
Did you know that pickleball was invented in the 1960s? Or that it’s a combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis? Whether you’re familiar with the sport or not, pickleball has an interesting history and an even more interesting rise to popularity.
Prepare your paddles and widen your knowledge of this new sports craze with these interesting facts about America’s new favorite sport!
The History of Pickleball
Pickleball was created in the mid-1960s by three fathers on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. Apparently, the game was invented as a way to keep their children entertained during the long summer months.
There are rumors going around that the name “pickleball” came about because of one of the inventor’s dogs. However, according to Pickleballmagazine.com, they have confirmed that the college crew “Pickle Boats” was what really inspired the game’s name. One of the founder’s wives, Joan, started to call their game ‘pickleball’ because “the combination of different sports reminded [her] of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” Apparently, you might get different answers depending on who you talk to when it comes to where the name ‘pickleball’ came from. Regardless, it’s a fun name for a game according to pickleball players!
How to Play Pickleball
The game starts with two players on each side of the net. It’s also important to note that the game can be played singles or doubles. The server serves the ball diagonally into the opponent’s court. The receiver must let the ball bounce once before returning it. After the ball is returned, players can either let it bounce or volley it. Volleys are hits where the ball is not allowed to bounce. Players can hit it back and forth until someone misses. If the ball goes out of bounds, the last person to touch it loses the point, and if there’s a fault, then possession goes to the other team. The first team to reach 11 points wins the game, but you must win by 2 points.
Interesting Facts about Pickleball
Most Popular Sports in the Country
Today, pickleball is played all over the world—in fact, the USAPA recently estimated that over 400,000 people actively play this game on a regular basis.
You Can Play It Anywhere
All you need to play pickleball is a net and a paddle. That’s it! You can play on any flat surface, indoors or outdoors.
Smaller Court to Play On
A pickleball court is smaller than a tennis court, and the net is a little bit lower.
Pickleball is a Great Workout
Not only is pickleball a fun game to play, but it’s also a great workout. In fact, many people use pickleball as a way to stay active and fit.
It’s Easy to Learn
One of the best things about pickleball is that it’s easy to learn. In just a few minutes, anyone (regardless of age!) can pick up the basics of the game.
You Don’t Need Expensive Equipment
All you need to play pickleball is a paddle and a ball. If you’re looking for a personalized pickleball paddle to stand out on the court, check out our newly launched pickleball paddles on Zazzle!
The Evolution of the Pickleball Paddle
Initially, pickleball paddles were made entirely of wood. However, over the years, they’ve evolved and now come in a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum, composite, and graphite.
Pickleball is a Great Social Activity
Pickleball is the perfect game for socializing. It’s easy to meet new people and make friends when you’re playing pickleball.
It’s a Lifelong Sport
Pickleball is a great sport for people of all ages. Whether you’re eight or eighty, you can enjoy playing pickleball.
Shop Pickleball Paddles from Zazzle
Discover personalized pickleball designs from our community of Independent Creators! You can create a custom pickleball shirt or a matching hat that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re looking for a funny design or something more personal, Zazzle has you covered.
If you’re looking for a new sport to try, pickleball might be perfect for you! It’s easy to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. With its rising popularity, there’s sure to be a pickleball court near you soon!
Nicole is our Content Strategist. She enjoys long walks to Taco Bell, rollerblading into the sunset, and eating Reese’s Cups for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find her writing about iPhone cases, holiday card messaging and even music festival tips!
