Have you ever stumbled upon a sport that looks simple at first but gets everyone hooked instantly? That’s pickleball. Combining the best parts of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, this game is fun for all ages.

Today, we’ll walk through how it all started, the gear we use, the rules we follow, and why it’s catching on everywhere.

The Origin Story

Pickleball began in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle. Joel Pritchard, a U.S. congressman, and his friend Bill Bell were trying to entertain some bored kids during a backyard gathering. They didn’t have proper badminton equipment, so they improvised using ping-pong paddles and a plastic wiffle ball. They set up a badminton net at first and hit the ball back and forth. Soon, they realized the ball bounced well on asphalt, so they lowered the net to 36 inches.

Within a week, Joel shared the game with another friend, Barney McCallum. The three fathers decided to create a set of simple rules based on badminton, aiming for a family-friendly game. This became the early form of pickleball. By 1967, the first permanent pickleball court was built in a neighbor’s backyard. Over the years, the sport gained structure and popularity, leading to tournaments, associations, and professional leagues.

Why It’s Called “Pickleball”

The name “pickleball” has three popular stories:

1. Joel’s wife, Joan, said it reminded her of a “pickle boat,” where leftover rowers from other crews formed a team.

2. Barney McCallum claimed their family dog Pickles would steal balls mid-game.

3. Bill Bell joked that the game sometimes put opponents “in a pickle,” meaning in a tricky situation.

All three explanations add to the playful, friendly spirit of the sport.

Where We Play and the Gear We Use

Pickleball courts are the same size as badminton courts, but the net is slightly lower at 34 inches. The ball is a hollow ABS plastic ball, about 7.4 cm in diameter, with 26 holes for indoor play or 40 holes for outdoor. Paddles are like oversized ping-pong paddles, originally wooden but now also made from lightweight fiberglass, composite, or carbon fiber.

The game is similar to tennis but played mostly with swings below the waist. It’s energetic but less likely to cause injuries like tennis elbow. That’s why many older adults, even in their 90s in the U.S., still play regularly. Kids, even as young as preschool age, can join in with the same paddle—though tiny ones sometimes use mini tennis paddles for easier handling.

The Rules We Follow

Pickleball rules are similar to tennis, but only the serving side can score points. Serves must be made underhand, below the waist. After the ball lands once on each side, players can volley. There’s a 7-foot no-volley zone in front of the net, called the kitchen, to reduce powerful smashes.

The game emphasizes patience, placement, and movement rather than brute force. Everyone stays active, and rallies can be long and strategic. This makes pickleball perfect for all ages and skill levels.

Why We Love It

Pickleball is social, accessible, and easy to pick up. We can play with friends or family, indoors or outdoors, casually or competitively. Its small court size and simple rules make it approachable, while the fast pace keeps us challenged and engaged. No matter our age or fitness level, there’s a place for us on the court.

From Backyard to Big Leagues

Pickleball has come a long way. From backyard fun in 1965 to professional leagues like APP, PPA, and Major League Pickleball, it’s now a recognized sport worldwide. In 2022, it became the official sport of Washington State, and it’s set to be a demonstration sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. We can watch top players or just enjoy a game at our local community center. Either way, the sport grows more popular every year.

Let’s Grab a Paddle!

Lykkers, whether we’re kids, adults, or seniors, pickleball is inviting us to play, laugh, and move. It’s easy to start, hard to stop enjoying, and perfect for creating new memories with friends and family. Next time you see a court, why not join in? Who knows—you might be hooked by the first serve!