How Pickleball became a Sport
Have you ever heard of pickleball? No, it’s not a game where you try to catch pickles in a jar (although that does sound like a lot of fun). Pickleball is actually a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and it’s quickly gaining popularity all over the world. But have you ever wondered how this strange sport came to be? Well, grab a jar of pickles and a paddle, because we’re about to dive into the history of pickleball.
In the Beginning: The Sport That Was Born from Boredom
Like every other sport and game out there, someone had to make it up. Since pickleball is newer, we actually have the privilege of knowing a bit more about how it was made up (although there still remains a few mysteries).
It all began in the summer of 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. A group of friends, including Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, were looking for a way to pass the time on a boring summer day. They had tennis rackets and a badminton net, but they didn’t have any balls to play with. So, they improvised and used a perforated plastic ball and a badminton net to create a new game.
But what should they call this new game? This is where the mystery comes in. There are several theories but known verified. This is the version we like the best: They tossed around a few ideas, but nothing seemed to fit. That is, until one of the players suggested “pickleball” – a combination of “pickle” (because the game reminded them of the confusing and unpredictable movements of a pickle in a jar) and “ball.” And just like that, pickleball was born.
Becoming a Sport: Gaining Popularity
Pickleball began as a backyard game on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965, but quickly spread in popularity throughout the United States in the following decades. One of the reasons for its rapid growth was the simplicity of the game, which made it easy for people of all ages and skill levels to pick up and play.
In 1967, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell, who were among the group of friends who created the game, wrote the first rulebook for pickleball and formed the American Pickleball Association (APA) to promote the sport. The formation of the APA helped to standardize the rules and regulations of the game, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
In the 1970s, pickleball began to gain traction in schools and recreational centers as a fun and low-impact alternative to traditional sports like tennis and basketball. Many communities started building pickleball courts, and the sport began to gain popularity among seniors and older adults as a way to stay active and socialize.
In the 1980s and 1990s, pickleball continued to grow in popularity as more people discovered the sport. Many communities, schools, and parks had built pickleball courts, and the number of pickleball players grew rapidly. The sport also gained popularity in the United States Armed Forces, which further helped to spread the game and bring it to new audiences.
Growing in the Collective Conscience
Pickleball has experienced significant growth in popularity in the last 10 years. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the number of pickleball players in the United States has grown from 2.5 million in 2009 to more than 8 million in 2021. This represents a more than 200% increase in participation over the past decade.
One of the reasons for this growth is the increasing awareness of the health benefits of pickleball. Another factor in the growth of pickleball is the increasing availability of pickleball courts and equipment. Many communities, schools, and parks have built pickleball courts in recent years, making the sport more accessible to people in all parts of the country. Additionally, many local parks and recreation departments now offer pickleball programs and clinics, which help to introduce new players to the sport.
The growth of the internet and social media have also played a significant role in the growth of pickleball in the last 10 years. Online forums, groups, and videos dedicated to pickleball have helped connect players around the world and promote the sport. Additionally, many pickleball tournaments and events have been live-streamed online, which has helped to expose the sport to new audiences.
Pickleball Fever has begun
Pickleball has exploded in popularity in the last couple of years, with an increase in players and interest in the sport across the United States and worldwide. There are a few reasons for this sudden surge in popularity:
-
- COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has led to closures of gyms and other indoor sports facilities, which has forced people to find new ways to stay active and healthy. Pickleball, being an outdoor sport, has seen a significant increase in popularity as it provides a way for people to stay active while also being socially distant.
-
- Increased accessibility: More and more communities are building pickleball courts, making the sport more accessible to people in all parts of the country. This has helped to introduce new players to the sport and create a larger pickleball community.
-
- Health benefits: Pickleball is a low-impact, full-body workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination. The health benefits of the sport have been widely reported in the media and have helped to attract a wide range of players, from older adults to young adults and children.
-
- Online presence: Social media and online communities dedicated to pickleball have helped to connect players around the world and promote the sport. Online tutorials and instructional videos have made it easier for new players to learn the game and has encouraged people to give it a try.
-
- Economic benefits: The sport has gained popularity as it requires little infrastructure and equipment. This has made it a profitable sport for clubs, organizations and local governments.
Pickleball may have started as a way to pass the time on a boring summer day, but it has grown into a beloved sport enjoyed by people of all ages. Today, the APA has thousands of members and pickleball is played in all 50 states. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to closures of indoor sports facilities, which has driven people to find new ways to stay active. Increased accessibility, health benefits, online presence, and economic benefits have all contributed to the sport’s recent surge in popularity. So, the next time you’re looking for a fun and unique way to stay active, grab a jar of pickles and give pickleball a try. Who knows, you might just fall in love with the sport and become a pickleball pro.
Sign Up for what is Next & New from Pickleball Fever and Momus Sportswear.
Pingback: The Pickleball Paddle Explained | Pickleball Fever | MOMUS