How did Pickleball Originate?
Pickleball. It's a game that has taken the world by storm. But where did this game come from? Some say it was invented by bored tennis players, others say it was the brainchild of a couple of dads looking for a new summertime activity for their kids. The truth, however, is far more disappointing. In reality, pickleball was most likely created by chance. But that doesn't make the game any less fun!
Here's a brief history of pickleball and how this humble game came to be one of the most popular sports in the world.
The Early Years
Pickleball got its start in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, just outside of Seattle, Washington. Joel Pritchard, then a Congressman from Bainbridge Island, had invited Bill Bell and Barney McCallum over to his house for a barbecue. After the meal was finished and the dishes were cleared away, Pritchard's wife suggested that they find something to do to pass the time. That's when Pritchard grabbed a badminton racket and a Wiffle ball and headed out to his backyard court. The three men quickly realized that badminton wasn't really designed for two players, so they improvised and started hitting the ball back and forth with their rackets. They soon realized that this new game was actually quite fun!
After a few more rounds of play, Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum decided to add another element to the game: a net. They made a makeshift net out of some fishing line and posts from Pritchard's garage and continued playing. And thus, pickleball was born!
The name "pickleball" is thought to have come from Pritchard's wife, who remarked that the game looked like "a cross between ping-pong and badminton played with paddles and a whiffle ball." The name "pickle" stuck and has been used ever since. It's curious that their dog was names Pickles isn't it?
The Modern Game
Pickleball has come a long way since those early days on Bainbridge Island. Today, there are an estimated 3 million pickleball players in the United States alone! The game has seen a particular boom in popularity in recent years among seniors as it is considered a low-impact sport that is easy on the joints. No matter your age or skill level, pickleball is a fun game that can be enjoyed by all!
Conclusion:
Who would have thought that such a humble beginning could lead to such an international phenomenon? Certainly not Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, or Barney McCallum! But sometimes it's the simplest things in life that bring us the most joy. So get out there and try pickleball for yourself—you just might be surprised at how much fun you have!
One More Thing:
If your thinking you may need a bag for playing pickleball, you're right. So where do you begin to look?
Well, don't worry, we've got you covered. We've done the research by reading numerous articles, blogs and the reviews of numerous reviewers on Amazon and we feel we have a good handle on the issue. So tap the button below and read what we've found for you.
When you find that bag you love, click the button below the item and check the price on Amazon. You'll be glad you did!
