The Curious Origin of the Name “Pickleball”

If you’ve ever been to a pickleball court, you might have wondered: Why is it called pickleball? The name itself was as outlandish as the game, which quickly became popular in the United States and beyond. To understand the origins of this unique term, we need to delve into the history of the sport.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three fathers – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum – on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Supposedly, they were looking for a fun activity to keep the kids entertained over the summer. They improvised a game using a badminton court, some table tennis bats and a perforated plastic ball. As the sport developed, it merged with tennis, badminton and table tennis to form a unique style.

Now, on to the names. There are two popular theories about the origin of the name pickleball. The first revealed that it was named after Pritchard’s dog Pickles, who would chase the ball and run away with it. This charming anecdote has captured the hearts of many, but remarkably, there is little evidence to support it. The second, more widely accepted theory is that the name comes from the term “pickle boat,” referring to the last boat in a rowing race to return with a catch. The term symbolizes the eclectic mix of different movements and styles in the sport.

Regardless of its origins, the name “pickleball” has become synonymous with fun, community, and friendly competition. As the sport continues to grow, so does curiosity about its name. Whether you’re an experienced player or a curious newbie, the story behind pickleball adds an extra layer of fun to this engaging game. So next time you step on the court, you can share a little tidbit about why it’s called pickleball!