Pickleball Origins - Why Is It Called Pickleball?

Pickleball has become a popular outdoor game all over the world, captivating players of all ages with its mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. But as you zip up your premium pickleball bag and head to the courts, have you ever paused to wonder – “How did this game get the name pickleball?”

Although this name sounds like quirky and whimsical, but this name still gives funny intuition, because the story behind this very colourful name.

Let’s explore the surprising origin of this beloved sport and how its odd name came to be.   

Born in a Backyard

This pickleball game was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three people – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who wanted to create a fun, easily accessible game for their children during the summer. With a simple badminton court, a lowered net, and ping-pong paddles with a perforated plastic ball, they improvised what would eventually become pickleball. As soon as the adults take part in this game, they improvise it properly; eventually, it becomes pickleball.       

The rules evolved quickly, and soon adults were just as hooked as the kids. 

But Why Pickleball?

Well, there are two popular stories behind the origin of the name. Let’s check out this -  

In one version, people claim, this game got its name after the Pritchard family’s dog. Their dog’s name was Pickles, who loved to chase the ball and run off with it. As time passes, Pickle’s ball turns into Pickleball. However, questioners point out that Pickles the dog didn’t come along until after the game had already been named.

So, was it the dog? Let’s check out the other version of the story

Another version tells one of the inventors of this game Joel Pritchard, his wife named this game Pickle Boat. In rowing, a pickle boat is made up of leftover rowers from other boats—much like how pickleball was created from bits and pieces of other sports.

According to Joel, the amazing nature of this game reminded her of the makeshift crew, hence the name pickleball.

Is The Pickleball Name Appropriate? 

Regardless of the origin, the name indeed stuck in people’s mind and so did the game. It was started as a backyard part time game only for the kids, but now it is the fastest growing sports in the United States and beyond. The tournaments, leagues, and dedicated courts are getting popular in every country.  

And the rest is a history! People loved this game so much, various companies started to produce paddles, balls, and even premium pickleball bags to hold all the game gear. These bags are designed with durability, style, and function in mind, featuring compartments for paddles, shoes, water bottles, and even ventilated sections for sweaty gear.

Final Words

No matter how this game got its name, one thing’s for sure—pickleball has captured hearts and sparked fandom across the globe. So next time you wish to play, keep your paddles in hand and pack your other gear slung over your shoulder; you can share the quirky tale of how this all began.