Pickleball: The Accidental Sports

Pickleball was created when two friends, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell found their families getting bored one day in 1965. They initially decided to play badminton but while they were setting it up, they failed to find the shuttlecock. They then decided to challenge their kids to create their own game, and both the adults and kids started to experiment with different rackets and balls. Eventually they used the table tennis paddle along with a wiffle ball and lowered the net to hip level resulting in accidental invention of pickleball.

There are several theories for its name like it was rumoured to be named after their dog, “Pickles” up until though later on it was revealed that the dog came much later. Joel Pritchard’s wife claims that it might have been named “Pickleball” because she said it reminded her of pickle boats in crew. In another interesting story, Bill Bell claims he enjoyed hitting the ball in a way, it would leave the opponents in a pickle hence, the name “Pickleball”. Whatever the reason maybe, it sure is fun like the game itself.

From a Backyard Game to International Sports Sensation

Pickleball was first played formally in a tournament at Southcenter Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington in 1976. It was called “The World’s First Pickleball Championship” by Joel Pritchard and soon after the United States Amateur Pickleball Association was formed in 1984. It was introduced in the Arizona Senior Olympics and United States Senior Olympics in 2001 and 2008 respectively. In 2009, the very first U.S. Pickleball National Championship was held in Arizona and since then it has been taking place every year at various locations. Professional tournaments began in 2019 and the Association of Pickleball Professionals (now the Association of Pickleball Players) was formed.

In 2022, pickleball was named the official sport of Washington state and the legislation was signed by the governor in the original court where the game was invented. The first ever stadium dedicated to the sport was recently opened from 20-25 January, 2025. However, its grand opening is scheduled in the spring of 2025. The sport has grown about 223.5% in last three years in United States alone. Because of its low risk of injuries, it has become the go-to game for all age groups. Now pickleball courts can be found in schools, community centres, parks, sports clubs etc.

The World’s First Pickleball Championship

According to an article published by The National Observer in Tennis Magazine IN 1976, pickleball was described as “America’s newest racquet sport”. Later that year, the first ever pickleball tournament named “The World’s First Pickleball Championship” was held at the South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington. It was organised by one of the inventors of the sport, Joel Pritchard. Most of the participants were college students who were rather new to the game. The title was won by David Lester, while Steve Paranto was placed second. This event was a significant milestone in the growing popularity of the sport since it received a mention in Tennis Magazine in July edition.