Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. It is a relatively new sport, having been invented in 1965, but it has quickly become popular with people of all ages and skill levels.
One of the most interesting things about pickleball is its name. Some people believe that the sport was named after a dog, while others believe that it was named after a boat. So, which is it?
The truth is, there are two different stories about the origin of the name “pickleball.”
The Dog Story
The dog story is the more popular of the two stories. It goes like this:
In 1965, Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell were looking for a new sport to play. They wanted a sport that was easy to learn and play, and that was low-impact on their bodies.
One day, they were playing badminton on a badminton court. They realized that the court was too small for badminton, so they decided to move the net back. They also decided to use a wiffle ball instead of a shuttlecock.
They were playing this new game when Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, started running around the court. Pickles would pick up the wiffle ball in its mouth and run off with it.
The men started calling the new game “pickleball” after Pickles.
The Boat Story
The boat story is less well-known than the dog story.
In 1965, Joel Pritchard was building a boat in his garage. He was using a piece of plywood for the deck of the boat.
One day, Pritchard was playing badminton with his wife, Joan. They were using the piece of plywood as a makeshift court.
They realized that the plywood was too small for badminton, so they decided to move the net back. They also decided to use a wiffle ball instead of a shuttlecock.
They were playing this new game when Pritchard had an idea. He said, “This game is a lot like pickleball.”
The name “pickleball” stuck, and the sport was born.
So, which story is true?
It’s hard to say for sure. Both stories are credible, and there is no clear evidence to support one over the other.
Ultimately, the name of the sport is just a name. What matters is that pickleball is a fun and enjoyable sport that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy.
The Benefits of Playing Pickleball
Pickleball is a great sport for people of all ages and skill levels. It is easy to learn and play, and it is low-impact on the body.
Some of the benefits of playing pickleball include:
- It is a great way to get exercise.
- It is a low-impact sport, so it is easy on the joints.
- It is a fun and social activity.
- It is a great way to meet new people.
- It is a great way to stay active and healthy as you age.
If you are looking for a fun and enjoyable sport that is easy to learn and play, then pickleball is a great option. It is a great way to get exercise, stay active, and meet new people.
