You’ve heard the name. You’ve seen paddles flying across courts. But what exactly is the sport of Pickleball — and why is it suddenly everywhere? Let’s walk through how it began, how it’s played, and why it might just become your favorite sport.
A Backyard Game That Took Off
Back in the summer of 1965, on Bainbridge Island in Washington, something unexpected happened. Two dads — Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell — and a friend, Barney McCallum, found themselves with bored families, an old badminton court and spare paddles from ping‑pong. They improvised a game with a perforated plastic ball (the kind you might call a “wiffle ball”) and adjusted the net height. That afternoon, pickleball was born.
At first it was just fun. But from that first makeshift court, the sport began to spread—playing in driveways, community centers, and eventually tournament halls.
So — Why “Pickleball”?
There are a couple of stories. One says the name came from the Pritchard family’s dog “Pickles,” who liked to chase stray balls. Palmetto Dunes Another says it comes from the row‑boat term “pickle boat” — the crew made up of leftover oarsmen—used metaphorically because the new game pulled from tennis, badminton, and ping‑pong.
Whatever the origin, the name stuck—and today it signals a sport that’s playful, social, and dynamic.
What the Game Looks Like Today
Here’s what you’ll see on a court:
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A solid paddle (lighter than tennis racquets) and a plastic ball with holes.
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A court roughly the size of a badminton double court.
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Two or four players facing off.
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A “kitchen” or non‑volley zone near the net where you can’t smash from.
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Serves underhand, rallies with strategic hits, and bursts of speed in short bursts.
It’s simple to pick up, but there’s depth if you want it.
Why Everyone’s Getting Hooked
Here are some reasons the game is booming:
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Inclusive & accessible – Young or old, beginner or pro, many people find it fun and approachable.
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Social built‑in – Because doubles is common, it’s as much about community as competition.
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Fast‑growing – The sport’s growth has been staggering.
At Salted City Sports, we’re all about gear that bridges fun and performance—so whether you’re new or seasoned, you’ll find something that fits your style.
Ready to Gear Up?
If you’re ready to dive in, we’ve got you covered:
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Check out our EVO Lite Series paddles — stylish and built for action.
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Want to learn more about choosing the right equipment for your game? See our All About Paddles blog series.
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And if you’re looking for apparel that plays as hard as you do, don’t skip our Pickleball Apparel Guide.
The Big Takeaway
Pickleball started as a backyard experiment but quickly became a full‑fledged sport with global appeal. It balances simplicity with strategy, community with competition, and style with substance. Whether you’re in it for the fun, the sweat, or the social side—this sport delivers.
So grab a paddle, find a court, and show up ready. On this one, you’re not just a player—you’re part of the moment.