From backyard game to national craze: The rise of pickleball in the U.S.

Pickleball, a sport that has rapidly gained popularity across the United States, has an origin story as quirky as its name. What began as a simple backyard game has transformed into a nationwide phenomenon, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. The journey of pickleball from its humble beginnings to its current status as one of the fastest-growing sports in America is a testament to its unique appeal and accessibility.

The origins of pickleball date back to the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, a congressman, and his friend Bill Bell were looking to entertain their families during a weekend gathering. They improvised with the equipment they had: a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. As they played, they realized the game needed some adjustments. They lowered the net to 36 inches, allowing the ball to bounce, and thus, pickleball was born.

The name 'pickleball' has an equally interesting backstory. The origin suggests it was named after Pritchard's dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball, adding to the sport's charm.

Early Growth and Development

In its early years, pickleball remained a relatively obscure pastime, primarily played in the Pacific Northwest. However, its appeal began to spread through word of mouth and informal local tournaments. The first official pickleball court was constructed in the backyard of Joel Pritchard’s friend and neighbor, Bob O'Brian. The sport's first rulebook was established in 1967, laying the foundation for its future growth.

The formation of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) in 1984 marked a significant milestone in the sport's development. The USAPA aimed to promote the sport, standardize rules, and organize tournaments. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, pickleball had begun to make inroads into retirement communities in Arizona, Florida, and other states, where it became a favorite among seniors due to its lowimpact nature and social aspects.

The Explosion of Popularity

The real explosion of pickleball’s popularity began in the 2000s, fueled by a combination of factors. The sport’s appeal to all age groups, from children to seniors, made it a family-friendly activity. Schools began incorporating pickleball into their physical education programs, introducing the sport to younger generations. The sport's simplicity and minimal equipment requirements made it accessible to a wide audience.

The advent of social media and online platforms played a crucial role in spreading the word about pickleball. Videos of matches, instructional content, and community groups flourished, creating a vibrant online community. As more people discovered pickleball, the demand for dedicated courts and facilities grew, leading to the construction of pickleball courts in public parks, recreation centers, and private clubs nationwide.

Professional Pickleball

As pickleball's popularity soared, the sport began to attract professional athletes and sponsors. The establishment of professional leagues and tournaments, such as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and the Major League Pickleball (MLP), provided a platform for top players to compete at a high level. These events have drawn significant media attention and sponsorship deals, further elevating the sport’s profile.

The sport is the fastest growing sport in the United States and is quickly surpassing tennis in popularity. Several community tennis courts are being converted to permanent pickleball courts. Indoor event spaces like churches, school gyms, and event venues can easily accommodate a pickle ball court with portable nets and taped court lines.

This summer, the popular concert and dance hall Buck’s Backyard in Buda added two outdoor pickleball courts to its venue.

Several factors explain why pickleball has become so popular. Its inclusive nature makes it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The rules are simple, and the game can be played at a leisurely pace or with high intensity, accommodating a wide range of skill levels and preferences.

Pickleball is a highly social sport. The smaller court size and its ‘doubles’ format encourage interaction and camaraderie among players. Many communities have formed around pickleball courts, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging.

Also, pickleball provides a good workout without the high physical demands of more intense sports. It offers cardiovascular exercise, improves hand-eye coordination, and enhances agility, making it an attractive option for those looking to stay active.

Where to Play

The number of picklehead courts is growing weekly.

Pickleheads is a repository of listings of pickleball courts across the country. The website offers a connection hub for players and novices looking to learn more about the sport. There is even a virtual training video that explains the basics of the game. Pickleheads is the most comprehensive pickleball court and play locator in the U.S. and offers an international court finder database.

In North Hays County, there are a number of publicly available pickleball courts. In addition, a number of local coaches and instructors make learning the sport easy. If you're looking for an instructor or coach, you can visit the teacme.to website to find a coach and customize the level of training you are looking for.

You can also contact one of several public and private courts who offer court rental and classes to the public.