Pickleball
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddleball sport (similar to a racquet sport) that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, with 26-40 round holes, over a net.
The sport shares features of other racquet sports: the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules somewhat similar to tennis, with several modifications. Pickleball was invented in the mid 1960s as a children's backyard game.
Source: Wikipedia - Pickleball
Suitable For
Ages 8 and up, all fitness levels
Duration
1-2 hours per session
Group Size
8-16 participants
Equipment
All provided
Course Overview
Our comprehensive pickleball program covers everything from the sport's origins to advanced gameplay techniques. Here's what you'll learn:
History of the Game
Learn about pickleball's fascinating origins and how it became one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide.
The Rules
Master the official rules including serving, scoring, court positioning, and the famous "kitchen" or non-volley zone.
Technique
Develop proper stroke mechanics including forehand, backhand, volleys, dinks, and serves.
"Shadow Swing"
Practice and perfect your stroke technique through shadow swinging exercises without the ball.
Scoring Rules
Understand the unique pickleball scoring system and how to keep track during competitive play.
The Fascinating Origin Story
Summer of 1965
The game started during the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the home of Joel Pritchard, who later served in Congress and as lieutenant governor. He and two of his friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, returned from golf and found their families bored one Saturday afternoon.
The Improvisation
They attempted to set up badminton, but no one could find the shuttlecock. They improvised with a Wiffle ball, lowered the badminton net, and fabricated paddles of plywood from a nearby shed.
The First Paddles
McCallum made the first paddles that were specifically for paddleball on his basement bandsaw. He tried several alternative paddles, but one he called "M2" became the paddle of choice for most players. In 1972, McCallum incorporated Pickle-Ball, Inc. and manufactured wooden paddles to help grow the sport. His son David McCallum now runs the business, which is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Where Did the Name Come From?
Some sources claim that the name "Pickleball" was derived from that of the Pritchard's family dog, Pickles, or from the term "pickle boat".
According to Joan Pritchard, Joel Pritchard's wife: "The name of the game became Pickle Ball, after I said it reminded me of the Pickle Boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats. Somehow the idea the name came from our dog Pickles was attached to the naming of the game, but Pickles wasn't on the scene for two more years. The dog was named for the game, but stories about the name's origin were funnier thinking the game was named for the dog."
Pickleball doubles match in action