Pickleball, the new craze

Oct11,2025

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, who created the game to entertain their families using ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball.

Born in a Backyard:

The game blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it easy to learn yet challenging to master.

Combination of Three Sports:

A pickleball court measures 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, about one-third the size of a tennis court, which makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.

Played on a Smaller Court:

Players use solid paddles (typically made of wood or composite materials) and a plastic ball with holes, known as a “wiffle ball.”

Unique Equipment:

Pickleball is popular among seniors due to its low-impact nature, but it’s increasingly attracting younger players and athletes for its fast-paced and strategic gameplay.

A Sport for All Ages:

While it can be played as singles or doubles, doubles matches are far more common and social, emphasizing teamwork and coordination.

Doubles Are More Common:

The serve in pickleball must be underhand, with the paddle making contact below the waist — a rule that helps keep rallies longer and fairer.

No Overhead Serves: