The phenomenon that has captivated millions
Pickleball. I have to be honest, it is an astoundingly strange name for a sport. When I tell people I play pickleball, I get some odd reactions. Many people think I’m joking. Some say I’m too young to be playing an “old person’s game.” But it’s no joke, nor is it a wholly senior sport.
Head to a pickleball court and you may hear some weird terminology. The questions come from everywhere: Why is it called pickleball? What does the kitchen mean? Is it just tennis on a smaller playing field?
Let’s start from the beginning. Pickleball was invented in 1965 outside of Seattle, Washington. Rumor has it that the sport was named after the inventor’s cockapoo, Pickles. The paddle sport uses a whiffle ball and is a cross between table tennis and badminton, with a splash of tennis thrown into the mix, and is played on a court one-quarter of the size of a tennis court. The non-volley zone of the court is called the kitchen. Pickleball is exceptionally social compared to many sports. One reason could be because players are close in proximity during the game, allowing for much interaction.
Why has this sport with such a silly name exploded in popularity in the past several years? Perhaps because pickleball is easy to learn, is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and one does not have to be an athlete to enjoy it. As a true lifetime sport, it can be played and enjoyed during all stages of life.
If you haven’t yet been introduced to pickleball, I encourage you to give it a try! You may just be very surprised at how much you’ll come to enjoy this sport with such a silly name.
Josh Jeffcott is the manager of racquet sports at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. He has played both tennis and pickleball at a competitive level, and Jeffcott has helped others to learn and refine their game as a teaching pro.