Exploring the Origins and History of Pickleball: Key Highlights

If you’re a pickleball enthusiast or just curious about the origins of this rapidly growing sport, you’ll be fascinated by the story behind how it all began. From a simple game created on a badminton court to becoming a worldwide sensation, pickleball has come a long way since its inception in 1965.

The founders, Bill Bell and Joel Pritchard, were just looking for a way to entertain their kids when they stumbled upon the idea of pickleball. With the help of Barney MacCallum, they created paddles to play the game, and the rest is history. The name ‘pickleball’ itself has an interesting backstory involving a dog named ‘pickles’, adding a quirky touch to the sport’s origin.

But the history of pickleball doesn’t stop there. Photographer Jim Johnson recently shared unseen pictures from the 70s, showcasing the early days of pickleball at the ‘Sonoma Mountain Pickleball Camp’ in California. The photos capture the essence of the sport with wooden paddles and local players enjoying the game.

If you want to stay updated on all things pickleball, from news to exclusive content and tips, make sure to follow @pickleballnow_ on Instagram. Join the community and be a part of the pickleball revolution that’s taking the world by storm. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, there’s something for everyone in the world of pickleball.