Did you know that pickleball was created in an attempt to play badminton? Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell were looking for an activity that their families could enjoy. Upon finding a badminton court, they could not locate any badminton equipment, so they improvised! With ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, they lowered the net, and the rest was history.
Why is it called Pickleball? There are two theories behind that –
1. According to Joan, Joel Pritchard’s wife:“The combination of different sports reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftover boats.”
2. According to Barney McCallum; a friend of Bill & Joel:The game was named after Joel Pritchard’s dog, Pickles! He was known to run off with the ball while it was being played!
Within recent years, the game of pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. The Pickleball Association lists nearly 4,000 locations where you can play nationwide.
Looking for Pickleball opportunities
at the Bear Levin Studer YMCA?
Come and join us at these times:
- Tuesday/Thursday: 10 am-1 pm
- Wednesday: 6:30-8:45 pm
- Saturday: 8-9:45 am
Want to learn more about playing Pickleball? Come and meet JoAnn on Wednesday evenings. She will be more than happy to show you the ropes!