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FAQ

When and where was pickleball invented? 

Pickleball was born in 1965 and calls Bainbridge Island, not far from Seattle, Washington, its birthplace. 

 

Who invented pickleball? 

Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum, and Bill Bell invented pickleball in 1965. Two years later the first official court was built at Pritchard’s neighbor, Bill O’Brian’s home.

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How was pickleball invented? 

Pritchard, McCallum, and Bell had initially set out to play badminton, but they improvised with paddles and a plastic ball after being unable to locate the necessary equipment. The net was quickly lowered from the 60-inch height used for badminton to the 36-inch height still used in pickleball today. The next weekend they wrote the pickleball rules, and the first official court was erected two years later in the backyard of Pritchard’s neighbor, Bill O’Brian. By 1990, pickleball was being played in all 50 states. Today, pickleball is enjoyed by over 4 million people annually.

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Why is it named pickleball?

There is some debate on where exactly the name originated, but below are two of the most common theories:

  • Named after Pritchard’s dog, “Pickles,” who would chase the ball around.

  • The combination of badminton, ping pong, and tennis reminded one of the creators of a “pickleboat.” A Pickleboat is a crew made up of leftover oarsmen from other boats.

 

Where can I play pickleball?

Almost anywhere! Pickleball is played all across the world and public and private courts are filling up.

 

Pickleball Paddle or Pickleball Racket?

pickleball PADDLE.

 

Pickleball Rules 

 

What are the rules of pickleball? 

The rules of pickleball can feel endless, but we have broken it down to make it as easy as possible. Unfortunately, the rules of pickleball cannot be answered in a quick one-sentence answer, but we have compiled every rule of the game here: The Rules of Pickleball | Everything You Need to Know. This will answer any and all questions you have on the rules of pickleball!

 

What is the kitchen?

Just like our mother’s rules around the house, in pickleball, you have to stay out of the kitchen. The non-volley zone is nicknamed the “kitchen” and in pickleball, no player is allowed inside (or on the line) of the non-volley zone unless the ball has bounced. This includes stepping into the kitchen following a volley or after the ball has been ruled dead. Still, trying to figure out what’s cooking in the kitchen? We have a blog dedicated to all things “kitchen,”pickleball kitchen that is.

 

How do you score a point in pickleball? 

In pickleball, your team only scores while you are serving, similar to volleyball. Games are often played to 11 (win by two) and each team will receive 2 serves. Points are played until one of the teams commits a fault and the opposing team receives a point if they are serving. 

 

If the pickleball hits the line is it in or out?

If you are in a very serious game of pickleball, it may be best to ask someone to referee. Most of us are just enjoying the game and calling ins and outs as we see it. For those close calls though, remember that if the pickleball hits the line, it’s in! 

 

What is the dimension of a pickleball court?

For a lot of pickleball players out there, pickleball starts with a tape measure and sports tape. In the early years of pickleball, there weren’t as many dedicated pickleball courts as there are today, so in order to get out on the court, players had to make their own!

 

Pickleball Paddle Questions

 

Why is there a range of weight in pickleball paddles?

Have you found your exact, desired paddle weight yet? If yes, I am sure you have become frustrated that almost all pickleball paddles will come in a weight range rather than an exact measurement. For  example, a paddle will have a weight range of 7.7 - 8.0 oz rather than be advertised as exactly 7.9 oz. 

 

Pickleball Terms:

What is an ATP?

If you are watching a game of pickleball and someone scores a point on the illusive ATP shot you will understand almost right away. One of the better shots in pickleball, an ATP is a shot that is hit Around The Post of the net. Typically this shot brings a player outside of the sideline and the player hits the pickleball around the post of the net into the opponent’s side of the court. This is cause for celebration and you will see many laughs and smiles if this is done correctly!

 

What is a banger?

Typically this involves some negative connotation, apologies if you have been called this but...you can change. A banger is a player who is constantly hitting balls hard and has a tough time slowing the game down with finesse and precision. While it is good to hit the ball hard, great players can bring both power and control to their style of play.

 

What is a dink?

A soft shot hit on a bounce from the non-volley zone intended to arc over the net and land within the opposing non-volley, either straight across or diagonally crosscourt. An effective dink arcs downward as it crosses the net, creating a more difficult shot to return than a power shot. To become an elite pickleball player, you must master the dink.

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