Pickleball Fun Takes Over The Courts

Tenley Smith is on the court at Chico Racquet Club for her first pickleball practice. Photo by Amber Thompson.

According to news sources across the nation, pickleball is America’s fastest- growing sport. Often described as a cross between badminton, tennis and ping pong, it’s an easy game for beginners to pick up and can quickly become a very competitive game for those with more experience.

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating game. Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

What is pickleball?

• A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.
• Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.
• Played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
• Played as doubles or singles.
• Can be enjoyed by all ages and skill level

There’s a reason so many players get hooked on this sport – it’s easy to start, but hard to stop!

For lots of videos demonstrating the “shots” and strategies, go to USApickleball.com.