Why Is It Called Pickleball? Whatever You’re Thinking, You’re Wrong
Aug 10, 2025
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People can’t stop raving about pickleball. If you’ve never tried it, you might laugh at the idea. Does it actually involve pickles? You don’t have to love briny cucumbers to join a game. Learn why it’s called pickleball and what you should know before stepping on the court. You’ll have a much better experience with a clear perspective.
The Most Popular Myths About the Name
A name like pickleball gets everyone wondering — how did someone invent it? There are many rumors floating around the internet with potential. Some people believe that the creator’s wife was on a rowing team and called her boat the pickle boat. The vegetable-inspired name referenced how anyone in her boat was leftover from the people picked for better rowing teams like cucumbers left to pickle until they taste better.
Others disagree. They believe that the creator named it after their family dog, Pickles. Rumor has it that the dog would run off with their Wiffle ball, making it the dog’s favorite game. The cute image doesn’t seem unrealistic to anyone who owns a dog, but that’s also only a rumor.
Why Pickleball Is Called Pickleball
Pickleball got its name during the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island. When Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell needed a fun way to pass the time, they stood on their badminton court and lamented their lack of a birdie. Upon closer inspection, they didn’t have any rackets either.
The two family friends were determined to have a good time. They grabbed ping-pong paddles and a Wiffle ball instead. As the summer passed, their friends watched them compete and occasionally joined in. The passion for pickleball began, but it still didn’t have a name.
Reporters and family members clarified the origin a few years later. Between 1969 and 1970, a reporter asked Joel Pritchard about how he thought of the name. He credited his wife, Joan. While relaxing back in 1965, she had thought to call it pickleball because it was a bit of a rag-tag sport. The strange supplies pulled from other games reminded her of the pickle boat race competitions she would join — not a specific boat like the rumor suggests.
During the same conversation with the reporter, Joel Pritchard noted how their dog also had the name Pickles. He proposed that the reporter publish the family dog origin story because it was cuter. The reporter agreed. Joel and Bill continued the mythology during interviews throughout the rest of their lives, though Joan often reminded people how she technically named the sport.
Reasons Why Mythology Develops Around Societal Trends
Myths aren’t new to the human experience. People have been telling and writing stories to explain things or entertain others for thousands of years. Mythologies also exist in every known culture because people like to explain what they don’t know.
People weren’t sure why starting a car early is helpful in the winter, so the general public assumed it primed their engines for operating in cold conditions. Really, it only warms the interior to help loosen ice on the windows. However, if enough people repeat the engine myth as fact, it becomes a legend that transforms into fact.
Everything You Need to Know Before Trying Pickleball
If you’re curious about joining your friends during their next game, prepare for the experience with pickleball 101 rules. You’ll show up feeling confident that you’ll have a great time.
You Only Need Some Basic Supplies
Remember, pickleball began with two friends finding a few things around their house. You only need two paddles, a pickleball, a court and a low net. The accessibility makes it a fan-favorite sport among 4.8 million players nationwide.
Serving Teams Get the Points
When you play tennis, anyone can score after someone serves. Pickleball games are different. Only the team that serves the ball can score, but anyone can end the current rally by committing a fault. Faults are accidents like serving outside the service area, hitting the net, hitting the ball out of bounds or letting it bounce twice on the same side.
Pickleball Is Less Physically Intense
Tennis matches have players on their toes. You’re constantly running back and forth, but pickleball is much easier. The court is smaller and you’re closer to the net. The accessibility is partially why people of all ages love the sport, but don’t forget to loosen your muscles with simple stretches before starting.
Best Pickleball Supplies
Show up for your first game with everything you need. You’ll have fun, stay comfortable and make pickleball your new favorite hobby with your friends.
Fiberglass Paddle Set
Grab a set for you and a friend so you’re always ready for a game. The fiberglass models available through Selkirk are durable, tested and provide maximum control. You can even use them if you want to learn how to spin the ball.
Official Franklin Pickleballs
The iconic yellow Franklin pickleballs are among the best starters you could get. The brand is the official ball manufacturer for the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships. Get them in yellow, red, orange, pink or a combination of them. You won’t need more than one for a game, but the bigger packs ensure you never run out if a ball cracks or gets lost.
YETI Tundra 35 Cooler
Even though pickleball is less physically exhausting than tennis, you’ll still spend time on a hot court. Get a YETI cooler so you always have a cold refreshment nearby. Throw some pickles on ice while you’re at it. They have enough salt to assist with electrolyte replenishment after sweating on the pickleball court.
Why Is It Called Pickleball? Because the Sport Is One of a Kind
Once you know why pickleball is called pickleball, the strange-sounding activity makes so much more sense. Get supplies and invite your friends to the nearest court. You’ll have fun sharing the truth behind the sport’s name and the rules for every rally.
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Author
With almost 10 years of experience writing about cars, gear, the outdoors and more, Oscar Collins has covered a broad spectrum of topics during his time as a blogger and freelancer. Oscar currently serves as the editor-in-chief of Modded, which he founded to spread his love of cars with an international audience. He's committed to providing high-quality content on a regular basis with readers across the world. You can find his work on Auto News, Gizmodo, Esquire and similar publications.
