The Complete History of Pickleball: From Backyard Game to Global Sport Pickleball, once a casual backyard game, has skyrocketed into a global sport enjoyed by players of all ages. From its humble beginnings to the cutting-edge paddles that modern players rely on, pickleball’s journey is fascinating. This guide explores the sport’s history, beginner tips, and the best equipment options, including high-end paddles from brands like Selkirk and Niupipo. The Origins of Pickleball Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum . They created the game as a family activity to entertain their children during summer. Using a perforated plastic ball, wooden paddles, and a badminton net, the game quickly became a fun alternative to tennis. The name "pickleball" has two possible origins: one suggests it was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who would chase after stray balls; another claims it was insp...