What is the history of pickleball, the fast-growing sport in America, and how did it get it’s strange name?

Have you ever heard of pickleball? If you haven't, you might be picturing a sport that involves tossing pickles around, but in reality, it's something entirely different. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It's played on a smaller court, and the ball used is similar to a wiffle ball, which makes it easier to play and less intimidating than some other racket sports.

But where did pickleball come from, and how did it get its unusual name? The sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by a man named Joel Pritchard, who was a congressman at the time. Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell were trying to come up with a new game to entertain their families, who were getting bored with their usual activities.

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The story goes that the men found some old badminton equipment in a shed, and using some spare plywood, they created a makeshift court. They also used a plastic ball, which was similar to a ball that Pritchard's dog Pickles would play with, hence the name "pickleball."

The game quickly became popular on Bainbridge Island, and it spread throughout the Pacific Northwest and eventually across the United States. Today, pickleball is played by millions of people, and it's even become a competitive sport with its own professional association.

Part of the appeal of pickleball is that it's easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. It's also a great way to stay active and have fun with friends and family. So if you haven't tried pickleball yet, why not give it a shot? Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite sport.