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"Pickleball's Summer Origins: Not Named After a Dog"

"Pickleball's Summer Origins: Not Named After a Dog"

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 On July 3rd in pickleball history, while there may not be a world-shaking event tied precisely to this date, it is fascinating to reflect on the origins and development of pickleball, the sport that has captivated millions around the globe since its invention in the summer of 1965. This date sits in the heart of summer, a season closely linked to the birth and early growth of pickleball.

Pickleball began on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell improvised a game using ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball because they could not find a complete set of badminton rackets. They set the net initially at badminton height but quickly lowered it to 36 inches after realizing the ball bounced better on the asphalt surface. Their neighbor, Barney McCallum, soon joined in, and the three men created the first rules, blending elements of badminton and tennis but with a unique twist to make the game accessible for the entire family.

One of the most interesting stories connected to pickleball is how it got its name. The popular belief is that the game was named after the family dog, Pickles. However, careful research by USA Pickleball proved that Pickles the dog was actually born in 1968, three years after the game was invented and named. The original name “pickle ball” referred to the “pickle boat,” a term from crew racing where leftover rowers formed a boat with a mix of players, much like how the game was created from leftover equipment and ideas. So, the name reflects the fun and spontaneous nature of how the game was invented on that summer day—much like the spirit of summer July 3rd carries with it across the decades.

By July, pickleball in its early days was rapidly gaining momentum among the families and friends on Bainbridge Island. It was a game born out of creativity, camaraderie, and casual summer fun — exactly the feeling many players seek today when they pick up a paddle.

Looking beyond the origins, July has become an active month for pickleball enthusiasts. For example, many communities hold summer pickleball tournaments and events to showcase the sport’s growth. While nothing specific is noted on this exact date in pickleball historical timelines, it is a perfect moment in the year to celebrate how this sport, invented in the summer of 1965, has grown from a small family game to an internationally beloved pastime with tens of thousands of tournaments and millions of players worldwide.

So if you are picking up a paddle today on July 3rd, you are connecting with a spirit of invention and playful innovation that started nearly 60 years ago on a similar summer day. It is a celebration of community, fun, and the joy of a game that is truly for everyone.

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