Exercising Together: Pickleball

June marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and contains the summer solstice, the day with the most daylight hours. The question is what are you going to do with all of those extra hours? Have you ever tried your hand at pickleball?

Pickleball is a delightful sport with a fascinating history and some quirky facts. Here are some fun tidbits:

• Origins: Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads - Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They wanted to create a game that the whole family could play together.
• The Name: There are a couple of theories about how the sport got its name. Some believe it was named after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles, who used to chase after the balls. Others say it was named after the "pickle boat" in crew racing, which is a boat made up of leftover oarsmen not chosen for regular boats, much like the miscellaneous equipment used to play pickleball.
• Adaptable: Pickleball is known for its adaptability. It can be played on various surfaces, including indoor and outdoor courts, and can be modified for different ages and skill levels.
• Combination of Sports: Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The court is similar to a badminton court, the net is similar to a tennis net, and the paddle is similar to a ping-pong paddle.
• Growing Popularity: Pickleball has been rapidly growing in popularity, especially among older adults. It's easy to learn, less physically demanding than some other sports, and provides a great social outlet.
• International Appeal: While it originated in the United States, pickleball has gained popularity worldwide. It's played in countries across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
• Olympic Hopes: As of this writing, pickleball hasn't been included in the Olympic Games, but there have been discussions about its potential inclusion. With its growing popularity, who knows what the future holds?
• Community Spirit: Pickleball has a strong sense of community. Players often form clubs, leagues, and tournaments, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for players of all levels.
• Speed Record: In 2019, the fastest recorded pickleball serve was clocked at 118 mph (190 km/h) by Tyson McGuffin, a professional pickleball player.
• Celebrity Fans: Pickleball has gained some celebrity fans over the years. Both Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are known to enjoy playing pickleball.

These are just a few fun facts about pickleball, but there's so much more to discover about this engaging and inclusive sport! You can come check out a pickleball game at our Betty J Pullum Family YMCA or Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA locations. See our website for Pickleball schedules. Hope to see you soon.