Pickleball was likely named after the co-founder's family dog, Pickles, who would chase after the stray balls.
As a pickleball enthusiast who has spent countless hours on the court and even more time digging into the game's history, I find the story behind its name absolutely fascinating. It’s a question that comes up a lot, from curious beginners to seasoned players. If you've ever found yourself wondering why it is called pickleball, you’re about to uncover a charming piece of history that perfectly matches the fun-loving spirit of the sport. Let's explore the official stories, the friendly debates, and the real reason behind the quirky name.
The Birth of a Game: A Tale of Summer Boredom
To understand the name, you first have to picture the scene. It’s 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Co-founder Joel Pritchard, a congressman, returned home from a golf game with his friends Bill Bell and Barney McCallum to find their families bored on a summer afternoon. They wanted to play a sport, but their property only had an old badminton court and no full set of rackets.
Driven by a desire to create a fun, accessible game for everyone, they started improvising. They grabbed some table tennis paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and lowered the badminton net. In that moment of backyard creativity, the basic rules and framework of pickleball were born. This spontaneous, cobbled-together origin is a key clue in uncovering why it is called pickleball.
The "Pickles the Dog" Theory: The Most Popular Story
This is the version of the story you’ll hear most often on the courts, and for good reason—it’s adorable. The Pritchard family had a cocker spaniel named Pickles. According to this popular tale, Pickles loved the new game as much as the humans did. He would frequently interrupt play by chasing after the stray Wiffle-style ball and running off with it in his mouth.
Because the dog was so involved in their new pastime, Joel’s wife, Joan Pritchard, is said to have started calling it "pickleball" in honor of their furry ball thief. This story is simple, memorable, and perfectly captures the lighthearted, family-friendly vibe of the sport. It remains the most widely accepted and shared explanation for why it is called pickleball. I've personally seen new players' faces light up when they hear this story; it just seems to fit the game perfectly.
The "Pickle Boat" Theory: A Competing Origin
While the story of Pickles the dog is charming, there is another theory that comes directly from Joan Pritchard herself. Before her days as a pickleball pioneer, Joan was a competitive rower. In the sport of crew (rowing), a "pickle boat" is a term used for the last boat to finish a race, often filled with a random assortment of leftover rowers who weren't chosen for the more competitive boats.
Joan noted that their new game was created by borrowing elements from various other sports. It had the net of badminton, the paddles of table tennis, and a court size similar to tennis. Because it was a mishmash of different sports, she felt "pickle boat" was a fitting analogy. She adapted the term to "pickleball," and the name stuck. This version adds a layer of cleverness to the game's identity.
So, Which Story Is True?
Here is where the history gets a little fuzzy, adding to the lore of the game. For years, the two stories have been told, and even the founders and their families have shared slightly different versions. According to Barney McCallum, another one of the co-founders, the "pickle boat" theory is accurate. He has stated that the game was named for the pickle boat concept first.
However, he also clarified that a couple of years after the game was invented, the Pritchards did get a dog and named him Pickles. The dog's name was inspired by the game, not the other way around. Over time, the story of the dog chasing the ball became a simpler and more appealing explanation that caught on with the public. Both stories are rooted in the game's origin, but the "pickle boat" seems to be the initial inspiration, while "Pickles the dog" became the beloved legend.
Why the Name Stuck: The Spirit of Pickleball
Regardless of which story you prefer, there’s no denying that the name "pickleball" just works. It’s quirky, fun, and doesn't take itself too seriously, much like the game itself. The name lacks the formal, stuffy feel of sports like tennis or golf, which makes it incredibly approachable for new players of all ages and athletic abilities.
The name contributes to the welcoming and social atmosphere that defines pickleball culture. When I introduce new people to the sport, the first thing they usually do is smile at the name. It’s an instant icebreaker. The question of why it is called pickleball opens the door to a fun story, setting the stage for a game that is less about intense competition and more about community and having a good time.
Frequently Asked Questions of why it is called pickleball
What is the most accepted reason why it is called pickleball?
The most widely accepted and popular reason is that it was named after the co-founder's dog, Pickles. The dog would often chase the ball and run off with it during the first games.
Who named the sport pickleball?
Joan Pritchard, the wife of co-founder Joel Pritchard, is credited with coining the name. Whether her inspiration was the dog or the boat, she was the one who came up with the name.
What is the "pickle boat" theory?
The "pickle boat" theory suggests the game was named after a term in rowing. A pickle boat is filled with leftover rowers, similar to how pickleball is a mix of different sports.
Was the dog named after the game or the game after the dog?
According to co-founder Barney McCallum, the game was named first, inspired by the "pickle boat" idea. The family dog, Pickles, was named after the game a few years later.
Does the name have anything to do with actual pickles?
No, the name has absolutely nothing to do with the pickled cucumber. The name's origin is tied to either the Pritchard family dog or a term from the sport of rowing.
Conclusion
Whether you're a believer in the tale of Pickles the dog or a fan of the clever "pickle boat" analogy, the story behind the name is as unique as the sport itself. The friendly debate over why it is called pickleball only adds to its charm, reminding us of its humble beginnings as a backyard game created to cure summer boredom. It reflects a spirit of fun, creativity, and bringing people together.
The next time you step onto the court and someone asks about the unusual name, you’ll be ready with a great story. Now, go out there, enjoy a game, and share the fantastic history of pickleball. What’s your favorite part of the origin story? Let me know in the comments below