Pickleball was invented during the summer of 1965 by three men who lived on a small island very close to Seattle, Washington. Joel Pritchard, William Bell and Barney McCallum were looking for a sport the whole family could play when they created Pickleball.
This game was named after Joel Pritchard's dog named Pickles. Pickles (the dog) became interested in the new game and would pick up any loose ball and disappear with it. Hence, the name "Pickle Ball." In the beginning the game was played on any hard surface such as backyard patios, driveways and on dead end streets. Since the mid 1970's formal rules have been developed. In 1972 a corporation was formed to protect the new game (Pickle-Ball, Inc.). The three-creators also formed the United States Pickle-Ball Association (U.S.A.P.A.) to govern and promote the sport. The game is now played in schools, recreational facilities and health clubs. Pickleball is still being played at family homes.
Pickleball is a net court game that is played by either two or four people. Doubles play with four people will be the most practical arrangement due to the number of students in physical education classes. The doubles badminton court on the gymnasium floor or on any hard, smooth outside surface can be converted to a pickleball court.
Simply attach a pickleball or badminton net to standards at a height of 3 feet. Light weight wooden paddles and the plastic "whiffle-like" ball help to produce exciting long rallies which consist of ground strokes and volleys at the net similar to tennis.
Additional Rules a) The server may not serve until his opponent is ready, but the opponent shall be deemed "ready" if a return of serve is attempted. b) If a player is playing a ball that has bounced in the non-volley zone and she/he touches the net with the paddle or any part of the body, it will constitute a fault for that player. c) A service fault occurs when the server swings the paddle with the intent of striking the ball but misses. d) Only the player served to may receive the service, but if the ball touches or is hit by his/her partner, the serving side scores a point.
Thank you to all of the volunteers and to all club members and Trilogy residents who made contributions to the pickleball court building fund. Without them, we might not be enjoying this fun sport here at Trilogy today. Thanks also to Shea Homes for their generous financial commitment and support. Working together we have accomplished our goal of building permanent pickleball courts here at Trilogy! Here, we recognize those folks who made contributions to the fund.
Trilogy Pickleball Club