NATIONAL PICKLEBALL DAY
Today is August 8 and National Pickleball Day on the National Day Calendar to celebrate a popular paddle sport that continues to gain popularity. In the spirit of this new sport, we are sharing our curiosity and support for a game that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
#NATIONALPICKLEDAY
Pickle ball is a paddle sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis in one. If you have never played or witnessed a game of Pickleball, think Wiffle ball meets Ping Pong meets Tennis. But don’t let that description confuse you. The ball used is similar to a Wiffle ball, while the racket used is similar to a short tennis racket only solid like a ping pong paddle rather than webbed. Play happens on a court similar to that of a tennis court.
Even though the game combines three separate games, it is fairly easy to play. Two players each have a paddle, a plastic ball with holes, and a solid surface with a net. Players of the game serve the ball back and forth, similar to a game of tennis. Players also determine points similar to those found in tennis.
Pickleball Beginnings
Pickleball has been around since 1965 and originates on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Friends Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum were thinking of a way to keep their families entertained in the summer. After combining elements of badminton and table tennis, the trio created some equipment and made up a few rules. Interestingly, the hardest thing about the game was finding a name for it. Legend says Joel's dog Pickles made a habit of chasing after the balls and hiding them. One thing led to another and the game became known as Pickleball. We're not sure how true this is, but it's a cute story to share.
5 Fun Pickleball Facts
Pickleball players and fans are called "Picklers."
When a team scores zero points in Pickleball the loss is known as being "Pickled."
Some people eat mustard before playing Pickleball to avoid getting leg cramps.
The non-volley zone in front of the Pickleball net is call the "Kitchen."
A "dink shot" is the result of the ball landing in the Kitchen.
Many people refer to Pickleball as a sport, even though it is low-impact, allowing people of all ages to play. The easiness of the game also allows retirement communities to offer it as an activity for seniors. Despite the sport being low impact, you can burn over 250 calories and take up to 7,000 steps during a 30 minute game.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pickleball is an all inclusive sport, which means people with disabilities can play, too! In fact, there are rules for wheelchair pickleball available at the USAPA website.
5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL PICKLEBALL DAY
Pickleball brings friends and family together for social interaction. It encourages people to make new friends and enjoy physical activity in a fun environment. Best of all, playing Pickleball is a good way for people to work out and improve cardiovascular health, hand-eye coordination, and balance by keeping people active. Here are 5 ways you can celebrate National Pickleball Day today:
Join a Pickleball league in your area and enjoy making new friends while getting exercise.
Invite family and friends over for a cookout and create teams to have a Pickleball tournament.
Host a Pickleball clinic to teach people in your community how to play Pickleball.
Plan a Pickleball tournament in your area and donate entry fees to a local charity or nonprofit organization.
Share your stories, photos, and events about Pickleball on social media tagging #NationalPickleballDay.
Who Created National Pickleball Day?
American pickleball instructor Deirdre Morris receives credit for creating National Pickleball Day in 2021. Deirdre wanted to share her love for the sport and encourage others to learn and play the sport, too. Each year on August 8, we are joining millions of people across the world to celebrate National Pickleball Day. See you on the court!