The Origins of Pickleball: How It All Began

Ever wonder how this amazing game that you love so much got started? Well, don’t miss this episode of I ♥ Pickleball! Pickleball Channel was fortunate enough to go to Bainbridge Island, the birthplace of the sport, to speak with one of the founders of pickleball, Barney McCallum. Join us as we take you back to a rainy island day when the kids had nothing to do, and some charismatic men decided to make up a game! Learn how the founders made up the rules, how it spread off of Bainbridge Island, and how it eventually became the amazing sport we know today. This is one episode you do not want to miss!

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[LPUSirGOYAL]

Hello Pickelball Channel! I am from the Philippines. Pickleball here is just growing crazily all over the country. I would like to ask your permission to use this exact video as a reference in our school-based Pickleball program, we are called Lyceum of the Philippines-Cavite Pickleball Club. We included Pickleball in our school curriculum which is why hearing words and the story behind from the pioneers and the developer himself will be a great inspiration and motivation to our students. Thank you. :)

[houdini]

Let me say first that I've played tennis for years. I was introduced to pickleball a couple years ago, playing it just a couple times and getting away from it for whatever reasons. I recently started playing again and i really enjoy the game. I've seen many comments from tennis people bashing the game, saying it's for unathletic people. That's not fair- I'm still athletic, playing other sports and love pickleball. It's great for older folks and those with injuries. I'm hoping it sticks around and keeps people active. Btw, this is a great origin story.

[tlomsland]

I loved the story behind the game. I became addicted to the game at age 71 which was in March of this year. I told my wife I never thought I would be this active and having such a great time as I am playing Pickleball 3 days a week and table tennis 3 days a week. Thank you Barney from the bottom of my heart.

[Tommah]

It’s been 36 hours since I learned of the existence of this sport. And now my Youtube landing page is all about this sport. I feel like I have been living in a hole.

[cryptosauce]

A true legend this man is. He made one of the most fun addicting sports game ever created. Thank you sir 🙏🏻

[rickdixon]

As someone who just discovered Pickleball...it is great to hear this story. We put a court in our driveway and we play every evening when we are all home. So much fun. Thanks for sharing this wonderful game with the world!

[trechernga]

Great video and story. My wife and I discovered Pickleball through my sister 2 yrs. ago. I had played tennis and racquetball for years and quickly fell in love. I thought it had to be new as I'd never heard of it. I was shocked to know it had been around for so long but only really exploded in the last 10 yrs or so. It would really be nice to see a follow-up video of the progression of the popularity over the years and how it exploded only recently.

[beverlyyoungren]

How fortunate Jennifer and I were able to stay on Bainbridge Island, meet all the pioneers and their families, and then write a book on the history of pickleball. Every time I watch this wonderful video, how thankful I am to have been able to personally know Barney, David, and their families. They're the best!!!

[bellalinda]

Love playing Pickleball. It’s helped me loose 25 pounds naturally over the past year and a half without trying. Thank you for coming up with the game! ❤

[sfkimrush]

The first time I saw people playing pickleball I thought it was a dumb game. Now I am addicted. Pickleball adds too much fun into my day.

[Racquetman]

Thanks for this sport..I don’t know what I’d do without it. Played tennis and squash for 1/2 a century. Now in my 70th year, two knee replacements, and slower reflexes, this couldn’t have come at a better time. Again thanks.

[alohaleslie]

What an awesome story! I grew up in the Seattle area. My game was tennis back in the 70's 80's and 90's, though I did try pickleball a few times, playing on my brother-in-law's home court around 1979. Nobody really knew what they were doing and, as a tennis player, I found it a bit boring. Fast forward to present, when I no longer play tennis due to various injuries. I discovered pickleball...again. They say we get addicted to pickleball. It's true! I play 4 days a week, enter tournaments, and absolutely love it. Thanks Barney for creating such a life-enhancing sport that is perfect for all ages! :)

[michaeltassi]

How could you create such a high quality, well-produced video on the origins of Pickleball and not tell us where the name came from? Serious, glaring omission guys.

[sue]

I play here in Canada. It's such a fun game. I've played all raquet sports in my life and now at 58 years old Pickleball is the raquet sport for me. Both my husband and I go and play in clubs. We both enjoy it very much. We can't get enough.

[theresapryor]

I lost 4 lbs first week playing and it’s helped my adhd SOMUCH! Yay!!!

[vanadyan]

I just learned the game a couple months ago now and I am absolutely hooked. Obsessed even. This game is amazing.

[CHEEEZ-UK]

Thanks for sharing this story, I've come back 3 times now to watch it. My dad was obsessed with this game after trying it whilst holidaying in canada and since his return we've been playing on the regular in Wales, UK. We used mini tennis nets on a badminton court and we've now got a nice group of us meeting twice a week, sometimes needing 2 courts. We're at the very beginnings of developing a club and look forward to meeting and playing others. There are 2/3 more clubs in our area right now, it'll be great to watch this amazing game start to grow over here. Thanks everyone!

[karenanderson]

I am so thankful for this video! I teach middle school physical education, and Pickleball is among my favorite activities! I share this video with every class I teach every year. HOw blessed are we to actually hear directly from the original pickleball players themselves. RIP, Barney. Thank you!

[rcmccas]

Wonderful! I learned about pickleball at just about the time covid hit, last year... In July, I convinced my husband to try it.... the rest is history for us. He was a racquet ball player for years, but has transferred over to pickleball. We can't get enough. He layed out a short court in his shop and we play 5 nights a week...Practicing different skills.. Living in idaho, we can't wait for the snow to go away!

[acerjackson]

Love these stories about how games develop. Similarly boredom being the mother of invention for my brothers and I during the hot UK summer of 76. A local pub dumping the empties at a quiet car park, some creative lads and then behold the non stop fun and peril of bottle breaking was born! You held the neck of your bottle and the opponent endeavoured to demolish yours in one blow. If they failed it was your turn. If the base broke off and enough length was left then another strike was given. If you pulled away a helpful brother would hold your hand on the neck for the opponent to strike. Great days! and boy did we search for the thicker bottles of whisky back then. Shame it never really caught on. But many a long day ended standing proudly atop a pile of glass of myriad shades.