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What is Pickleball? An interesting story that follows the origin of the game

The sport that is becoming more and more popular has arrived here! Pickleball is a game where the goal is to tap the ball twice on the opponent’s side.

Although at first glance similar to other racquet sports, Pickleball is distinguished by special rules, equipment and terrain. Due to the interesting story related to its origin, as well as the dimensions of the court and racket, this sport is often called “tennis for children”.

Created as entertainment for children and named "Pickleball" after their dog

Although it is considered a modern sport, the story of the origin of Pickleball goes back to 1965. Then three fathers on Bainbridge Island near Seattle wanted to entertain their children during the summer, creating a new game from the equipment they had.

The name “Pickleball” originally came from a combination of the name of the family dog ​​- “Pickle” and the English word for ball, “ball”, which in the Serbo-Croatian language becomes “Picklebol”. Since its early days on the island, Pickleball has undergone a fascinating transformation.

History of Pickleball

From those humble beginnings on the island, Pickleball has come an incredible way. Its popularity grew exponentially, and venues began popping up all over the US and other parts of the world.

Today, it is not just a game played in backyards and parks. It has become a recognized sport played in schools, recreational centers and even in major professional tournaments. Pickleball is proof that innovation and creativity can lead to the creation of something lasting and loved by many.

Earnings for professional pickleball players can vary. While some top players can earn thousands of dollars through tournaments and sponsorships, many players do not earn significant sums.

The original name of the sport is “Pickleball”, however, in regions where the Serbian-Croatian language is spoken, the term “Pickleball” is accepted. This localization of the term gained popularity especially after the competition organized by “Seo škola”, which made the sport more recognizable in the local community.

Although pickleball and tennis share similarities, the key differences lie in the size of the court, the equipment used, and some specific rules of the game.

Pickleball can be a very accessible sport. The basic equipment, which includes the racket and balls, is not extremely expensive compared to some other sports.