Not a Boring Pickleball History Lesson with Jennifer Lucore

 

The Surprising Journey of Pickleball from Bored Kids to Beloved Sport

How a backyard game created on a whim in the 1960s grew into one of America's fastest-growing sports

As pickleball continues its meteoric rise in popularity across age groups, many newcomers to the sport are surprised to learn just how recently it was invented. The game's accessibility, moderate pace, and social nature have fueled its growth, but pickleball's beginnings were much humbler.

In a 2020 exclusive interview on "Better Pickleball" hosted by CJ Johnson, 2019 Hall Of Fame Inductee Jennifer Lucore recounted pickleball's origin story and key moments that allowed it to take hold. Though the sport was created on a whim to entertain bored children one summer, Ms. Lucore explains, it likely wouldn't have survived without several pivotal game changers along the way.

1. How Pickleball Started (2:29 )

Pickleball was born in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, WA when a group of parents sought to create an activity for their restless kids. Using makeshift equipment including ping pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, they modified rules from tennis and badminton to invent a new backyard game. "Many people go 'what the heck, how did this all start?'" said Ms. Lucore. "There was this old badminton court and a bunch of bored kids and some parents saying 'you need to find something to do.' Together this sport was created just for fun that summer."

Though initially intended as a one-off warm weather diversion, pickleball's founders saw potential for growth. But first, the new sport would need to survive some close calls.

2. Game Changer #1: The National Observer Article, 1975 (3:45)

In 1975, a fateful newspaper article from a reporter who'd witnessed pickleball firsthand took the obscure hobby national. "A guy from New York City visited Barney McCallum in Seattle to check out pickleball," Ms. Lucore recounted. "After a quick interview he called Barney and asked, 'How much for a starter kit?' Barney said $29.50." Though skeptical, McCallum soon received a flood of orders after the piece ran. He and local youth spent the whole summer hand-cutting wooden paddle blanks to meet demand. This unexpected publicity kept pickleball's momentum alive.

3. Game Changer #2: Trade Shows and Title IX, 1970s (5:25)

Two unrelated events converged to drive pickleball's growth in the late 1970s. First, blossoming manufacturers promoted pickleball equipment at major sporting goods trade shows. "Pickleball Inc. would go to these huge shows with their booth to sell wares and take orders," said Ms. Lucore. "When Title IX forced schools to fund girls' athletics, orders rolled in for those wooden paddles and balls." Though unplanned, this perfect storm expanded pickleball's player base and market.

4. Game Changer #3: The Composite Paddle, 1980s (6:34)

Wood was functional but flawed, and pickleball was ready for an equipment upgrade. Enter composite paddle inventor Arlen Paranto. "In the early 80s, he created a composite paddle to replace wood," said Ms. Lucore. Composite materials revolutionized play. "We left the wood paddle like the lovely 'Swinger' from the 70s and moved into Arlen's paddles. This was huge for our sport." Paranto's innovation made the game more enjoyable and opened up new skills.

5. Game Changer #4: Sid Williams and the USAPA, 1984 (7:30)

In 1984, pickleball remained popular but disorganized, until Sid Williams founded the USAPA (United States Amateur Pickleball Association). "Sid really got pickleball to have tournaments and people involved," Ms. Lucore explained. "He created the USAPA and had tons of documentation on meetings, tournaments, and fees." Williams provided crucial structure, and soon even renamed the USAPA to reflect pickleball's growth beyond amateurs. His stewardship ensured pickleball's survival into the modern era.

Pickleball's Grassroots Growth

Thanks to these incremental advances, pickleball transitioned from a casual family activity into a structured sport with national reach. Wooden paddles gave way to professional gear, organized play expanded beyond backyards, and growing visibility attracted newcomers. "Each of these big things happened at moments that, if they didn't, pickleball may have died off," summarized Ms. Lucore. Instead, it flourished.

Ms. Lucore continues researching pickleball history, especially the sport's terminology. "We need to know exactly where the term 'kitchen' came from," she said. "If anyone has facts on when and where 'kitchen' was first used, please share!" Collaboration from the close-knit pickleball community will ensure the sport's origins are preserved.

Pickleball's founders couldn't have imagined its present-day popularity. Yet thanks to key milestones over decades, their whimsical backyard diversion evolved into a beloved sport. Driven by passion, pickleball now provides exercise and connection to millions. As Ms. Lucore's research shows, sometimes a little fun can spark something much bigger.

Summary:

In this exclusive interview, 2019 Hall Of Fame Inductee Jennifer Lucore recounted pickleball's surprising evolution from a makeshift children's game to a major sport. She revealed little-known game changers, like a newspaper article and equipment advances, that allowed pickleball to gain traction in its early days. Ms. Lucore's insights showcase how grassroots momentum, driven by those who recognized pickleball's potential, allowed it to become the widespread phenomenon it is today. Her 2018 book, "History of Pickleball: More Than 50 Years of Fun!," and ongoing research ensure pickleball's unique history is preserved.

1:11 The History Of Pickleball 2:29 How Pickleball Started 3:24 Game Changers 3:45 Game Changer #1The National Observer Article 1975 5:25 Game Changer #2 Trade Shows: Sporting Goods and Schools 1970's 6:34 Game Changer #3 Composite Paddle 1980's 7:30 Game Changer #4 USAPA 1984