DINK! What is Pickleball?

A frequently asked question is “What is Pickleball?”

Pickleball is a racquetball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.  It requires a paddle and a pickleball (round perforated polymer ball) and a net.  Pickleball can be played with one person (single) or two people (double) on each of the net.

It is a fast growing sport played all over the world popping up at local recreational facilities, work gymnasiums, church gymnasiums, anywhere there is interest. 

Pickleball is a relatively new sport that was invented in Washington State in the mid 1960’s by three good friends (Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, Barney McCallum).  Apparently, the friends could not find the badminton equipment to play badminton, so they used whatever equipment they could find.  The game was originally invented as an inclusive family backyard game for all family members to play, and to have fun.   The game has been enhanced over the years with official rules, with regulation approved net with a width of 22 feet and a net height of 36 inches at the sideline and 34 inches at the center, and improvement in paddle design that are lighter in weight to increase power.

Not only is the game available to players of all ages and athletic abilities, but the rules are easy to understand.  Professional pickleball players will say the game is very strategic as the focus is more about placement and spin, rather than power and speed.

Pickleball is a good source of moderate exercise.  It is a fast-paced game with many quick movements.  To reduce injury, and optimize performance, it is important to loosen up the body and stretch before playing pickleball. 

Consider warming up your body pre-game with the following stretches:

1.     Arm Circles – Stand straight with your feet shoulder width apart, extend your arms to each side and circle your arms forward forming small circles and big circles.  Reverse the motion by going backwards.

2.     Lunge

o    Forward – Step forward with one leg and bend knee to 90 degrees. Your front knee should not go beyond your toes.  Keep forward foot flat on the ground.  The other leg is extended behind.  Push yourself up.  Reverse leg.

o   Backward – Step back with one leg and lower your hips down to the ground until your knee bends to 90 degrees.  Push yourself up.  Reverse leg.

o   Side – Stand with your back straight, looking forward, with your hands placed on your waist.  Bend your right knee while keeping your left leg straight.  Bend down as far as you can without causing any discomfort.  Keep both feet flat on the ground.  Hold the position and then push yourself up.  Reverse leg.

3.      High Knees – Stand tall or run in one spot and alternate bringing each knee up to your chest about 50% of your height.

4.     Butt Kicks – Stand tall or run in one spot and alternative bringing one heel back off the floor towards your glutes.

These stretches will warm up your back, shoulders, hips, quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings for dinking. 

What actually is DINKING?  

A dink is a soft or short shot made into your opponents’ kitchen (on each side of the net there is a section identified as a no volley zone).    It is a shot that ideally just clears the net and drops into the no volley zone.   It is played without a lot of power.   The  purpose of dinking is to set up a strategic shot. It forces your opponent into playing at a slower pace until you can take a winning shot from your opponent’s return.  If a ball is dinked into the kitchen, your opponent will need to let the ball bounce once before hitting the ball.

Dinking requires players to bend their knees by sinking low into a squat-like position, while swinging your arms at the shoulder mindful of keeping a straight wrist.  So to reduce injuries while dinking, remember to fully stretch before you play.      

So, where did the funny name, Pickleball come from?

There seems to be two different answers to this question.

Some sources claim that the name Pickleball was named after Joel Pritchard’s (one of the founders) family dog named Pickles, who apparently “would chase the ball and run off with it during games”.  

Other sources claim that Joan Pritchard (Joel Pritchard's wife) named the game Pickleball because it reminded her of a pickle boat. 

Regardless of which version you believe, the name Pickleball is still a funny one.

I am certain Pickles, the dog, would be extremely happy to know that pickleball has become a very popular activity that brings people of all ages and abilities together to have fun. 

Who wouldn’t want to be addicted to a fun game?  Remember, stay out of the kitchen!

Sources:

Brenkus, Jaime.  2017-12-22.  Pickleball Stretches-Jaime Brenkus (Quick Fit Tips), Evergreen Wellness, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7eQX7YYSho

“History of Pickleball”. Pickleball Land.  Retrieved from https://pickleball.land/history-of-pickleball/

“Pickleball”.  Wikipedia.  Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickleball

“Pickleball Fitness:  Exercises to help reduce injuries”.  USAPA Pickleball.  Retrieved from https://www.usapa.org/membersnewsletter/pickleball-fitness-exercises-to-help-reduce-injuries/

“Pickleball Vocabulary Words – Understanding the Lingo”.  Yes Pickleball.  Retrieved from http://www.yespickleball.com/pickleball-vocabulary-words.html

“The History of Pickleball – Setting the Stage for Pickleballs Future”.  Yes Pickleball. http://www.yespickleball.com/history-of-pickleball.html

 “What is the game of pickleball?”.  Pickleball RUSH.  Retrieved from https://www.pickleballrush.com/what-is-pickleball

Photo Source: Unsplash User Joan Azeka @jha900