By Shelley Cooke
Pickleball, often described as a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong, has recently become one of the most popular sports in North America. Many wonder how this unique sport, which has captivated the interest of all ages and skill levels, came to be.
According to various research sites, pickleball began on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. The story goes that Joel Pritchard, a state representative at the time, and his neighbours, were looking for a way to entertain their families on a Saturday afternoon. Unable to find their usual badminton equipment, they improvised with a set of ping pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a lowered badminton net. Little did they know that this impromptu game would soon become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
The next challenge was what to name this new “sport” that they created. According to Nick Brinkerhoff, a writer/producer at Sporting News, one theory is that it was named after Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who would chase after the stray balls during games. Others claim that it was Pritchard’s wife, Joan, who named the game after a “pickle boat,” which refers to a boat comprised of leftover or mismatched crew members. “It makes for a fitting name since the game was born out of using leftover equipment from other sports,” says Nick.
Centennial resident Shaun DeSouza started playing pickleball in 2022 after he experienced a torn achilles tendon while playing tennis. He quickly became hooked on the sport, and has just completed his coaching certification in April. Shaun describes pickleball as being an easier sport to learn than tennis. With the paddle being so lightweight, “it’s like playing ping pong on a badminton court with some tennis strategy.”
For those who would like to play the game but don’t know where to start, hiring a certified coach like Shaun creates a safe space to learn and experiment. On average, it only takes four to five sessions to learn the game. Katrina Deverell describes how she lacked confidence when she began playing pickleball but she quickly developed the skills and self-assurance to enjoy the game fully. Another pickleball player, Heather Lemieux, who was new to racquet sports, appreciates how her coach, Shaun, “focused on safety, fundamentals and strategy.”
Throughout Shaun’s coaching experience, he noticed that people who haven’t been physically active or who don’t normally play sports, are surprised at how quickly they catch onto pickleball. By the fourth lesson, his players are often heard saying, “I can’t believe I’m playing pickleball” with boosted confidence!
Of the many benefits of playing pickleball, improving one’s physical fitness is at the top. The sport is also mentally stimulating and gratifying. Another big benefit is the socialization it brings. Pickleball is an inclusive sport that offers companionship and a sense of belonging. The smaller court size allows players to be close enough to socialize during gameplay and interact with new people. Players who may not have known each other at the start of the game quickly form a social bond.
If you would like to learn to play pickleball or improve your skills, here are a few places nearby that offer free drop-in sessions: the Port Union Community Recreation Centre has indoor courts, as does Heron Park Community Recreation Centre and Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. To schedule lessons from a certified instructor like Shaun DeSouza, email blazing.paddles002@gmail.com or contact The Kitchen TO6 Pickleball Club at 510 Coronation Dr., Unit 19.