The BIRTH, The EVOLUTION & The FUTURE of Pickleball
The Birth
The origins of Pickleball are rooted in the rich historical beginnings of Tennis, Squash, and Badminton. The evolution of these racket and paddle sports began in early 19th century England, marking a significant development in the realm of competitive games.
Since then, approximately 50 distinct racket/racquet/paddle sports have emerged, with Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, Racquetball, Squash, and Table Tennis demonstrating remarkable longevity and enduring popularity. These sports not only appeal to a broad and diverse demographic but also reflect a cultural significance in promoting health and fitness.
The Evolution
Pickleball, an exciting fusion of tennis and badminton, has captivated players of all ages since its inception in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Barney MacCallum, and Bill Bell in Washington State. Over six decades, this dynamic sport has seen an incredible surge in popularity. Today, USA Pickleball boasts over 70,000 members under their governance and nearly 12,000 facilities—both indoor and outdoor—listed in its database.
The Future
The growth cycle for all sports starts with the "Recreational Player" base, progressing to social leagues, then competitive leagues/tournaments, and finally reaching the elite professional level. Pickleball follows this same trajectory! The recreational player base holds the key to the sport's future. Yet, critical questions arise on how to expand this base effectively:
- Is noise a factor in indoor/outdoor facilities?
- How do single-use outdoor membership facilities operate during inclement weather?
- Can single-use indoor/outdoor membership facilities compete with city-owned public parks and recreation facilities regarding player access and affordability?
- Will single-use membership facility-access fees deter the recreational player base?
The Pick a Ball Club conceptual business model and strategy addresses these questions.