The Connection’s Pickleball Grand Opening is Saturday April 23rd from 1- 3 pm. We look forward to seeing you there! 

2022 Pickleball Fact Sheet 

Pickleball is a fun, social and friendly court sport played on a badminton-sized court with the net set to a height of 34 inches at the center. It is played with a perforated plastic ball and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles. It can be played indoors or outdoors, as singles or doubles,  and is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. The game has developed a passionate following due to its friendly, social nature, and its multi-generational appeal. New players can learn the basic rules quickly in a single session. Other than good supportive sneakers, no special apparel is needed – just something comfortable and appropriate for a court sport. Equipment is inexpensive and easily portable. The game can be played by all ages and is particularly popular in school P.E. programs and in adult living communities. The sport is governed by the USA Pickleball Association (USAPickleball.org), which maintains the rules, promotes the sport, sanctions tournaments, and provides player ratings. 

Some history (ie, where did that  funny name come from ?)

2022 marks the 57th anniversary of pickleball, as it was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington by three enterprising dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Their children were bored with their usual summertime activities. It evolved from the original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout North America and is now taking off in other parts of the world. The origin of the game’s name is very interesting, especially since no pickles are used. Accounts of how the name originated differ. According to Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan,  she started calling the game pickleball because “The combination of different sports reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” However, according to Barney McCallum, the game was officially named after the Pritchards’ dog Pickles who would chase the ball and run off with it. According to McCallum, “The Pritchards had a dog named Pickles, and you’re having fun at a party, right? So anyways, what the hell, let’s just call it pickleball.” Others claim both accounts may be true. In the early years, no official name was assigned to the game. However, a year or two after the game was invented, the Pritchards’ purchased a cocker spaniel and named it Pickles. As the game progressed, an official name was needed and “pickleball” was it.  

This event is for The Connection members only and pre-registration is required.

Please email or call Sangeeta at sangeeta.benbow@theconnectiononline.org or 908 273-4242 x. 133 John Neglia, the Union County Pickleball Ambassador, and 3 of his colleagues will provide a demo and clinic. This is open to Connection members of all pickleball levels, but especially for those who have never played before. We have the equipment; just wear good sneakers and comfortable clothing. Gifts for the first 25 registrants, and water and a light snack for all.  More details on our website (news, activities and events banner) and social media.