Opinion: Community and inclusivity aspects fuel pickleball's rise despite tennis friction
Last Edited
Mar 19 2025
Category
Community
Editor's note: This piece was originally posted in The Kitchen's Facebook group by reader Jacob Bijo.
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the world, has captured the hearts of millions with its unique blend of fun, accessibility and community spirit.
But as its popularity soars, it faces an unexpected adversary: the tennis community.
From dismissing it as “not a real sport” to attempting to claim it as their own, tennis enthusiasts have repeatedly tried to undermine pickleball’s legitimacy. But here’s the truth: Pickleball is not a derivative of tennis, nor is it a passing fad. It is a distinct sport with its own roots, philosophy, and identity — and it’s here to stay.
A brief history of pickleball: Born from fun, built for everyone
Pickleball originated in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum set out to create a game their families could enjoy together.
Using a badminton court, makeshift wooden paddles and a perforated plastic ball, they crafted a sport that was easy to learn, endlessly entertaining and inclusive for all ages and skill levels.
The name “Pickleball” itself has a charming origin story — some say it was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who loved chasing the ball. Others claim it refers to the “pickle boat” in crew, where leftover oarsmen are thrown together. Either way, the name reflects the sport’s playful, community-driven spirit.
From its humble beginnings, Pickleball spread like wildfire. It became a staple in retirement communities, parks, and recreation centers, not because it was forced upon people, but because it brought joy, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Today there are nearly 14 million players in the U.S. alone and is growing rapidly worldwide.
The tennis community’s identity crisis: From ridicule to co-optation
As Pickleball gained traction, the tennis community responded with a mix of ridicule and envy. At first, they dismissed it as “not a real sport,” claiming it lacked the athleticism and sophistication of tennis.
When that didn’t stop its growth, they shifted tactics, calling it a “clone of tennis” and insisting it would never stand on its own. Now, as Pickleball courts outnumber tennis courts in many areas and professional leagues attract millions in investments, the narrative has changed again.
Tennis players and organizations are suddenly eager to claim ownership, arguing that tennis players are “best suited” to lead the pickleball movement. This isn’t just misguided — it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes pickleball unique.
Pickleball vs. tennis: A clash of philosophies
At their core, Pickleball and tennis are not just different sports — they represent entirely different philosophies.
Community vs. Competition
Tennis is often described as a “gentleman’s war,” where players face off in intense, individual battles. It’s a sport of power, precision and dominance. Pickleball, on the other hand, is a medley of collaboration and camaraderie.
The smaller court, underhand serve and “kitchen” rules encourage longer rallies, strategic play and a focus on fun over ferocity. It’s a sport where strangers become friends and games often end with laughter, not just scores.
Inclusivity vs. exclusivity
Tennis has long been associated with elitism, from its country club origins to its expensive equipment and private coaching.
Pickleball breaks down these barriers. With affordable paddles, simple rules, and courts that fit in a fraction of the space, it’s a sport for everyone — whether you’re 8 or 80, a seasoned athlete or a first-time player.
Advantage to the opponent vs. advantage to the self
In tennis, the goal is to overpower your opponent with speed, spin and strategy. The louder the grunt, the harder the hit, the better.
In pickleball, the ethos is different. The underhand serve and non-volley zone (the “kitchen”) level the playing field, emphasizing skill and strategy over brute force. It’s a sport where you’re encouraged to give your opponent a chance to return the ball, creating longer, more engaging rallies.
Why pickleball stands alone
Pickleball’s success isn’t just about its gameplay — it’s about its soul. It’s a sport that prioritizes connection over conquest, fun over fame and community over competition.
While tennis players may bring transferable skills to the pickleball court, they don’t own its spirit. Pickleball’s identity is rooted in its grassroots origins, its adaptability and its ability to bring people together.
The tennis community’s attempts to claim pickleball as their own are not just futile -- they’re disrespectful to the millions of players who have embraced the sport for what it is: a unique, inclusive and joyful experience.
Conclusion: Pickleball’s future is bright — and independent
Pickleball’s journey from a backyard game to a global phenomenon is a testament to its innovative spirit and community-driven ethos. It’s a sport that has carved its own path, defying skeptics and winning hearts along the way.
As we celebrate pickleball’s rise, let’s also defend its identity. It’s not a clone of tennis, nor is it a fad. It’s a sport with its own history, culture and future — one that belongs to the players, the communities and the dreamers who have made it what it is today.
So, to the tennis community: instead of trying to claim Pickleball, why not pick up a paddle and experience its magic for yourself? You might just find that it’s not about who owns the sport — it’s about who enjoys it.
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