News & Events

Pickleball is a paddle sport (similar to a racquet sport) that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Two, three, or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules somewhat similar to tennis, with several modifications. Pickleball was invented in the mid 1960s as a children’s backyard pastime but has become one of America’s most popular growing sports among all ages. The popularity grew as rapidly as NBC in its report on Pickleball announced the game as the fastest growing sport in America (click here to watch the report).

The game started during the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the home of former State Representative Joel Pritchard who, in 1972, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and eventually went on to become Lieutenant Governor of Washington. He and two of his friends, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, returned from golf and found their families bored one Saturday afternoon. They attempted to set up badminton, but no one could find the shuttlecock. They improvised with a Wiffle ball, lowered the badminton net, and fabricated paddles of plywood from a nearby shed. Although some sources claim that the name “Pickleball” was derived from that of the Pritchard’s family dog, Pickles, the name actually came from the term “pickle boat”, referring to the last boat to return with its catch. According to Joan Pritchard, Joel Pritchard’s wife, the name came “after I said it reminded me of the Pickle Boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats. Somehow the idea the name came from our dog Pickles was attached to the naming of the game, but Pickles wasn’t on the scene for two more years. The dog was named from the game.

Pickleball at Fitness on 25th

Pickleball is perhaps one of the most successful programs at Fitness on 25th. Since we started the program in September 2016, we received very positive feedback together with a growing demand. Having a nice and refreshing exercise while enjoying the game and making new friends is the experience you will receive when you participate. The nice positive atmosphere is perhaps the most important thing we have successfully created which has formed our “Pickleball Community”.

It’s not only about playing Pickleball… It’s more about having a quality time while playing sports.

If you know how to play the sport, join our fun “Pick Up Games” sessions. We play on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30pm to 4:15pm and on Fridays from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.

If you have not tried this sport before or you want to improve, then our “Learn to Play” session is where you need to go! We have experienced coaches who can teach you how to play this fun sport. Our “Learn to Play” session is on Tuesdays from 10:00am to 11:00am.

Pickleball Tournament at Fitness on 25th!

In order to better promote and deliver the sport of Pickleball, Fitness on 25th is looking forward to expanding its services in order to meet with the increasing demands from its members for the game. What we have in mind right is setting up a tournament, adding another “Pick Up Games” session and another “Learn to Play” session.

We have started a survey by which we can gather opinions from those who are interested. If you are also interested, please participate in our survey by filling out a questionnaire that we have put at the front desk.