World Pickleball Championship: What Is It and Why Do RVers Love the Sport?

 

Do you have what it takes to compete in the first ever $100,000 World Pickleball Championship event being held in Florida this December? Are you a longtime advocate and fan of the sport? Do want to see the action in person over the course of four exciting days? Are you an RVer that has no idea what we're talking about but are intrigued by the idea of a sport called "Pickelball?" Let us go back to 1965.

 



 

THE HISTORY
Pickeball is a paddle sport created in the 1960s on Bainbridge Island by three fathers - Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Legend has it, while on summer vacation their children, bored with the usual summer activities complained about their idol time. The fathers then came up with a simple game of paddles and points. When the Pritchards' dog Pickels kept grabbing the ball and running off with it, they decided to name the sport after him. There are a few conflicting stories about how the name was formed but eventually, this simple summer pastime turned into an internationally recognized sport that has gained attraction among many types of people of all ages, including RVers.

 



 

HOW DO YOU PLAY?
Pickleball combines many elements of ping-pong, badminton and tennis. The game is played on a 20' X 44' court. The ball is served diagonally and points are only scored by the side that serves. Players on each side must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed and there is a seven-foot no-volley zone on each side of the net - so for all you tennis players, this is a no-spiking sport. The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until he faults. The team that scores 11 points while leading by two wins! As with many other paddle sports, Pickleball can be played with singles or doubles.

WHY RVERS LOVE IT
Pickleball is a sport for everyone. With simple rules, no official uniforms and courts across the nation, Pickleball may be the unofficial sport for RVers. It's excellent for all ages, can be played with a group or as singles and is the perfect way to meet fellow travelers while getting exercise a few feet from your RV doorstep. It's enjoyable to watch, easy to pick up and an all around wholesome American pastime.

 



 

EVENT DETAILS FOR THE WORLD PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Until December 1st you can register for the tournament held in Florida to try your hand at being crowned as one of 60 world champions that will take a title over the course of the 4-day championship event.
When: December 27 - 30, 2019
Where: PicklePlex in Punta Gorda, Florida
Registration: You can register in one of three categories - Age, Senior Pro or Pro. Each category has multiple divisions and skill levels. Click here to learn which category option is best for you.
Tickets: If you're interested in watching the 4-day event, tickets range from VIP to General Day Admission. Click here to purchase your tickets to the tournament.

Looking for more information on the event? Check out Wold Pickleball Championship and let us know in the comment section below if you're headed to the event next month!