Dinks, Drives, and Lake Cumberland Vibes: Why Everyone in Pulaski County is Obsessed with Pickleball

How a Backyard Pastime Picked Up Pulaski County and Won’t Let Go

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Somerset, Kentucky (SPA)—Walk past a local gym or city park on any given weekday evening, and you’ll likely hear it: a distinctive pop-clack-pop echoing across modified courts, followed by laughter, cheerful banter, and the occasional competitive groan.

Pickleball—once considered a quirky backyard pastime—has exploded into the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, this accessible paddle sport is sweeping the nation, and the Somerset–Pulaski County area in Kentucky is right at the epicenter of the local craze.

From Bainbridge Island Backyard to Global Craze

Pickleball’s origin story begins in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, a congressman, and Bill Bell, a successful businessman, returned home after a round of golf to find their families bored with nothing to do.

With an old badminton court on the property, they looked for equipment but couldn’t find a full set of rackets. Resourceful and improvised, they grabbed plastic ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic whiffle ball and lowered the badminton net. Along with a third friend, Barney McCallum, they crafted initial rules designed to create a sport the whole family could play together.

As for the legendary name? Two stories exist:

1. The Official Tale: Pritchard’s wife, Joan, referred to it as a "pickle boat" reference—a term from rowing where leftover oarsmen are mashed together into a crew.

2. The Fan Favorite: It was named after the Pritchard family dog, Pickles, who loved chasing the ball and running off with it during early games.

Whatever the true root of its moniker, by 1976, the first known pickleball tournament was held, and the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was eventually formed to govern the rapidly evolving sport.

Equipment and Core Rules: Easy to Learn, Hard to Master

The Gear Needed

• The Paddle: Mid-sized between a ping-pong paddle and a tennis racket, typically constructed from lightweight composite materials like carbon fiber, graphite, or fiberglass.

• The Ball: A lightweight plastic sphere with drilled holes (similar to a whiffle ball). Outdoor balls are slightly heavier with smaller holes to withstand wind, while indoor balls are softer with larger holes.

• The Court: Measuring 20 by 44 feet—the exact dimensions of a doubles badminton court—with a net set at 34 inches high in the center.

Signature Rules

• The Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen"): The 7-foot area on either side of the net is off-limits for hitting a ball out of the air (a volley). Players can only enter the Kitchen if the ball has bounced in it first.

• The Double-Bounce Rule: When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and the serving team must also let the return bounce before hitting it. After two bounces, teams can either volley or play off the bounce.

• Underhand Serving: All serves must be hit underhand with paddle contact below waist level.

• Serving Team Scores Only: Points can only be scored by the team currently serving, with standard games usually played to 11 points (win by 2).

How Pickleball Compares to Other Racket Sports

While pickleball borrows concepts from classical racket sports, subtle mechanical differences give it a completely unique dynamic.

• Why it beats tennis for casual play: Tennis requires significant court coverage and technical swing mechanics. Pickleball’s smaller court reduces wear on knees and joints while allowing for quick, high-energy rallies.

• Why it beats racquetball: Racquetball is enclosed and fast-paced, making it high-impact. Pickleball offers outdoor versatility and a tactical, chess-like game at the net.

• Why it beats badminton: Rather than high, soaring shuttlecocks that drop vertically, pickleball features unpredictable bounces and fast exchanges right at net height.

In Somerset and throughout Pulaski County, pickleball is no longer just a trend—it's a staple of local community health, recreation, and social connection.

Where Local Players Gather

The area boasts a growing list of public parks, community gyms, and indoor venues:

• Cumberland Paddle Barn (Somerset): A premier facility offering dedicated indoor concrete courts with professional-grade surfaces, open play, and court rentals for year-round action.

• Rocky Hollow Recreation Center: A local hub through Somerset Parks & Recreation offering open indoor court time and community play.

• Local Churches & Gyms: Community venues such as First Baptist Somerset, Oak Hill, Beacon Hill, and Pleasant Hill frequently host indoor games on wooden gym floors.

• Woodson Bend Resort (Bronston): Features dedicated outdoor courts for seasonal play overlooking Lake Cumberland.

Organized Clinics and Events

Local entities have stepped up to help newcomers learn the game. Organizations like the Somerset Recreation Club regularly host multi-week beginner and intermediate clinics taught by certified instructors. Local round-robins and friendly tournaments are organized through community groups, giving players of all ages—from teenagers to retirees—a competitive outlet.

Resources for Beginners Looking to Play

Ready to pick up a paddle and jump into the local scene? Here are the best ways to get started:

• PlayTime Scheduler (playtimescheduler.com): The primary web platform used locally in Somerset and Pulaski County to coordinate games, find open court sessions, and see skill-level meetups.

• Pickleheads (pickleheads.com): A comprehensive national court finder featuring local player counts, schedules, and reviews for courts around the Lake Cumberland area.

• USA Pickleball (usapickleball.org): The official governing body website, complete with video rule breakdowns, referee guides, and training tips.

• Somerset Parks & Recreation: Keep an eye on local city announcements via the official website (cityofsomerset.com/parks-and-recreation) for court scheduling and community clinic updates.

Whether you’re seeking a fast-paced cardio workout, a new hobby to share with family, or simply a fun way to meet neighbors in Pulaski County, pickleball delivers on every front. Grab a paddle, head down to your nearest court, and see why this sport has everyone talking!