If you’ve ever played or even watched a game, you’ve likely heard the phrase “C’mon!” ring out across the court. But did you know that this little word carries a lot of history and significance in the pickleball world?
To understand why “C’mon” is so significant, you’ve got to know a bit about pickleball’s quirky origins. Picture this: It’s 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum – are trying to entertain their bored kids. They grab a mishmash of sports equipment, including a badminton net, ping-pong paddles, and a Wiffle ball. What started as a way to kill time quickly evolved into what we now know as pickleball.
Back in those early days, the game was all about having fun and friendly competition. The rules were loose, and the spirit was light-hearted. “C’mon” wasn’t just a word; it was a signal of excitement, camaraderie, and sometimes, a little bit of frustration when a shot didn’t go as planned. Players would shout “C’mon!” to encourage themselves, rally their partners, or even just to express their sheer enjoyment of the game.
Click the link below to go to our About page to learn how the term c'mon has evolved through the years and why it still matters today!