When Was Pickleball Invented? History of Pickleball

If you've ever found yourself on a pickleball court, paddle in hand, wondering, "When was pickleball invented?" you're not alone. Pickleball's rapid rise in popularity has left many curious about its origins. Where did pickleball originate? Who invented pickleball? And, perhaps most intriguingly, why is it called pickleball? This guide will dive into the fascinating history of the game that has captivated so many players of all ages and skill levels.

The Birth of Pickleball: A Game Born Out of Necessity

When did pickleball start? The story of pickleball begins in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, a small island located just a short ferry ride from Seattle. The game was invented by three dads—Joel Pritchard, a congressman, Bill Bell, a successful businessman, and Barney McCallum, an innovative entrepreneur—who were simply trying to entertain their bored children during the long summer days. These three men, with a dash of creativity and a bit of improvisation, laid the foundation for what would become one of the most beloved sports in the United States and beyond.

The initial idea was to set up a game of badminton, but as fate would have it, they couldn’t find a complete set of badminton equipment. Instead, they improvised with what they had—a perforated plastic ball, a net set at badminton height (later lowered to a more suitable level), and handmade paddles crafted from plywood. And thus, the first game of pickleball was born in the Pritchard family’s backyard. The game quickly became a hit, not just with the children but with the adults as well.

Where did pickleball originate? Bainbridge Island was the cradle of pickleball, where the inventors and their families spent countless hours refining the game. The early days were marked by experimentation. The rules were fluid, and the equipment was rudimentary, but the joy the game brought was undeniable. As the game grew in popularity among family and friends, it became clear that pickleball was more than just a temporary backyard pastime; it was a game with the potential to reach far beyond the shores of Bainbridge Island.

Why Is It Called Pickleball?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the sport is, "Why is it called pickleball?" The origin of the name is as charming as it is debated. According to one popular story, the game was named after the Pritchard family's dog, Pickles. Pickles was known for his playful spirit and would often chase after the ball during games, prompting the family to dub the new game "pickleball." It’s a fun and lighthearted story that certainly fits the inclusive and playful nature of the sport.

However, there’s another version of the story that offers a different explanation. According to Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, the name “pickleball” actually comes from the term "pickle boat," which refers to the last boat to return with its catch in a rowing crew—often made up of oarsmen from various other boats. Similarly, pickleball was a mash-up of several different sports, borrowing elements from badminton, tennis, and table tennis. This story highlights the sport's humble beginnings and its patchwork nature.

Whichever version you prefer, the name "pickleball" has undoubtedly contributed to the sport's charm and appeal. It’s a name that’s easy to remember, a bit quirky, and completely unique—just like the game itself.

Who Invented Pickleball?

To answer the question "Who invented pickleball?" we must give credit to the collaborative efforts of Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Each of these men played a pivotal role in shaping the game. Joel Pritchard, who was a sitting U.S. congressman at the time, had a knack for bringing people together, and his vision for the game was that it could be a social activity that encouraged family bonding and community interaction. Bill Bell, with his background in business, understood the importance of making the game simple and accessible to ensure it could be enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults.

Barney McCallum, the third co-inventor, was instrumental in formalizing the rules and promoting the game beyond their circle of friends and family. McCallum’s entrepreneurial spirit helped transform pickleball from a backyard novelty into a sport with a standardized set of rules and equipment. He was also one of the first to see the potential for pickleball to be more than just a pastime—it could be a competitive sport.

Together, these three men created a game that was easy to learn, inclusive, and, most importantly, fun. Their combined efforts ensured that pickleball was more than just a fleeting trend—it was a game that had the potential to endure and grow.

The Evolution of Pickleball

As we've established, the game took root in 1965. But how did it grow from a modest backyard activity to a major sport that people now enjoy worldwide?

In the early years, pickleball was primarily played in the Pacific Northwest, where the inventors resided. The game’s appeal spread quickly among friends and neighbors, who were drawn to its simplicity and the way it encouraged both casual play and spirited competition. As word spread, more and more people wanted to learn the game, leading to its expansion beyond Bainbridge Island.

The first major milestone in pickleball’s growth came in 1972, when the first permanent pickleball court was constructed in the backyard of Bob O’Brian, a neighbor of the Pritchards. This marked a significant shift from makeshift courts in driveways and backyards to dedicated spaces designed specifically for pickleball. With a proper court, the game’s rules and scoring began to solidify, and its popularity continued to rise.

By 1976, pickleball had grown to the point where the first known pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington. Although th