Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends.
Curious minds often ask what year was pickleball invented because the sport feels so new. Yet its roots are clear, rich, and well-documented. I’ve spent years studying the game’s story and teaching its basics. In this guide, I’ll break down what year was pickleball invented, who started it, and how it grew so fast. You’ll get facts, myths, and easy tips you can use today.
The origin at a glance: 1965 on Bainbridge Island
The short answer to what year was pickleball invented is 1965. It began as a backyard game for family fun. The founders were Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and their neighbor Barney McCallum. They shaped a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.
They used a badminton court, a plastic ball, and wood paddles. The goal was simple fun for all ages. That summer fix became a sport with real rules. What year was pickleball invented is 1965, and the place was Bainbridge Island.
A quick timeline from 1965 to today
- 1965: What year was pickleball invented? 1965. The backyard game begins.
- 1967: The first permanent court goes up at a friend’s home.
- 1972: The founders form a company to protect the game.
- 1976: Early national media coverage boosts interest.
- 1984: A national group forms to govern rules and growth.
- 2009–2019: Courts spread in parks, gyms, and clubs.
- 2020–2023: Huge boom as people seek safe, social play.
- Today: Millions play worldwide. Pro tours and clubs thrive.
This path shows steady growth over decades. The sport’s simple start in 1965 set the tone. Ask what year was pickleball invented, and you unlock the whole story.
Why 1965? Sorting facts from myths
People still debate the name. Some say it came from the family dog, Pickles. Others tie it to the “pickle boat” in crew, which is a mixed team. Early notes suggest the dog came a bit later. That points to the crew story as the root.
What year was pickleball invented is not in doubt. Records, photos, and early rule sheets confirm 1965. The exact naming tale has two paths, but both lead back to that same summer. It is wise to accept both stories while holding firm to the year.
The founders and the first rules
Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell set things up one summer day. Barney McCallum joined to help shape fair play. They lowered a net from badminton height to make longer rallies. They used a perforated plastic ball and wood paddles cut in a garage.
They set a “no-volley zone” near the net to stop slamming. This zone kept points long and fun. Scoring was simple. Games went to 11 and you scored only on serve. When people ask what year was pickleball invented, it also helps to share these early rules.
How the game spread and why it stuck
At first, friends and neighbors played. Then parks and rec programs tried the game. A national body formed in the 1980s and set standards. Tournaments and manuals helped coaches teach the sport the same way.
The big boom came with easy access to courts and low-cost gear. People of all ages could learn it in one session. Social play made it stick. When you search what year was pickleball invented, you will also see why it keeps growing. It is fast, low impact, and feels like play from day one.
Gear evolution from plywood to paddles you love
The first paddles were cut from plywood. They were heavy but tough. Makers then tried fiberglass faces and honeycomb cores. Graphite and carbon faces came next. Today, paddles tune power, spin, and control to match your style.
Balls split into indoor and outdoor types. Indoor balls are softer with fewer holes. Outdoor balls are harder and resist wind. The court size stayed steady at 20 by 44 feet. The kitchen line stayed key. What year was pickleball invented is 1965, but the gear keeps getting better.
Lessons for new players from the 1965 backyard
Serve simple and deep. Keep it in play. Aim for the middle to cut errors. Move as a team at the net. Dink with soft hands to set up the put-away.
Here is a trick I use when I show friends the game. Count to three on each swing: set, hit, hold. It slows your mind and smooths motion. When people ask what year was pickleball invented, I tell them 1965. Then I add that the best way to honor that origin is to keep it fun.
How to fact-check the origin story
You can verify what year was pickleball invented with a few steps.
- Check early rulebooks and club records. Look for dates and names.
- Read local history notes from Bainbridge Island. Photos help confirm places and people.
- Review old news pieces and sports magazines from the 1970s and 1980s.
- Compare timelines from national groups and event programs.
- Talk to long-time players. Oral history adds color to the facts.
Use more than one source. If two or three match, you can trust the year. What year was pickleball invented will keep coming up as 1965 across reliable records.
Frequently Asked Questions of what year was pickleball invented
Who invented pickleball and in what year?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created pickleball in 1965. They built it as a family game in a yard on Bainbridge Island.
Where was pickleball invented?
It was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The first games were on a backyard badminton court.
Why is it called pickleball?
Two stories exist. One links it to the “pickle boat” in crew, and another to a family dog named Pickles.
What were the first rules like?
They set a low net, a no-volley zone, and rally-focused play. Scoring went to 11, and only the server scored.
When did pickleball become popular?
It grew slowly for decades, then boomed after 2010. Community courts, social play, and new gear sped up growth.
Is 1965 the agreed year among historians?
Yes, 1965 is the widely accepted year across records and timelines. Some naming details vary, but the year does not.
How does knowing the year help new players?
It frames the sport’s purpose: simple, social play. Keeping that in mind helps you focus on rallies, not power.
Conclusion
What year was pickleball invented? It was 1965, and that simple backyard start still guides the sport today. The founders built a game that is easy to learn, social, and fair. The rules and gear evolved, but the heart stayed the same.
Take this history to the court. Keep your serve simple, your dinks soft, and your mindset light. Want more tips, deep dives, and drills? Subscribe, share your questions in the comments, and join the growing community.