Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads.
If you ever wondered when was pickleball invented, the short answer is 1965. But the full story is far richer and more fun. In this guide, I break down the real origin, the name debate, and why it spread so fast. You will get clear facts, timelines, and tips from years of playing and coaching. Stick around to learn when was pickleball invented and how it became a global hit.
The Summer of 1965: How It All Began
The question of when was pickleball invented leads us to a summer afternoon on Bainbridge Island. Congressman Joel Pritchard, his friend Bill Bell, and neighbor Barney McCallum wanted a game for their kids. They had a badminton court but no shuttlecock. So they grabbed a perforated plastic ball and made paddles from plywood.
They lowered the net. They set easy rules. The goal was simple fun. It worked. Kids and adults loved the soft feel and quick rallies. By fall, the game had a name and a fast-growing fan base.
Where did “pickleball” come from? Two stories exist. One credits the “pickle boat” term from rowing. It means a crew made from leftovers. The other credits the family dog, Pickles, who loved to chase the ball. Family notes say the pickle boat story came first, and the dog was named later. Still, both tales live on today. That is part of the charm.
A Simple Game With Borrowed Parts
The sport began with borrowed bits from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. That mix made it easy to learn and hard to outgrow.
Core court and gear
- Court size is 20 by 44 feet, the same as doubles badminton.
- The net is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches in the middle.
- Players use a composite or wood paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
Basic rules in plain words
- Serve underhand and hit the ball cross-court.
- The ball must bounce once on the serve and once on the return.
- Do not volley in the non-volley zone, also called the kitchen.
- Most games go to 11, win by 2.
I teach new players these four rules first. We drill them for ten minutes. Then we play. Confidence builds fast. That is why the sport spread so quickly from the day when was pickleball invented to now.
Timeline: From Backyard to Boom
If you search when was pickleball invented, you will see one date. But the path from idea to boom took time. Here is a simple timeline to follow.
- 1965: Three dads create the game on Bainbridge Island.
- 1967: The first permanent court is built in a friend’s backyard on the island.
- 1972: Pickle-Ball, Inc. forms to protect the rules and gear standards.
- 1976: The first known tournament takes place in Tukwila, Washington.
- 1984: A national body forms and a formal rulebook is shared.
- 2001: The Arizona Senior Olympics adds the sport, and turnout is huge.
- 2009: The first modern national championships are held in Arizona.
- 2010: An international federation launches to guide global growth.
- 2020s: Club openings, pro tours, and TV coverage soar.
This arc shows steady growth. The sport moved from yard fun to a set of clear rules. Then it became a global scene. That is the long view behind the short phrase, when was pickleball invented.
Why It Caught On So Fast
Big booms do not happen by luck. The sport fits real needs. It is social, fast, and kind on the body.
What makes it stick
- Low barrier to start. One lesson and you can rally.
- Small court. Less running and more fun shots.
- Great for all ages. Kids, parents, and grandparents can play together.
- Low cost. A paddle, a few balls, and court shoes are enough.
- Strong community. Drop-in play welcomes new faces.
Industry reports show sharp growth in the past few years. There are now well over 13 million players in the United States. Many ask when was pickleball invented because it feels new. But its roots go back to 1965. The magic is how fresh it still feels.
Gear and Court Basics Today
Since when was pickleball invented in 1965, gear has improved a lot. Early paddles were plywood. Now we have carbon fiber faces, honeycomb cores, and textured surfaces for spin.
Buying tips from the court
- Start with a midweight paddle. It is easy on the arm.
- Try different grips. A tacky overgrip can help you hold firm.
- Wear court shoes. Good grip protects your knees and ankles.
- Use outdoor or indoor balls as needed. Outdoor balls are stiffer with smaller holes.
Court lines look simple, but they matter. Respect the kitchen. Aim deep serves. Keep your returns high and long. These small wins stack up fast.
Lessons From My First Few Years Playing
I used to wonder when was pickleball invented and why it felt so fast to learn. Then I played my first ladder night and learned real lessons.
What helped me most
- I learned the kitchen first. It saved me from easy faults.
- I worked on a soft third shot drop. It changed my game.
- I kept serves simple and deep. Free points came with low risk.
- I watched better players and copied one thing per session.
Mistakes to avoid
- Do not swing like tennis on every ball. Shorter strokes win here.
- Do not stand too far back. Own the net when you can.
- Do not ignore warm-ups. My only elbow pain came when I skipped them.
These habits made me a better partner and a calmer player. You can copy them today.
Myths and Misconceptions About the Origin
People often ask when was pickleball invented and who named it. Let’s clear up common myths.
- The dog named the sport. The cute dog story is popular. Family notes say the pickle boat term came first, and the dog was named later.
- It was made only for kids. Adults loved it from day one. The founders played as much as the kids did.
- It is just mini tennis. The two-bounce rule and the kitchen change the game. Strategy, not size, sets it apart.
When you hear mixed stories, look for early records and family accounts. They give the firmest clues about day one and the name.
Frequently Asked Questions of when was pickleball invented
When was pickleball invented and by whom?
It was invented in 1965 by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They created it on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Where exactly was pickleball first played?
The first games were at Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island. A friend’s yard later hosted the first permanent court.
Why do people argue about the name?
Some say it came from a family dog named Pickles. Others cite the “pickle boat” term from rowing; family accounts support that story.
How have the rules changed since 1965?
The core stayed the same, but details evolved as the sport grew. The rulebook now standardizes serves, the kitchen, and scoring.
Is there a simple way to remember when was pickleball invented?
Yes. When was pickleball invented? Think “1965 summer, three dads, Bainbridge Island.”
What makes 1965 so important in pickleball history?
It marks the start of the sport and its first rules. Every tournament and league today traces back to that summer.
Did the sport spread fast after 1965?
It grew locally first, then by clubs and senior games. The 2000s and 2020s brought national and global growth.
Conclusion
Now you know when was pickleball invented, who built it, and why it grew so fast. The sport blends simple rules with smart play. It is easy to start and deep enough to enjoy for years.
If you have not played yet, grab a paddle and try a drop-in. If you play already, teach a friend the kitchen and the two-bounce rule. Want more? Subscribe for guides, drills, and gear tips. Then share your own story of when was pickleball invented for you—the day you first stepped on court and fell in love.