Pickleball started on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in the summer of 1965.
Curious about where did pickleball start and how a backyard game became a global sport? I’ve studied the sport’s roots, walked the island where it began, and spoken with long-time players. In this guide, I’ll break down where did pickleball start, who sparked it, and why its origin still shapes how we play today.
Where did pickleball start? The true origin story
The clearest answer to where did pickleball start points to Bainbridge Island, Washington. It was a sunny summer in 1965 at the home of Joel Pritchard, a congressman and dad, and his friend Bill Bell. Their families wanted something easy and fun to play together.
They grabbed a perforated plastic ball and a badminton net, then lowered the net. They tried table tennis paddles first, but the ball needed something bigger. That day on Bainbridge is where did pickleball start, and it still feels like it.
Meet the founders and the first game
Three neighbors shaped the first version of the game. Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell improvised the first match. Within days, Barney McCallum joined in and helped create better paddles from plywood.
They tinkered fast. They marked lines on an old badminton court. They lowered the net to around 36 inches. They wrote simple rules so kids and adults could both win points. Their goal was clear. Keep the ball in play. Make it easy to learn. Make it hard to put down.
Why the name “pickleball” has two stories
There are two main stories about the name. One says it came from Pickles, the Pritchard family dog, who chased the ball into the bushes. Another says it came from “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a mixed crew of leftover oarsmen. The game, built from parts of other sports, felt like that boat.
Both stories show up in early interviews. Family accounts say the dog joined the family after the game began, which may favor the pickle boat story. Still, many players love the dog tale. That’s part of the charm. The origin is friendly, not stiff.
The first court, rules, and gear evolve
Within two years, the group built a more permanent court on Bainbridge Island. Early newspaper notes and local records back this up. Paddles moved from improvised plywood to better cuts in McCallum’s workshop. The court settled at 20 by 44 feet, the same size used today.
Key rules formed to keep rallies long and fair:
- The non-volley zone, often called the kitchen, stopped easy smashes at the net.
- The serve was underhand to help beginners get started.
- The double-bounce rule made points last longer, which fit family play.
The net height set a smooth pace. It sits at 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center. That balance is a big reason the game grew so fast.
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From backyard to a movement: how the sport spread
Word spread across the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s. Articles, demos, and park programs brought the game from driveways to community centers. By the mid-1980s, an organized rulebook helped standardize play. Tournaments popped up, and more permanent courts followed.
A formal national body organized efforts in the 1980s and then again in the 2000s as demand surged. A major national championship launched in the late 2000s. By the 2010s, where did pickleball start was a common question as play exploded across the country. Today, millions play, and courts are now found in schools, gyms, cruise ships, and parks worldwide.
Bainbridge Island today: visiting the birthplace
If you want to feel where did pickleball start, go to Bainbridge Island. It is a short ferry ride from Seattle. Local signs, stories, and community courts honor the game’s start. You can play a few casual games and soak in the gentle island vibe.
I met volunteers who keep the lore alive for new players. They share how the game began with kids running around and parents laughing. When you stand there, the story feels real. You see how a simple idea can travel the world.
What the origin teaches today’s players
The origin shows why the sport feels welcoming. It was born from family fun, not strict competition. That spirit guides how clubs teach new players and how leagues welcome first-timers.
Key lessons from the start:
- Keep it simple. Clear rules help everyone play.
- Build for rallies. The kitchen and serve rules keep the ball moving.
- Use what you have. A driveway, a chalk line, and a plastic ball can be enough.
- Focus on people. The founders tweaked the game to make smiles last longer.
When we ask where did pickleball start, we also ask why it still wins hearts. The answer is connection.
Recreate the original Bainbridge feel at home
Want your own throwback session that honors where did pickleball start? Try this simple setup.
- Use a driveway or a quiet street. Mark a 20-by-44-foot space with chalk.
- Set a portable net. Keep it at 36 inches on the sides and 34 inches in the center.
- Choose a light, perforated ball. A standard outdoor plastic ball works well.
- Pick a beginner-friendly paddle. A midweight composite or wood paddle is fine.
- Start with short games to 7 or 11. Use the double-bounce rule, and call the kitchen lines kindly.
For a fun twist, share the name story before you play. Ask your group which tale they like best. The dog or the boat? Either way, you are tapping into the same spirit that started it all.
Frequently Asked Questions of where did pickleball start
What year did pickleball begin?
Pickleball began in the summer of 1965. The first games were played on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Who invented pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum shaped the first rules and gear. They built the game for family play.
Why is it called pickleball?
Two stories exist. One credits a family dog named Pickles; another cites a “pickle boat” in rowing that mixes leftover oarsmen.
Where was the first permanent court?
A permanent court was built on Bainbridge Island in the late 1960s. Local accounts point to early backyard courts by the founders and neighbors.
How did the rules evolve?
Rules formed to keep rallies going and welcome new players. The kitchen, double-bounce rule, and underhand serve are key examples.
Is there proof of where did pickleball start?
Yes. Local records, early media reports, and interviews with the founders’ families confirm the Bainbridge Island origin. The timeline is consistent across sources.
How did the sport spread from its start?
It grew through parks, schools, and community centers. Standard rules, tournaments, and a national body pushed it nationwide and beyond.
Conclusion
So, where did pickleball start? It started on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965, with families who wanted a simple, shared game. Their tweaks to a backyard setup turned into a sport that now fills parks and gyms around the world.
If this story inspires you, grab a ball and a net and try a Bainbridge-style setup this week. Keep it simple, invite a friend, and let the rallies tell the story. Want more deep dives like this? Subscribe for updates, share this with a new player, or drop a comment with your favorite origin myth—dog or boat?