Pickleball was invented in Washington State, on Bainbridge Island, in 1965.
Curious minds want details, and I’ve spent years playing, coaching, and digging into the sport’s roots. In this guide, we’ll unpack what state was pickleball invented in, how it started, who built it, and why it still matters. You’ll get history, tips, and a clear, friendly take that answers what state was pickleball invented in while giving you more context than a quick search can.
The birthplace: Bainbridge Island, Washington
If you’re asking what state was pickleball invented in, the answer is Washington. Three neighbors on Bainbridge Island—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—pulled together a game for their families in the summer of 1965. They lowered a badminton net, grabbed a perforated plastic ball, and cut plywood paddles in a garage. That simple setup became the sport we love.
The early court was improvised but clever. The size matched a doubles badminton court. The serve was underhand to keep rallies going. The “kitchen,” or non-volley zone, stopped easy smashes at the net. This made play fast, fair, and fun for all ages.
I first played near Seattle on a damp morning. The court was slick, the air cool, and the ball sang off a wooden paddle someone brought for fun. It felt like a small time machine to 1965—simple gear, big laughs.
How a backyard game became a national sport
From that island court, the game spread by word of mouth. Local clubs in the Seattle area added lines. The first known tournament took place near Seattle in the 1970s. Later, national rules and a governing body helped unify play and boost events across the country. What state was pickleball invented in may be Washington, but the sport belongs to cities and small towns nationwide now.
Big growth came when parks painted permanent courts. Retirement communities adopted the game early because it was easy on the joints. Then came rec centers, schools, and pro-style events. Recent years saw a boom as families found a sport they could learn in minutes and play for life.
Why Washington State still matters to the game
Washington is the sport’s cradle, and it shows. Players there honor the founders and keep the culture welcoming. Many parks run intro lessons and lend paddles to newcomers. If you ask locals what state was pickleball invented in, you’ll get a proud smile and a quick invite to play.
There is also a sense of stewardship. Volunteers teach safety, court etiquette, and good vibes. That spirit traces back to those early family games on Bainbridge, where the goal was simple: keep the rally going and make sure everyone laughs.
The founders, the paddles, and the name
You will see two origin stories for the name. One links it to a “pickle boat,” a crew of mixed rowers. Another says the family dog, Pickles, kept chasing the ball. Many first-hand accounts say the dog came later and took the game’s name. Others remember the dog first. Both stories live on, and that’s part of the charm.
The first paddles were cut from plywood. Today you’ll find graphite, carbon fiber, and polymer cores. The ball is still a perforated plastic design but now comes in indoor and outdoor versions. These updates kept the game modern while honoring the roots in Washington. So when we ask what state was pickleball invented in, the gear evolution still points back to that garage workshop feel.
From backyard rules to modern play
The original rules aimed at fairness and flow. Many remain the same today.
- Court size is 20 by 44 feet.
- The non-volley zone (the kitchen) keeps play thoughtful near the net.
- Serves are underhand and diagonal.
- Scoring is traditional rally-by-serve, often to 11, win by 2.
I teach beginners to master three things first: soft dinks, deep serves, and split-step footwork. Those simple habits echo the early days and reduce errors. They also answer a hidden part of what state was pickleball invented in—it was invented in a place that prized rallies over raw power.
Visiting the cradle of pickleball
If you want a fun trip, visit Bainbridge Island. Take the ferry from Seattle and soak in the view. Play a few games at local parks, then grab coffee and chat with regulars. Ask about the early days and you’ll hear stories of homemade paddles and family matches. When friends ask what state was pickleball invented in, you’ll be able to say Washington—and describe the ferry ride too.
Tips for your visit:
- Check park schedules for open play times.
- Bring both indoor and outdoor balls; weather can change fast.
- Wear court shoes with good grip for damp mornings.
Practical tips for new players
Want skills that honor the sport’s roots? Start simple. That was the founders’ way.
- Keep the ball in play. Aim deep to the baseline with your serve and return.
- Win the kitchen. Get to the non-volley line early and hold it with soft shots.
- Soft hands beat hard swings. Focus on control, not power.
- Communicate in doubles. Call “mine” and “yours” to avoid gaps.
- Respect the court. Rotate in, welcome newcomers, and thank your opponents.
These habits reflect what made those first Bainbridge games great. When friends ask what state was pickleball invented in, tell them Washington—and share these tips to get them started the right way.
The sport today: growth, data, and momentum
Multiple industry reports have named pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the United States in recent years. Parks and schools are adding courts at a steady clip. Pro tours, televised matches, and brand innovation now shape the scene.
Yet the heart stays the same. A small court, a light ball, and a game that invites everyone. What state was pickleball invented in tells us where it began. The way it spreads today tells us why it lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions of what state was pickleball invented in
What state was pickleball invented in?
Pickleball was invented in Washington State, on Bainbridge Island, in 1965. Three neighbors created it for their families on a summer day.
Why does it matter what state was pickleball invented in?
It connects players to the game’s culture of inclusion and fun. Knowing the roots helps you appreciate the rules and spirit.
Who invented pickleball in Washington?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum built the game together. They mixed badminton, ping-pong, and tennis ideas into one simple sport.
Is there proof for what state was pickleball invented in?
Yes. Historical accounts from the founders’ families and early community groups place the origin on Bainbridge Island, Washington. The story has been retold by players and leaders for decades.
Where can I play near the original site?
You can find public courts on Bainbridge Island and nearby Seattle-area parks. Local clubs often host open play and beginner sessions.
How did the name “pickleball” come about?
Two stories exist. One credits a “pickle boat” term from crew; another credits a family dog named Pickles. Both are part of the lore.
What early rules still guide the game today?
The underhand serve, the kitchen, and the 20-by-44-foot court remain. These rules keep rallies long and the game friendly to beginners.
Conclusion
Washington State gave us more than a sport. It gave us a way to play that values patience, touch, and shared joy. If you came here asking what state was pickleball invented in, you have your answer—and a clear picture of why that origin still shapes the game.
Take a cue from Bainbridge Island. Grab a paddle, welcome a new player, and keep the rally going. Want more guides and local court updates? Subscribe, share this with a friend, or leave a question—I’d love to help you start strong.