Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, near Seattle.
If you have ever asked when and where was pickleball invented, here is the full story told with care, facts, and real insight. I have studied the origins, spoken with long-time players, and played on those same lines. In this guide, I explain the people, the place, and the moments that shaped pickleball’s start. You will learn what matters, why it stuck, and how it spread so fast.
The birth of pickleball: time and place
The short answer is simple: summer of 1965, Bainbridge Island, Washington. The game began at the home of Congressman Joel Pritchard, with friends Bill Bell and Barney McCallum. It started as a backyard fix for bored kids. The group improvised with a badminton court, a perforated plastic ball, and table-tennis paddles.
That setting matters. Bainbridge Island sits across the water from Seattle. The families had space, community, and time to tinker. The local culture loved outdoor play and shared projects.
If you need to know when and where was pickleball invented, remember this picture: a ferry ride away from Seattle, a sunny yard, and three friends solving a weekend problem.
The people who created it
Three names anchor the story: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They tested rules, made paddles in garages, and invited neighbors to play. Their kids and friends gave feedback that shaped the pace and feel of the game.
- Joel Pritchard hosted the first games and pushed to keep it friendly.
- Bill Bell tested gear and helped refine early rules.
- Barney McCallum brought craft and business drive, later helping formalize equipment.
Their shared goal was clear: a family game that anyone could learn in minutes.
Why the name “pickleball” stuck
Two stories endure. One says the name came from “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a crew of leftover oarsmen. The other says the family dog, Pickles, chased the ball and inspired the name. Records and family interviews suggest the pickle boat story came first, and the dog arrived later and was named after the game.
Both tales say something true. The sport blended parts from other games, much like a pickle boat. It also had a playful home spirit. Either way, when people ask when and where was pickleball invented, they also want to know why it is called pickleball. The answer is a mix of tradition and a wink.
Early rules and equipment
The founders used what they had. A badminton net at first. A Wiffle-style ball. Handmade wooden paddles cut from plywood. They set a key rule: serve underhand. They also added a no-volley zone at the net to slow play and help rallies last longer.
- Court size soon settled at 20 by 44 feet, like badminton doubles.
- The net height became 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 in the middle.
- The kitchen (no-volley zone) grew to seven feet from the net on each side.
These choices made the sport easy to learn and safe for all ages.
A short timeline from 1965 to today
- 1965: First games played on Bainbridge Island. This is the core answer to when and where was pickleball invented.
- 1967: The first permanent pickleball court is built in a neighbor’s backyard on Bainbridge Island.
- 1972: Pickle-Ball, Inc. forms to protect the game and supply paddles and balls.
- 1976: The first known tournament is held near Seattle; tennis players dominate early brackets.
- 1984: A national body organizes rules and starts outreach across states.
- 2000s: Sunbelt communities adopt the sport; formal ratings, tournaments, and clubs rise.
- 2020s: Major media, pro tours, and public parks boost growth across North America.
By the time you read this, new courts open every week. Yet the origin remains the same: when and where was pickleball invented points back to that 1965 Bainbridge Island summer.
Why Bainbridge Island was the perfect cradle
Bainbridge offered a tight-knit community, mild summers, and yards big enough for a makeshift court. Friends dropped by. Kids joined in. Word spread on ferries and in coffee shops. It was a place that rewarded simple, smart play.
The local mindset helped too. People loved to build things, share ideas, and try new games. That culture turned a backyard pastime into a community habit and then into a sport.
How the game spread nationwide
Early growth came from friends telling friends. Articles in national outlets in the mid-1970s gave it a push. Retiree communities embraced the game because it was gentle on the body and easy to organize. Parks departments saw an answer to crowded tennis courts.
- Simple gear made entry cheap.
- The court fit well into existing spaces.
- The rules favored long rallies and fun.
If you map when and where was pickleball invented to how it spread, you see one path: from island to city, to region, to country, powered by word of mouth and open courts.
My first pickleball lesson learned
My first game was on a taped tennis court. I swung like a tennis player and lost easy points. A local, who had played since the 1980s, showed me a softer dinking style. He said, “Think chess, not chase.” That tip changed everything.
Here are the lessons I share with new players:
- Use soft hands at the kitchen. Control beats power.
- Aim to set up your partner. Winning shots come later.
- Learn to stack and switch. It keeps you in your best spots.
When readers ask when and where was pickleball invented, I add this: the birthplace explains the spirit. It was made for family play, not power hits. Keep it smooth.
Myths and misconceptions
- Myth: The dog Pickles invented the name. Reality: The pickle boat story likely came first.
- Myth: It is just slow tennis. Reality: Footwork, paddle angles, and kitchen play are unique.
- Myth: Only retirees play. Reality: Youth programs, colleges, and pros now fill brackets.
Another myth is that the date is unclear. It is not. When and where was pickleball invented has a fixed answer: 1965 on Bainbridge Island.
Frequently Asked Questions of when and where was pickleball invented
What year was pickleball invented?
Pickleball was invented in 1965. It began as a summer backyard game on Bainbridge Island.
Where exactly was it invented?
It was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, near Seattle. Early games were played at the home of Joel Pritchard.
Who invented pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the game. They built rules and gear through trial and error.
Why do people ask when and where was pickleball invented so often?
Because the sport grew very fast across many places. Knowing when and where was pickleball invented explains its friendly design and simple start.
How did the game get its name?
Two stories exist: the “pickle boat” rowing term and the family dog, Pickles. Most records point to the pickle boat origin as the first story.
Was there a first permanent court?
Yes. The first permanent court was built in 1967 in a Bainbridge Island backyard. It set the size and net rules used today.
Is the origin tied to tennis or badminton?
The founders borrowed the court size from badminton and some flow from tennis. But the gear and kitchen rule made a new, distinct sport.
Conclusion
The heart of this story is clear. Pickleball started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, crafted by three friends for family fun. That origin explains the kitchen, the soft touch, and the easy entry for all ages. If you ever forget when and where was pickleball invented, remember that sunny yard near Seattle.
Now it is your turn. Try a game with a friend, learn a soft dink, and feel the rally build. Want more guides, drills, and gear tips? Subscribe, leave a comment with your questions, and join the conversation.