Pickleball started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, created by three dads.
Curious about when did pickleball start and how it exploded into a global craze? I’ve studied the game’s roots, read early rulebooks, and traced how a backyard fix for bored kids became America’s fastest-growing sport. Stick with me as we unpack when did pickleball start, who sparked it, how it spread, and what its origin means for your game today.
The 1965 origin story: a summer weekend that changed everything
To understand when did pickleball start, picture a summer day in 1965 on Bainbridge Island. Congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell wanted a family game. They had a badminton court, a plastic ball, and some ping-pong paddles.
Barney McCallum joined soon after. The group lowered the net so the ball could travel. They wrote simple rules to keep play fair and fun. That backyard experiment is the moment most historians point to when asked, when did pickleball start.
The early focus was clear. Make a game the whole family could play. Use gear you already have. Keep rallies going. That spirit still fuels the sport today.
Why “pickleball”? The name story, told two ways
People often ask when did pickleball start and why it got that quirky name. Two stories exist. One says the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, chased the ball and “pickleball” stuck. The other links it to a “pickle boat” in rowing, a mix of leftover crew members.
Family accounts note the dog came later. That suggests the rowing story fits better. Yet many early players still recall the dog tale with a smile. The truth may be a bit of both, and that’s fine. The game’s heart is playful, just like its name.
First courts, rules, and gear: what formed the game (1965–1984)
If you map when did pickleball start into a timeline, the puzzle pieces fall into place. A few key moments helped set rules and shape gear.
- 1965: Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum tune the game on a backyard court. They choose a perforated plastic ball. They use solid paddles for control.
- 1967: The first permanent court goes up on Bainbridge Island. Early nets sit about 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at center.
- Early 1970s: Organizers begin standardizing rules so anyone can learn fast. The non-volley zone, known as the kitchen, keeps play safe and fair.
- 1972: A small company forms to sell balls and paddles and protect the name. That move helps the game grow beyond the island.
- 1976: The first known tournament draws tennis players and curious locals in Washington state.
- Mid-1980s: Composite paddles replace heavy wood in many circles. Players gain more touch and a softer feel.
These steps came from trial, error, and community work. Interviews and early rulebooks confirm the simple mission. Make the game easy to learn and hard to master.
From pastime to national sport (1985–2009)
Here’s how the game expanded from “when did pickleball start” to “wow, it’s everywhere.”
- 1984: A national group forms to codify rules and support clubs. Volunteers drive clinics and starter kits.
- Late 1980s: Better paddles and balls boost control, speed, and comfort. Play feels smoother and more consistent.
- 1990: The sport is played in all 50 states. Park programs and schools join in.
- 2005: A modern national body launches a website and fresh rules. It sparks new leagues and ladders.
- 2009: The first National Tournament in Arizona draws hundreds. Live brackets and ratings fuel competitive play.
If you only ask when did pickleball start, you miss the magic. The magic is how a tiny idea grows when communities rally behind it.
The modern boom and the pro era (2010–today)
Today, millions play at parks, schools, clubs, and driveways. Industry data has called pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for multiple years. Cities add lines to tennis courts. New facilities open almost weekly.
Pro tours and team events bring TV time and big sponsors. Governing groups refine the rulebook each year. Brands push paddle tech and ball design. Knowing when did pickleball start helps you see how fast it moved from hobby to headline.
I see three drivers of the boom. The game is easy to try. It is social and inclusive. And it gives quick wins to brand-new players.
What the 1965 start means for your game today
When you grasp when did pickleball start, you learn why certain rules exist. The kitchen keeps slams in check. Speed-ups still reward skill, not smash-only play. The serve starts the rally, not a race to ace.
Use history as a coach. Focus on placement over power. Keep points alive with patient dinks and soft blocks. Invite new players of all ages. That is the sport’s founding promise.
How to answer the popular search: when did pickleball start?
Here is a clean way to answer when did pickleball start, and sound like a pro.
- Start with the date and place. It began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
- Name the founders. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum.
- Explain the spark. A family game using simple gear on a badminton court.
- Note the name. Dog story vs rowing “pickle boat.” Both are told.
- Add context. The sport grew fast thanks to friendly rules and easy gear.
If someone asks, “when did pickleball start,” you can share these beats in 30 seconds. Clear, simple, and true.
Common myths about when did pickleball start
Let’s clear up questions I hear whenever people ask when did pickleball start.
- Myth: It started in the 1970s. Fact: The game began in 1965. The 1970s saw the first company and wider rules.
- Myth: The dog named Pickles proved the name. Fact: The dog came after the game. The rowing story may be the deeper root.
- Myth: It began as a pro sport. Fact: It began as a family pastime with borrowed gear.
- Myth: Rules were set from day one. Fact: The rules evolved through play, safety needs, and tournaments.
- Myth: Only seniors played early on. Fact: Families of many ages played from the start.
Knowing these myths helps you explain when did pickleball start with confidence.
Quick timeline at a glance
Use this shortlist to lock in the key dates around when did pickleball start and grew.
- 1965: Invention on Bainbridge Island.
- 1967: First permanent court.
- 1972: Early company formed to protect and supply the game.
- 1976: First known tournament in Washington.
- 1984: National group forms to guide rules and growth.
- 1990: Played in all 50 states.
- 2005: Modern reboot and website era.
- 2009: First Nationals in Arizona.
- 2010s–today: Pro tours, TV coverage, and rapid growth.
Keep this handy for school reports, club intros, or community proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions of when did pickleball start
When did pickleball start?
Pickleball started in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three friends built a family game with simple gear.
Who invented pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum are credited as co-founders. They shaped the first rules and style of play.
Where did pickleball start?
It started in a backyard on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle. A badminton court, a plastic ball, and ping-pong paddles set the stage.
Why is it called pickleball?
Two stories exist. One points to a family dog named Pickles; another links to a rowing “pickle boat” with mixed crews.
When did pickleball become a national sport?
By 1990, it was played in all 50 states. The first Nationals in 2009 marked a big leap in organized competition.
When were official rules first published?
Rules were refined through the late 1960s and 1970s, then formalized by national groups. Annual updates now keep the game fair and safe.
Conclusion
The short answer to when did pickleball start is 1965 on Bainbridge Island. The longer story is about family, playful design, and a community that kept saying yes. That spirit shows up in every rally, from driveway games to pro finals.
Use this history as fuel. Learn the kitchen, master soft shots, and invite a friend to try. If this guide helped, share it with your club, subscribe for more deep dives, or drop your own first-match story in the comments.