Pickleball was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends.
If you’ve ever asked when was pickleball created and how it became so big, you’re in the right place. I’ve coached beginners, dug into archives, and watched the sport evolve. This guide breaks down the full story, from the first backyard game to today’s booming courts, with facts, context, and tips you can use.
The origin story: summer 1965 on Bainbridge Island
The short answer to when was pickleball created is 1965. It began during a summer weekend at the home of Joel Pritchard, a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, on Bainbridge Island.
Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell found some bored kids. They grabbed a perforated plastic ball, a badminton net, and makeshift paddles cut from plywood. They lowered the net, tried a few rules, and the play felt fresh and fun. The next week, neighbor Barney McCallum joined, and the group refined the rules to keep rallies long and spirits high.
Records from local histories and USA-based associations confirm this 1965 origin. If you wonder when was pickleball created, keep that year and the island in mind.
The founders: Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum
Who was behind the game? Three dads with a knack for tinkering.
- Joel Pritchard brought people together and set the tone for play.
- Bill Bell loved to test ideas and pace.
- Barney McCallum shaped the early rules and paddle designs.
People often ask when was pickleball created and by whom. It was built by these three, for their families, with simple gear and a spirit of fair play.
Why the name “pickleball”?
There are two stories, and both have fans.
- The dog tale: Some say it was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, who chased the ball. Fun and catchy, right?
- The rowing tale: Joel’s wife, Joan, said the name came from “pickle boat,” a crew term for a boat made up of leftover rowers. The sport mixed rules from many games, just like that boat.
Most historians lean toward the rowing story, noting the dog arrived later and was named after the game. Either way, the name stuck. And when you ask when was pickleball created, the name and the date often appear side by side in sources.
Early rules, gear, and court design
The early setup was simple but smart.
- Court: Same size as a badminton doubles court, 20 by 44 feet.
- Net: 36 inches at the posts, 34 inches in the middle.
- Non-volley zone: A 7-foot “kitchen” on each side to prevent smashes at the net.
- Ball: A perforated plastic ball that moved slower and flew true.
- Paddles: Plywood at first, then better shapes and grips.
These rules made play fair for all ages. They also kept rallies going. For anyone asking when was pickleball created and how it looked, the heart of the game you know today was already there in 1965.
Milestones on the timeline
A quick walk through key dates helps answer when was pickleball created and how it grew.
- 1965: Game created on Bainbridge Island by Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum.
- 1967: First permanent court built on Bainbridge Island, widely reported at the home of Bob O’Brian, a friend and neighbor.
- 1972: Pickle-Ball, Inc. formed to protect and grow the sport.
- 1976: First known tournament held at South Center Athletic Club in Tukwila, Washington.
- 1984: USAPA formed and the first official rulebook published; Arlen Paranto builds early composite paddles using honeycomb panels.
- 1990: The sport reaches all 50 U.S. states.
- 2010: The International Federation of Pickleball forms.
- 2016: The US Open Pickleball Championships launch in Naples, Florida.
- 2020s: Participation surges; industry reports call it the fastest-growing U.S. sport.
These markers show steady growth from a backyard game into a global pastime. They also back the facts behind when was pickleball created and why it took off.
How the game spread across the U.S.
The sport spread through word of mouth, parks, and community centers. Retirees loved the small court and easy learning curve. Tennis players liked the quick hands and smart angles. PE teachers adopted it because the rules were clear and safe.
- Parks departments painted lines and hosted open play.
- Local clubs ran clinics and ladder leagues.
- Tournaments gave players goals and a sense of community.
Many first hear the question when was pickleball created after trying a free clinic. They play one round, smile, and want more history.
Modern growth and cultural impact
Pickleball is now a staple in suburbs, cities, and schools. There are pro tours, streaming coverage, and packed venues. Gear is advanced, with carbon faces and polymer cores that balance touch and pop.
Health studies praise the sport for social ties and steady movement. City planners add acoustic fences and smart scheduling to fit more courts. The buzz often sends people online to ask when was pickleball created, then to the courts to see why it still works so well.
What the early days teach us today
I’ve helped many first-timers play their first rallies. The same lessons from 1965 still work.
- Keep it simple. Use a smooth serve, a safe return, and get to the kitchen.
- Play for rallies. Aim deep, reduce unforced errors, and outlast rather than overpower.
- Be inclusive. The founders built a game for all ages. Welcome new players.
If a friend asks when was pickleball created, I say 1965, then add this: it was built for fun first. Keep that spirit, and you will improve fast.
Frequently Asked Questions of when was pickleball created
When was pickleball created?
Pickleball was created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three friends built it as a family game.
When was pickleball created and who invented it?
It began in 1965 and was invented by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They shaped rules to make rallies long and fair.
Why do people ask when was pickleball created so often?
The sport feels new, but it has deep roots. Knowing when was pickleball created helps players see how the rules evolved.
Was it named after a dog or a rowing term?
Both stories exist. Many historians credit the rowing “pickle boat” idea, while the dog story helped the name spread.
What early gear was used in 1965?
A perforated plastic ball, wood paddles, and a lowered badminton net. The court was 20 by 44 feet, with a 7-foot kitchen.
How does knowing when was pickleball created help new players?
It shows why the rules reward control over power. That mindset speeds learning and makes games more fun.
Conclusion
Pickleball began in 1965 with a simple goal: easy, joyful play that brings people together. From a backyard on Bainbridge Island, it grew into a worldwide sport with clear rules, friendly culture, and fast action.
Use that origin as a guide. Focus on rallies, welcome newcomers, and enjoy the ride. Want more stories, tips, and gear guides? Subscribe, share this article, or drop your questions in the comments.