Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum.
Curious minds keep asking when was pickleball invented? You’re in the right place. I’ve studied this sport’s roots for years and taught hundreds of new players. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the full story, why 1965 matters, who built the first paddles, and how early choices still shape strategy today. By the end, you’ll know the who, where, and why behind when was pickleball invented—plus how that history can level up your game.
The birth of a backyard classic
When was pickleball invented? The sport began in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—wanted a family activity on a lazy afternoon. They set up a badminton net, used a perforated plastic ball, and cut wooden paddles in a garage.
They lowered the net to a height that felt right and simple. They drew lines on an old court and kept score to 11. The result was fast, friendly, and easy to learn. That backyard experiment is why, when people ask when was pickleball invented, the answer points right back to 1965.
Why 1965 matters
The mid-1960s were all about simple fun at home. Families had yards, free time, and a love for games. Pickleball fit that moment like a glove.
The inventors cared about access. They made rules anyone could learn in minutes. That is a key reason the sport keeps growing. It also explains why when was pickleball invented is not a footnote—it is the root of its friendly culture.
The inventors and their early tweaks
Joel Pritchard was a local dad who later served in Congress. Bill Bell was a close friend who loved competition. Barney McCallum was the builder who turned ideas into gear.
They took a badminton net and dropped it to about tennis height. They made paddles from plywood with a jigsaw. They tested with a plastic ball until the bounce felt fair. If you wonder when was pickleball invented and by whom, it was this trio who shaped the first rules in 1965.
From yard game to national sport: a timeline
Curious about how we got from one island to the world? Here are key moments that add context to when was pickleball invented.
- 1965: Game created on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
- 1967: The first permanent pickleball court is built in a neighbor’s backyard on the island.
- 1972: Pickle-ball, Inc. forms to develop gear and promote the sport.
- 1976: The first known tournament takes place in Tukwila, Washington.
- 1984: A national association forms and publishes an official rulebook.
- 2005: Modern USA Pickleball structure expands outreach and standards.
- 2009: First national championship event in Buckeye, Arizona.
- 2010s–today: Rapid growth in courts, clubs, and pro tours worldwide.
Every step ties back to that seed in 1965. So when someone asks when was pickleball invented, you can share the date and the journey.
Rules and gear: how the game evolved
The core rules stayed simple. Serve underhand. Play to 11, win by 2. Let the ball bounce once on each side after the serve. Respect the non-volley zone (the kitchen).
Gear changed a lot. Paddles moved from plywood to composites, graphite, and carbon fiber. Balls gained standard hole counts and sizes for indoor and outdoor play. These shifts improved control, spin, and durability. If you’re still curious when was pickleball invented, remember that a 1965 garage build started a whole gear industry.
Why is it called pickleball?
Two stories float around. One says the name came from the “pickle boat” in crew, where leftover rowers mix in. Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, linked that term to their mix-and-match rules.
Another story says the family dog, Pickles, kept chasing the ball. Most records suggest the dog came after the game and was named for it. Both tales endure. So when people ask when was pickleball invented and why that name stuck, the honest answer is: 1965, and a nickname born from family lore.
The growth wave: what makes it stick today
Pickleball is social. It is easier on the joints than many sports. You can learn the basics in 10 minutes and play a fun match before lunch. That mix is rare and powerful.
Industry reports show strong yearly growth, new courts, and bigger events. In my clinics, I see teens rally with grandparents and both leave smiling. When was pickleball invented might be the hook, but why it thrives is all about people, pace, and joy.
How the origin story can improve your game
Knowing the 1965 roots gives you cues for better play. The game was built for placement, not power. It rewards patience and smart shots.
Try these tips I use with beginners:
- Aim for deep, safe serves to set the tone.
- Work on soft dinks to control pace at the kitchen.
- Practice third-shot drops to neutralize big returns.
- Keep footwork light and compact, like you’re in a small backyard.
- Focus on consistency first; power comes later.
When new players ask when was pickleball invented, I share 1965—and how that backyard feel can guide every rally.
Frequently Asked Questions of when was pickleball invented?
When was pickleball invented?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three friends created the game in a backyard.
Who invented pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented it. They shaped the first rules and made the first paddles.
Where was pickleball invented?
It began on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle. A family gathering sparked the early test games.
Why is it called pickleball?
Many point to the “pickle boat” term from crew. Others remember a family dog named Pickles; records suggest the dog came later.
What was the first pickleball equipment?
Wooden paddles cut in a garage and a perforated plastic ball. A badminton net was lowered to a practical height.
When did pickleball start to grow nationwide?
The first tournament ran in 1976, and a formal rulebook followed in 1984. Growth surged in the 2000s with new groups, courts, and events.
Conclusion
So, when was pickleball invented? It started in 1965, in a backyard, by three friends who loved simple fun. Their choices—an easy serve, a friendly court, and clear rules—still drive the sport today.
Use that origin to guide your game. Play smart, keep the ball in, and enjoy the rally. Want more? Explore our guides, subscribe for tips, and drop your own when was pickleball invented story in the comments.