Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created pickleball in 1965 on Bainbridge Island.
If you want the full story of who started pickleball, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent years playing, teaching, and researching the game’s roots. This guide explains who started pickleball, how the rules formed, why it’s called pickleball, and what the founders set in motion. You’ll get clear facts, simple tips, and a friendly walkthrough from a coach’s point of view.
The short answer: who started pickleball and when?
If you keep asking who started pickleball, remember three names. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. They built the first version of the game in the summer of 1965. The setting was Bainbridge Island, Washington, near Seattle.
If your friend asks who started pickleball, tell them it began as a family game. The founders wanted something all ages could play. They grabbed a plastic ball, wooden paddles, and a badminton court. The rest grew fast.
Key details:
- Year: 1965
- Place: Bainbridge Island, Washington
- Founders: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, Barney McCallum
The Bainbridge Island origin story
The founders were neighbors and friends. It was a lazy summer day. The families wanted a game after a day outside. The badminton net was too high, so they dropped it to tennis height. They used a perforated plastic ball. They swung with makeshift paddles.
Many people ask who started pickleball because the story feels so simple. That is the charm. The game started as a home fix for a slow afternoon. From a driveway idea to a sport, it all began there.
Early steps:
- Lowered a badminton net to about tennis height
- Marked lines on a driveway or yard surface
- Used a wiffle-style ball that stayed in play longer
Why it’s called pickleball
Two stories float around. One story says the name came from a “pickle boat” in crew. That boat holds leftover rowers. Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, linked the mix of rules to that “odds-and-ends” idea. The other story says the family dog, Pickles, chased the ball. Later accounts say the dog came after the game got its name.
Either way, people who ask who started pickleball also ask why it has such a quirky name. The truth is both tales live on. Most historians point to the pickle boat story as the primary source. But the dog tale is a fun part of the lore.
How the early rules formed
In the late 1960s and 1970s, the group tuned the rules. They wanted long rallies. They wanted a sport kids and adults could play. That is why the kitchen (non-volley zone) exists. It stops easy smashes at the net.
If you wonder who started pickleball and how they set the rules, think simple. Keep the serve underhand. Use a light ball. Make the court small. These choices helped new players win points fast. They also made the game safe and social.
Core design choices:
- Underhand serves to lower injury risk
- A smaller court to reduce running and joint strain
- The kitchen to promote control and placement over raw power
Timeline of key milestones
A clear timeline helps answer who started pickleball and what came next. Here are the big moments:
- 1965: The founders create the game on Bainbridge Island.
- 1967: The first permanent pickleball court is built on the island.
- 1976: The first known tournament takes place in Washington state.
- 1984: A national body forms and the first official rulebook is published.
- 2000s: Indoor courts and community centers boost growth in many states.
- 2020s: National participation reports rank pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the US.
This path shows how a family game became a sport. If someone asks who started pickleball during league night, you can now share key dates with confidence.
Why the founders’ idea worked so well
People still ask who started pickleball because the game feels timeless. The founders hit on a perfect mix. It is fast to learn. It is gentle on joints. It is social and loud and fun. You can play singles or doubles. You can learn rules in five minutes.
From a coach view, the magic is the ball. It travels slower than a tennis ball. That gives newer players time. It also rewards aim and touch. The result is long rallies that feel exciting and fair.
What makes it stick:
- Low barrier to entry
- Quick wins for brand-new players
- A strong social vibe that builds community
My hands-on take and tips for beginners
When people ask me who started pickleball, I give the three names. Then I share why the game took off in my classes. New players enjoy success on day one. They laugh, sweat, and learn fast. They come back with friends.
Practical tips:
- Start with a lighter paddle and a soft grip. It protects your wrist.
- Learn a safe, steady dink first. Power comes later.
- Stay out of the kitchen on volleys. Step in only after a bounce.
- Keep your feet set before you swing. Balance beats bashing.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Swinging like in tennis from the first point
- Standing too close to the baseline after the serve
- Flicking the wrist on dinks and popping the ball up
How to fact-check who started pickleball
If you want to verify who started pickleball, use multiple records. Cross-check museum archives, rulebooks, and early tournament reports. Look for interviews with the founders and their families. Scan community histories from Bainbridge Island.
How to check fast:
- Confirm the year 1965, the place Bainbridge Island, and the names of the founders.
- Look at early rulebooks for consistent dates and terms.
- Compare at least two independent sources to avoid bias.
This method keeps your story clean and true. It also helps settle debates at open play.
Frequently Asked Questions of who started pickleball
Who started pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum started it in 1965. They built it on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Where was pickleball started and who started pickleball?
It began on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle. The founders were Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum.
Why do people ask who started pickleball so often?
The origin story is simple and charming. People like to credit the real creators and share a neat sports history.
Is there proof of who started pickleball?
Yes. Early rulebooks, interviews, and community records align on the year, place, and names. The details match across independent sources.
Did a dog play a role in who started pickleball?
A dog named Pickles is part of the lore. But most historians say the name came from “pickle boat,” not the dog.
How did the founders decide on the rules after they started pickleball?
They tested what made rallies longer and more fun. The underhand serve and kitchen rule were key choices.
Who started pickleball and when did the first tournament happen?
The founders were Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum in 1965. The first known tournament ran in 1976 in Washington.
Conclusion
Now you know who started pickleball and why their simple idea spread so far. Three neighbors built a game that mixed access, skill, and joy. The clear rules, small court, and social spirit turned a backyard fix into a global sport.
Take a small step today. Grab a paddle, learn the kitchen rule, and try ten easy dinks in a row. If this guide helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more deep dives, or leave a question so we can keep the conversation going.