Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends.
Curious about when was pickleball invented and how it became a global hit? You’re in the right place. I’ve studied the sport’s roots, played on packed community courts, and followed its rapid rise. In this guide, I break down when was pickleball invented, who made it, why it spread so fast, and what changed along the way. Let’s dive in.
What Year Was Pickleball Invented?
If you are asking when was pickleball invented, the answer is 1965. The game began on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle. It started as a backyard fix for bored kids. By the end of that summer, the rules were set enough to play again and again.
Many people also ask when was pickleball invented because the exact day is less clear than the year. Historical accounts point to a sunny weekend in the summer of 1965. The basics were simple and smart, which is why the game stuck.
The Bainbridge Island Origin Story
The story starts with a family weekend. A badminton set was missing parts. So the dads lowered the net, grabbed a plastic ball with holes, and used paddles. They found that a lower net and a light ball made play fast and fun.
They tested rules in their yard. They kept the court the size of a badminton court. They added a two-bounce rule to slow net rushes. They later made a seven-foot non-volley zone. If you wonder when was pickleball invented in detail, it was this summer tweaking that shaped the game we know.
Who Invented Pickleball? The Founders
Three names matter here: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Pritchard went on to serve in public office. Bell was a businessman and competitor. McCallum was a hands-on builder who shaped early paddles from plywood.
They worked as a team. McCallum’s paddle designs made control easier. The group formed a company in the early 1970s to guide growth and protect the game’s name. When you ask who created it and when was pickleball invented, remember it was a shared project in 1965 by three close friends.
How The Rules And Gear Evolved
Early play used ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball. That changed fast. Paddles moved to lighter, stronger materials like graphite and fiberglass. Honeycomb cores made shots crisp and stable.
Key rules took shape and held firm:
- Court size is 20 by 44 feet.
- Net height is 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches in the center.
- The non-volley zone (the kitchen) is seven feet on each side of the net.
- The two-bounce rule means the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys.
- Games often go to 11, win by 2, with traditional side-out scoring.
Outdoor balls usually have 40 small holes. Indoor balls often have 26 larger holes. These details grew from trial and error. They kept rallies long and the game friendly to all ages. If your main question is when was pickleball invented, also know that the gear you see today is the result of decades of tweaks.
Why The Sport Exploded In Popularity
The barrier to entry is low. You can learn the basics in one session. Courts are small, so rallies feel close and social. The game is gentle on joints but still fast and strategic.
Community centers, schools, and parks adopted pickleball fast. More events, clear rules, and good equipment made it easy to scale. During recent years, outdoor play and open-air courts helped fuel growth. When people search when was pickleball invented, they often discover why it still grows: it is simple, social, and addictive.
A Quick Timeline Of Key Milestones
- 1965: Pickleball is invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
- 1967: The first permanent court is built in a private yard on the island.
- Early 1970s: Early paddle designs and a company emerge to guide the sport.
- 1975–1976: National press coverage and the first known tournament draw new players.
- 1984: A national rulebook and organized structure help standardize play.
- 1990: Play spreads to all 50 U.S. states.
- 2000s: Senior communities and parks boost court counts nationwide.
- 2009: A large national tournament brings wide attention.
- 2010s: Composite paddles and pro events push higher levels of play.
- Late 2010s–2020s: Tours, TV coverage, and global bodies expand reach.
If you came here for when was pickleball invented, use this timeline to see how one weekend idea became a worldwide sport.
From Local Pastime To Global Game
Today, clubs and leagues run year-round. International groups now support events and national teams. Courts appear in school gyms, parking lots, and purpose-built venues. The sport’s language is the same everywhere, which helps it spread fast.
On my first day coaching beginners, I saw why it grows. A retired tennis player and a total newcomer won points together in minutes. The two-bounce rule leveled the field. If you still wonder when was pickleball invented, keep in mind this simple rule from 1965 still drives fair play today.
Practical tips to connect with the roots:
- Visit Bainbridge Island and play at a local park to feel the origin vibe.
- Try a classic wood paddle for a few games to see how touch matters.
- Read a current rulebook, then watch pro matches to see how rules shape strategy.
- Host a family mini-tournament; that is how the sport began.
Frequently Asked Questions of when was pickleball invented
When was pickleball invented?
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three friends created it during a summer weekend to entertain their families.
Who invented pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented pickleball. They set the early rules and refined paddles and play.
Why is it called pickleball?
Two stories exist. One ties the name to a family dog named Pickles; the other links it to the “pickle boat” term in rowing. Records suggest both stories were shared over time, and debate remains.
Where was pickleball invented?
It was invented on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, Washington. The first permanent court was built there a couple of years later.
What was the first pickleball tournament?
The first known tournament took place in the mid-1970s in Washington state. It drew a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong players.
How have the rules changed since 1965?
Core rules, like the two-bounce rule and the kitchen, have stayed. Wording and equipment standards evolved to improve safety and fairness.
Is pickleball older than it looks?
Yes. People often think it is new, but it dates back to 1965. Its recent boom makes it feel brand new.
Conclusion
Pickleball began in 1965 with a few friends, a plastic ball, and a clever idea. From that backyard start, the sport built clear rules, better gear, and a thriving community. If you searched when was pickleball invented, now you also know why it still wins hearts.
Ready to take the next step? Grab a paddle, learn the two-bounce rule, and play a few games this week. Want more tips and history deep dives? Subscribe, share this guide, or drop your questions in the comments.