Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965 by three friends.
Curious minds still ask where was pickleball invented and why that spot mattered. I’ve studied the game’s roots for years and tracked how a backyard idea grew into a global sport. In this guide, I’ll walk you through where was pickleball invented, who built it, how it spread, and what you can learn from its humble start.
The Birthplace of Pickleball: Bainbridge Island, Washington
If you ask where was pickleball invented, the answer points to Bainbridge Island. It sits a short ferry ride from Seattle. In the summer of 1965, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created a new game there. They used what they had at home and made it work.
They set up a badminton net but dropped it low. They grabbed a perforated plastic ball. They cut plywood paddles in a garage. It was easy to learn and fun for the whole family.
Records from the time show quick tweaks. The net height settled near tennis height. The non-volley zone kept the game fair at the net. That backyard on Bainbridge Island still answers the question of where was pickleball invented.
How the Game Came Together in 1965
The founders had one goal: keep kids active and happy. Badminton gear was missing, so they improvised. They blended pieces from tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. The result was light, fast, and social.
They noticed the ball bounced best on a hard surface. So play moved from grass to asphalt. They chalked simple lines. Rules formed as problems came up, like stopping smash-fests at the net with a non-volley zone.
There are two stories about the name. One credits a dog named Pickles, who chased the ball. Another points to “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a mixed crew. Either way, the name stuck, just like the answer to where was pickleball invented stuck to Bainbridge Island.
Why Bainbridge Island Shaped the Sport
The place mattered. Summers on Bainbridge Island are mild and bright. Families gather in yards and parks. A small, tight-knit community made sharing the new game easy and fast.
Hardware stores had plywood. You could build paddles in a day. Ferry rides spread news to Seattle. Friends would try it once and return with more friends.
Local courts and community centers helped form habits. People loved that you could play at any age or skill. That spirit explains why, when you ask where was pickleball invented, the answer is more than a dot on a map. It is a culture of welcome and play.
Timeline: From Backyard Hit to Global Boom
Here’s a quick path from “where was pickleball invented” to everywhere you look today:
- 1965: Game invented on Bainbridge Island by Pritchard, Bell, and McCallum.
- 1967: First permanent pickleball court built on Bainbridge Island.
- 1972: Pickle-Ball, Inc. formed to protect, make, and promote gear and rules.
- 1975–1976: National press coverage and first known tournaments in Washington State.
- 1980s–1990s: Early clubs and regional play spread across the West and Sun Belt.
- 2000s: National rules and a formal governing body help standardize the game.
- 2010s: Public parks add lines and courts; paddle tech leaps forward.
- 2020s: Major pro tours, TV time, and rapid growth across North America.
Each milestone echoes the same origin: when people ask where was pickleball invented, the story points back to that 1965 backyard.
Visiting the Birthplace: Tips and Landmarks
If you want to feel the answer to where was pickleball invented, visit Bainbridge Island. Take the ferry from downtown Seattle. The ride is short and scenic. Schedule time to explore the island’s parks and courts.
Public courts across the island welcome newcomers. Bring a paddle, or borrow one from a friend. Please respect private homes tied to the founders. Many are not open to the public, but the community spirit is easy to find.
Ask locals about early play and how the game spread. Join a drop-in session. You will see why this place made a friendly game that moves fast and feels fair.
Rules and Gear Rooted in the Origin Story
The court size is 20 by 44 feet, just like badminton doubles. That link from day one still holds. The net stands 36 inches at the sides and 34 inches at the center. This helps rallies stay lively and clear.
The famous kitchen, a 7-foot non-volley zone on each side, keeps play honest near the net. That idea came from early tests on that backyard court. The light plastic ball with holes makes the game readable and safe at close range. Paddles began as wood and grew into high-tech composite gear.
When people wonder where was pickleball invented, they often ask why these rules feel so right. It is simple: the rules were born from trial and error by families who wanted more rallies and more laughs.
Myths and Misconceptions About where was pickleball invented
Let’s clear up a few myths that cloud where was pickleball invented.
- It did not start in Florida or California. The birthplace is Bainbridge Island, Washington.
- It was not invented in a lab or by a gear company. It grew from a family backyard.
- The name is not only about a dog. The “pickle boat” story is strong too.
- It did not start in the 1970s. The founding year is 1965.
- The first court was not a tennis court. It was a lowered badminton setup.
When you hear claims that clash with these facts, ask for dates, names, and the place. You will end up at the same answer: where was pickleball invented leads you to Bainbridge Island.
Frequently Asked Questions of where was pickleball invented
Where was pickleball invented?
Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. Three friends created it as a family game that blended tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
Who invented pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum are credited as co-founders. They shaped rules, built paddles, and taught friends through the late 1960s.
Why was it invented on Bainbridge Island?
It began as a summer fix for bored kids. The island’s close community and easy access to simple tools made testing and sharing fast.
How did the game get its name?
Stories differ. One points to a family dog named Pickles, while another links it to a “pickle boat,” a mixed-crew term in rowing.
What year did the first permanent court appear?
The first permanent court was built on Bainbridge Island in 1967. Earlier play happened on a lowered badminton net and chalked lines.
Is Bainbridge Island still important to the sport?
Yes. It is the sport’s origin point and a proud part of pickleball history. Visitors can play on local courts and learn about the founders.
Conclusion
The answer to where was pickleball invented is clear and inspiring: a 1965 backyard on Bainbridge Island sparked a sport loved around the world. That small setting proves how a simple idea, tested with family and friends, can grow beyond anyone’s first plan. Use that spirit as you play, teach, or build courts in your own community.
Take your next step now. Try a local drop-in, share this history with a new player, and subscribe for more guides on the game’s roots, rules, and growth.