Origins (1965)

Pickleball was invented in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. After a day of golf, Pritchard and Bell returned home to find their families bored. With a badminton court available but no proper equipment, they improvised by using ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. Initially, the net was set at badminton height, but it was soon lowered to 36 inches after they found the ball bounced well on the asphalt surface. The following weekend, McCallum joined in, and together they developed the first official rules, focusing on creating a fun, accessible game for the whole family.

Early Growth and Milestones

• 1967: The first permanent pickleball court was built at the home of Bob O’Brian, a friend of the Pritchards.
• 1972: A corporation was formed to protect the sport’s creation.
• 1975-1976: Media coverage in The National Observer and Tennis Magazine helped spread awareness. The first known pickleball tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington, in 1976.
• 1984: The United States Amateur Pickleball Association (U.S.A.P.A.) was founded to promote and grow the sport nationally, publishing the first official rulebook.

Key Developments in Modern Pickleball

• 1990: Pickleball was being played in all 50 U.S. states.
• 2005: The U.S.A.P.A. was restructured as the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), and the first dedicated website for pickleball resources was launched.
• 2009: The first USAPA National Tournament took place in Buckeye, Arizona, attracting nearly 400 players.
• 2016: The inaugural US Open Pickleball Championships were broadcast on CBS Sports, bringing the sport into the mainstream.
• 2023: With over 70,000 USA Pickleball members and millions of players nationwide, pickleball continues to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing sports in America.

How Pickleball Got Its Name

There are two popular stories about the origin of the name:

1. Pickle Boat Story: Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, named the game after the “pickle boat” in rowing, which refers to a crew made up of leftover rowers — a fitting reference to pickleball’s mix of sports elements.
2. The Dog Story: Some claim the sport was named after the family dog, Pickles. However, the Pritchards clarified that Pickles the dog came later and was actually named after the game.

Conclusion

Pickleball’s rapid growth is attributed to its accessibility, social nature, and easy-to-learn format. From family pastime to national sport, pickleball has cemented its place as a beloved activity for players of all ages.

For a visual look at pickleball’s history, check out this video: The History of Pickleball