When Was Pickleball Invented? Full Origin, History & Name Explained

The story started with three bored dads, one badminton court, and a whiffle ball that would accidentally launch one of the fastest-growing sports in America. When was pickleball invented? This little question takes us back to the 4th July weekend in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Where a simple backyard game became a nationwide obsession, that means as of 2025-26, we’re celebrating 60 years of this legendary sport.

Today, with 19.8 million players in the U.S. alone and a 311% growth over the last three years, pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a movement. (Pickleball.com)

When Was Pickleball Invented?

It was July 4th weekend in 1965 when three dads were bored and stopped hearing “I’m bored” from their kids. The game began as a casual backyard activity, not a serious place where they used a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a simple plastic ball. Within a week, they had a working rule set. The commonly cited founding year is 1965, confirmed by USA Pickleball Association summaries.

2025-26 marked the 60th anniversary of pickleball, which underlines how young the sport really is. So, yes, pickleball is only about six decades old. Compared to tennis or badminton, it is practically brand new.

Where Was Pickleball Invented?

This incredible game was invented in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Not Seattle proper, not Portland, but this specific island across Puget Sound. Its main pain point location is Joel Pritchard’s backyard badminton court at his home.

While it started in Washington, the sport quickly spread to neighboring states and eventually across the entire nation. By 1990, pickleball was being played in all 50 states.

Today, with over 68,000 courts nationwide and counting, the game that started in one backyard now dominates parks, recreation centers, and dedicated facilities coast to coast.

Who Invented Pickleball? The Real Founder

Credit goes to three fathers.

1. Joel Pritchard: Washington State Congressman who owned the badminton court.
2. Bill Bell: A Successful businessman who was the inventor of pickleball.
3. Barney McCallum: The real engineer who crafted the first wood paddles and rules.

The inventors of pickleball weren’t trying to create a sport. They were trying to entertain their families. Credit goes to all of them equally. It started with Pritchard and Bell grabbing ping-pong paddles after golf, but McCallum joined soon after to craft better paddles and rules. They lowered the net to 36 inches specifically, so Barney McCallum’s wheelchair-bound son could compete equally, a revolutionary inclusivity move in 1965 that still defines the sport’s ethos today.

So yes, pickleball isn’t the creation of a single genius, but a collaborative invention born out of necessity, creativity, and a longing for simple family fun.

Why Is It Called Pickleball? The Name And Origin

This question might be a frequent one in the sport. There are two stories, but only one is true, and it’s not the cute dog story that most people believe.

Theory 1 (The Myth):

People often think pickleball was named after Pickles, the Pritchards’ cockapoo, who chased the ball. Makes sense, right? But it is not true. According to Mental Floss and USA Pickleball, Pickles the dog didn’t join the family until years after the sport was invented. In reality, Pickles was named after the sport, not the other way around.

Theory 2 (The Truth):

Joan Pritchard named it after the “pickle boat” in crew racing. In rowing, the pickle boat is the weakest crew. It is made from leftover oarsmen from other boats. Since pickleball used leftover equipment (badminton court, ping pong paddles, whiffle ball), the name fit perfectly. The origin of “pickleball” is really a story about creativity and resourcefulness, not pets.

Note: Here are the complete details on why it is called pickleball the true story unfolded in this blog.

How Did Pickleball Start?

It started with three dads, those trying to amuse their kids.

According to the PPA Tour and USA Pickleball, here’s what happened next:

The First Equipment

• They grabbed ping-pong paddles from the garage
• Found a perforated plastic whiffle ball
• Used the existing badminton court with its net set at 60 inches high
• Started volleying the ball back and forth

Within the week, they lowered the net to 36 inches because the whiffle ball doesn’t bounce high enough.

The pickleball originated from pure chaos, but within two years, the founders had built the first permanent court at neighbor Bob O’Brien’s house in 1967. That was the moment it stopped being a family pastime and became a community movement.

Over time, the paddles and balls evolved into modern gear like the Max5 Vintage MX-0.1 Carbon Pickleball Paddle, which is lightweight, beginner-friendly, and USAPA-approved.

Pickleball History Timeline From 1965 to 2025

Let’s break down the history of pickleball in a timeline. It’s like unlocking levels in a game.

Did you know? In December 2025, USA Pickleball adopted DUPR as its exclusive official rating system, meaning match results from USA Pickleball-owned events now feed directly into DUPR and help standardize ratings across tournaments.

When Did Pickleball Become Popular?

Though invented in the 1960s, pickleball remained a niche backyard sport for decades. Its growth was gradual, but steady.

A few milestones in its rise:

• Once the governing body (USA Pickleball) published standard rules, interest grew beyond the inventors’ circle.
• Through the 1990s and 2000s, pickleball spread across the U.S. with courts popping up in community centers, parks, and retirement communities.
• By the 2010s and early 2020s, pickleball exploded in popularity globally, appealing to players of all ages because it combines fun, social interaction, and manageable physical demand.
• During the 2020-2021 pandemic of COVID, pickleball became hugely popular as a safe, outdoor sport for small groups. With gyms closed and team sports limited, people turned to pickleball for fun with minimal equipment.

Pickleball’s shift from a backyard pastime to a widely played sport happened gradually, but participation surged between 2021 and 2024, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

• 2021: 4.8 million players
• 2022: 8.9 million players (85% increase)
• 2023: 13.6 million players (53% increase)
• 2024: 19.8 million players (46% increase)

Why the Origin Story Matters for Players

Understanding when pickleball was invented isn’t just trivia. The sport’s origins explain why:

• The court is compact (promotes quick rallies and community play).
• Equipment like Max5 paddles balances control and power
• Rule design favors accessibility: short learning curve, mixed-age play, and easy pickup matches.

If you’re choosing a kit, remember the game’s roots: control and touch often beat raw power, so a paddle tuned for spin and soft feel helps you execute the classic shots from pickleball’s earliest days.

Conclusion

Understanding when, where, and how pickleball was invented gives us insight into what made the game so special. Its social roots, its simplicity, and its adaptability.

Today’s pickleball boom owes a lot to those three dads who just wanted a fun afternoon, and now, thanks to standardization, governing bodies, and modern gear like what MAX 5 offers, pickleball is a serious, inclusive sport that anyone can enjoy. So, the next time you pick up a paddle, remember: you’re part of a legacy that started in a backyard in 1965. The pickleball origin story teaches us one thing: great games are born from creativity, not capital.

Disclaimer

Max5 products are designed for recreational and professional pickleball use. Specifications and prices may change. Use responsibly; Max5 is not liable for injuries or damage.