Pickleball has taken the world by storm, becoming the fastest-growing sport in the United States and expanding globally at an incredible rate. But while millions now play this exciting game, many people don’t know how it all started.
Where did pickleball come from? Who invented it? And how did it go from a backyard game to a professional sport with millions of players worldwide?
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The origins of pickleball and how it was invented
- The first official rules and early tournaments
- How pickleball grew from local game to global sport
- Fun facts about the history of pickleball
Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious about the sport, let’s dive into the incredible story of how pickleball was born!
1. The Birth of Pickleball: Bainbridge Island, 1965
a. The Need for a New Game
In the summer of 1965, three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—were spending time at Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Their families were bored with the usual summer activities, and they needed something fun for everyone to enjoy.
b. The Improvised Setup
With limited sports equipment available, they got creative:
✅ They used an old badminton court as their playing area.
✅ They grabbed ping-pong paddles since tennis rackets were too big for their kids.
✅ They found a plastic Wiffle ball that was lightweight and easy to hit.
At first, they made up the rules as they played, focusing on keeping rallies going while making the game easy enough for kids and adults alike.
Fun Fact: This relaxed, family-friendly nature is still a big part of pickleball today, making it one of the most social and accessible sports out there!
2. The First Pickleball Rules & Court Adjustments
As the game gained popularity among friends and neighbors, the inventors decided to set some official rules.
a. The Key Rule Changes
The game evolved to make it fair and strategic:
✔️ The Kitchen Rule: They added a non-volley zone (the kitchen) to prevent players from smashing every shot at the net.
✔️ Double Bounce Rule: To slow the game down and promote longer rallies, they required the ball to bounce once on each side before volleys were allowed.
✔️ Court Size: They kept the badminton court dimensions (20 x 44 feet), which remains the standard today.
b. The Name "Pickleball"
The origin of the name "pickleball" is still debated, with two popular theories:
1️⃣ The Pickle Boat Theory – Joan Pritchard (Joel’s wife) said the name came from the term "pickle boat," referring to a crew boat made up of leftover rowers from other teams—just like pickleball, which borrowed elements from different sports.
2️⃣ The Pickles the Dog Theory – Some say the game was named after the Pritchard’s family dog, Pickles, who would chase after the ball. However, the family later confirmed Pickles the dog was actually named after the sport, not the other way around!
3. Pickleball in the 1970s & 1980s: Gaining Popularity
a. Pickleball Spreads Beyond Bainbridge Island
By the early 1970s, word about the game spread:
✅ Friends and families built pickleball courts in their backyards.
✅ Schools began teaching pickleball in P.E. classes.
✅ More and more local communities started playing.
In 1972, the first official pickleball company was formed, and they started manufacturing paddles, balls, and nets specifically designed for the sport.
b. The First Pickleball Tournament (1976)
The first-ever pickleball tournament was held in 1976 in Tukwila, Washington.
- Players mostly used wooden paddles since composite materials weren’t invented yet.
- The tournament attracted national attention, proving that pickleball had the potential to be more than just a backyard game.
c. The 1984 USA Pickleball Association (USAPA)
In 1984, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was created to:
✔️ Establish official rules for competitive play.
✔️ Organize national tournaments.
✔️ Promote pickleball across the country.
By the late 1980s, thousands of people across the U.S. were playing pickleball regularly, setting the stage for explosive growth.
4. Pickleball's Global Rise: 1990s to Today
a. The Explosion of Pickleball in the U.S.
By the 1990s and 2000s, pickleball:
✅ Became a favorite sport among retirees, especially in Florida, Arizona, and California.
✅ Was added to thousands of schools and community centers.
✅ Started seeing pickleball-specific courts being built nationwide.
b. Pickleball Goes International
Pickleball spread beyond the U.S. in the 2010s, gaining popularity in:
- Canada, Mexico, and Europe (especially in the UK and Spain).
- Asia and Australia, where paddle sports were already popular.
c. The Rise of Professional Pickleball (2020s)
Pickleball became a pro sport, with:
✔️ Major League Pickleball (MLP) and the PPA Tour, offering six-figure prize money.
✔️ Famous athletes like LeBron James and Tom Brady investing in pro teams.
✔️ National broadcasts on ESPN and CBS Sports.
Today, pickleball has over 36 million players worldwide—a 158% increase in just three years!
5. Fun Facts About Pickleball’s History
✅ Pickleball was almost called “Paddle Ball” – But that name was already taken!
✅ The first paddles were homemade from plywood – Today, paddles are made from carbon fiber and high-tech materials.
✅ Pickleball almost made it to the Olympics – With its global popularity, many believe it will be an Olympic sport soon!
6. How You Can Be Part of Pickleball’s Future
Want to be part of pickleball’s amazing history and future? Here’s how:
✅ Find a local pickleball court – Many cities have dedicated courts, and more are being built every day.
✅ Get the right gear – Stay comfortable with moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts and pickleball tumblers from BigGreenPickle.com.
✅ Join a club or tournament – Whether you're playing for fun or looking to compete, there’s a place for everyone in the pickleball community.
Final Thoughts: From Backyard to Global Phenomenon
Pickleball started as a simple backyard game, but thanks to its fun, social, and accessible nature, it has grown into a worldwide sport.
And with its rapid expansion, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
So, grab your paddle, hit the courts, and be part of the next chapter in pickleball history!
