The History & Origin of Pickleball

A Summer on Bainbridge Island (1965)

In the summer of 1965, three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—improvised a family game on Bainbridge Island, Washington. They lowered a badminton net, grabbed ping-pong paddles, and used a perforated plastic ball. The rallies were addictive, the laughter was loud, and pickleball was born.

How Pickleball Got Its Name

There are two charming stories. One credits the “pickle boat” term from crew—an eclectic mix of oarsmen—mirroring the sport’s mashup of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The other credits the Pritchard family dog, Pickles, who chased the ball. Either way, the name stuck—and so did the joy.

From Driveways to Dedicated Courts

• 1970s–1990s: Neighbors adopted the game; community centers added lines; the first official rules appeared.

• 2000s: Conversions of underused tennis courts accelerated growth.

• 2010s–Today: Pro tours, leagues, and city parks adopted pickleball nationwide. It’s now beloved by families, college students, and active adults alike.

Why It Grew So Fast

• Low barrier to entry: Easy rules, small court, affordable gear.

• Social by design: Close to the net = conversation and quick friendships.

• All-ages friendly: Light paddles and strategic play beat pure power.

Your First Step

At Poise & Paddle, we make the first step feel calm and stylish. Explore Starter Bundles designed for new players who want to look good and start strong.

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Suggested image alt text: “Vintage photo of backyard pickleball net with wooden paddles and wiffle-style ball.”

FAQ (Schema-friendly)

• Who invented pickleball? Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum in 1965.

• Where did pickleball start? Bainbridge Island, Washington.

• Why is it called pickleball? Either from the “pickle boat” term in crew or the Pritchard family dog, Pickles.