History of Pickleball - Timeline 1965 - Present

Discover the fascinating history of pickleball, from its backyard invention in 1965 to becoming the fastest-growing sport worldwide. Learn about its origins, key milestones, and future in this engaging story.

History of Pickleball

The Birth of Pickleball (1965)

• On a warm summer day in 1965, three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—were looking for a way to entertain their kids at Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

• After a round of golf, Pritchard and Bell returned home to find their families restless. They searched for something to do and found an old badminton court but lacked proper rackets and a shuttlecock.

• Improvising, they picked up ping pong paddles and used a perforated plastic ball they had on hand.

• Initially, they volleyed the ball back and forth over the net with no firm rules, simply focusing on keeping the ball in play.

• Soon, the three dads created rules for the new game.

• One key decision was to lower the net to 36 inches at the ends and 34 inches at the center, making it easier to hit the ball after a bounce, unlike badminton.

• That's how the fastest growing sport was originated.

  
  

Where Did the Name “Pickleball” Come From?

• There are two competing stories about the origin of the name.

• The most popular tale is that the game was named after Pickles, the Pritchard family’s dog, who loved to chase the ball and run off with it.

• Another theory says that the name actually came from the term “pickle boat”, which in rowing refers to a boat made up of leftover crew members from different teams—a reference to the way pickleball was created using elements of different sports.

• Despite the clarification, the story about Pickles the dog remains beloved by many players and adds charm to the sport’s origins.

  
  

Pickleball Gains Momentum (1970s-1980s)

• The first permanent pickleball court was built in 1967 in Washington state.

• In the 1970s, pickleball spread beyond Bainbridge Island as friends and family introduced it to new communities.

• By 1976, the first official tournament was held in Tukwila, Washington, marking a milestone in the sport’s history.

  
  

The Formation of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) (1984)

• Recognizing the sport’s growth, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was established in 1984 to promote and regulate the game.

• The organization created the first official rulebook, paving the way for standardized play across the country.

• Pickleball continued to grow, gaining traction in recreational centers, schools, and retirement communities.

Pickleball’s Explosive Growth (1990s-2010s)

• By the 1990s, pickleball had expanded across the United States and Canada, with new courts appearing in public parks and schools.

• In the 2000s, the internet helped spread awareness, with online communities and instructional videos making the sport more accessible.

• The USAPA launched a website (places2play.org) in 2005, further fueling the sport’s expansion by enabling players to easily find out the sites to play pickleball.

  
  

Pickleball Goes Global (2020s & Beyond)

• By 2020, pickleball had become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with millions of players nationwide.

• The sport expanded worldwide, with Europe, Asia, and Australia embracing it enthusiastically.

• Major tournaments, such as the US Open Pickleball Championships and the PPA Tour, have turned it into a professional sport.

• With increasing media coverage and sponsorships, many believe that pickleball could one day become an Olympic sport.

  
  

The Future of Pickleball

• Pickleball is no longer just a backyard game—it’s a global phenomenon.

• More professional leagues, training academies, and technological advancements (such as smart paddles and AI analytics) are shaping the future of the sport.

• Whether you're playing for fun or competition, pickleball’s inclusive and community-driven nature continues to bring people together across all ages and skill levels.

  
  

Conclusion

From a simple backyard invention to a sport played worldwide, pickleball’s journey is a testament to its fun, accessibility, and universal appeal. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or competing in tournaments, one thing is clear—pickleball is here to stay!