Pickleball got its name in the summer of 1965, when the game was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington — and according to the family of co-inventor Joel Pritchard, it was named after the “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a crew thrown together from leftover oarsmen. The more famous story — that the game was named after the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles — is charming but likely backwards: by the family’s own account, the dog came along after the game and was named after it. Here’s the full history, including who invented pickleball, when, where, and how the name debate actually shakes out.
Who invented pickleball?
Pickleball was invented by three fathers: Joel Pritchard (then a Washington state legislator, later a U.S. congressman), Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. Returning from golf one Saturday to find their families bored, Pritchard and Bell improvised a game on the property’s old badminton court — but couldn’t find a full set of rackets, so they handed the kids ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball. McCallum joined soon after, and the three developed the first real rules together.
When was pickleball invented?
The game dates to summer 1965. Within a couple of years it had spread from one backyard to neighbors and friends; the first known dedicated pickleball court was built in 1967, and the sport was incorporated as an official entity in 1972. Six decades later it has become one of America’s fastest-growing sports, with nearly 20 million Americans playing annually according to SFIA participation data.
Where was pickleball invented?
Pickleball originated at the Pritchard family’s summer home on Bainbridge Island, Washington, a short ferry ride from Seattle. The original badminton court where it all started still exists, and Bainbridge Island remains a pilgrimage site for the sport’s fans.
So why is it called “pickleball”?
Two origin stories have competed for years:
- The pickle boat story (the better-documented one). Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, said she coined the name because the mash-up of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong reminded her of a pickle boat — the rowing shell crewed by leftovers from other boats. The game, assembled from leftover equipment and borrowed rules, fit the metaphor perfectly.
- The dog story (the popular one). The Pritchards’ cocker spaniel, Pickles, chased stray balls, and the game was supposedly named “Pickles’ ball.” The catch: family accounts and later reporting indicate Pickles was born around 1968 — after the game already had its name. The dog was named after the game, not the other way around.
USA Pickleball’s own historical research favors the pickle boat account, though the dog story persists because, frankly, it’s a better campfire tale.
Why is the non-volley zone called “the kitchen”?
The 7-foot no-volley zone at the net — “the kitchen” — most likely borrowed its name from shuffleboard, where the “kitchen” is the penalty area you want to stay out of. You can’t hit a volley while standing in it, which is what gives pickleball its distinctive dinking game at the net.
From backyard game to global sport
From one improvised backyard court, pickleball has grown into a sport with professional tours, national championships, and millions of players worldwide — rated and ranked through systems like DUPR, the sport’s standard rating system. If you’re new to the game and want to see what it’s about, start with our guide to what pickleball is and how it’s played.
Quick answers
Who invented pickleball and why was it called pickleball?
Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum invented it in 1965 to entertain their families. Joan Pritchard named it after the rowing term “pickle boat” — a crew of leftovers, like the game’s leftover equipment.
Was there really a dog named Pickles?
Yes — but by the family’s account the dog arrived after the game was named, and was named after the game.
Is pickleball hard to learn?
No — it’s one of the most accessible racket sports, which is a big reason for its growth. Most beginners are rallying within their first session.
Want to experience the game behind the funny name? Pickleball lessons at PAC in Thousand Oaks run daily on 9 climate-controlled indoor courts, from first-timer clinics to private coaching.
Sources: USA Pickleball — History of the Game · Sports & Fitness Industry Association · DUPR
