Who Invented Pickleball?

Pickleball’s invention is as unique as the sport itself. The game was created in 1965 by Joe Pritchard, a congressman from Washington State. He and his friends—Bill Bell and Barney McCallum—were searching for a way to entertain their families on a summer weekend. They combined elements from badminton, tennis, and table tennis to create a fun, fast-paced game that could be played in a small space.

Initially, they played the game in Pritchard’s backyard with whatever equipment they had on hand—paddles, a wiffle ball, and a lowered badminton net. Over time, they refined the rules, and the game grew in popularity, spreading to communities across the United States before taking the world by storm.

Pickleball’s humble beginnings have only added to its charm. It was designed to be inclusive, fun, and easy to play—traits that continue to define the sport today.