The Surprising History of Pickleball
If you’ve just discovered pickleball, you might be wondering: where did this fun little game actually come from?
It feels like it’s suddenly everywhere in Australia, from community courts to backyard barbies. But pickleball’s story stretches back decades, and it all started with a family just trying to cure their boredom.
How Pickleball Was Invented
The origin of pickleball goes all the way back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, near Seattle, USA. Three dads, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, were looking for a way to keep their kids entertained during the summer holidays.
They had a badminton court, a perforated plastic ball (similar to a wiffle ball), and a couple of table-tennis paddles. The result? A new game that mixed elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. And it was an instant hit.
That day, pickleball was born.
Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?
There are two main stories about how the sport got its quirky name:
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The “Pickle Boat” Theory:
Joel Pritchard’s wife, Joan, said the mix of sports reminded her of a “pickle boat”, a term used in rowing for crews made up of leftover rowers from other teams. -
The Dog Story:
Some say the family’s dog, Pickles, used to chase after the ball and hide it in the bushes, hence “Pickle’s Ball.”
Whichever version you prefer, the name stuck and helped make the sport as fun to talk about as it is to play.
🌍 From Backyard Game to Global Phenomenon
In the decades that followed, pickleball quietly spread across the United States, fuelled by its simplicity, low cost, and addictive gameplay. By the 2000s, it had official rules, tournaments, and a professional association, the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association).
Today, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, played in schools, leisure centres, and even pro arenas. Its appeal crosses generations: kids, adults, and retirees all rally together on the same court.
🇦🇺 How Pickleball Arrived in Australia
Pickleball made its way to Australia in the mid-2010s, brought in by travellers and expats who’d fallen in love with the game overseas. Local enthusiasts began setting up makeshift courts in gyms and community halls, and before long, entire clubs started forming.
Now, the sport has exploded with pickleball associations in every state, and hundreds of new courts popping up from Sydney to Perth. Many Aussies are finding that pickleball offers the perfect mix of social connection, fitness, and outdoor fun.
At Pickleball Play Co, we’re proud to see the game thriving down under and to help more people discover how easy it is to get started.
Why Knowing the Game’s Roots Matters
Understanding where pickleball came from helps explain why it’s so inclusive. From day one, it was designed for friends, families, and communities, not elite athletes. That spirit still defines the sport today.
So next time you’re on court, remember: every serve, rally, and laugh is part of a story that began nearly 60 years ago with three dads, one bored afternoon, and a borrowed ball.