When Was Pickleball Invented and How Did It Take Over America?

An estimated 36.5 million Americans have played Pickleball at least once, meaning more than 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have picked up a paddle. But while its popularity is surging across parks, courts, and professional arenas today, few know that this fast-growing racket sport began as a spontaneous backyard game with improvised gear and an unlikely name.

At Eleven Social Club, we celebrate everything Pickleball by creating modern, performance-ready apparel for the players shaping its future. In this article, we rewind the clock and explore how our favorite pastime started!

When Did Pickleball Get Popular?

Pickleball gained popularity in the early 2010s and saw explosive growth after 2020. The sport attracted attention due to its accessibility, low cost, and social nature. From 2021 to 2023, the number of players in the U.S. more than doubled, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

The Birth of Pickleball: When and Where was Pickleball Created?

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, just west of Seattle, Washington. Three neighbors created the game: Joel Pritchard (a Washington State congressman), Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, who were looking for a fun way to entertain their families on a summer afternoon. Early rules drew from badminton, tennis, and table tennis, introducing unique features like the non-volley zone, the underhand serve, and simplified scoring.

When Was the First Pickleball Game Played?

The first official game of pickleball was played in 1965 on Joel Pritchard’s driveway on Bainbridge Island. Using a lowered badminton net, a whiffle ball, and table tennis paddles, Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum started a casual backyard game that would become a global racket sport.

Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?

The origin of the name “pickleball” has long sparked debate in the sport’s community. Two theories dominate the conversation:

• The first claims the game was named after the Pritchard family’s dog, Pickles, who would chase the whiffle ball during early games on Bainbridge Island.
• The more widely accepted explanation, supported by Joan Pritchard, wife of Pickleball co-founder Joel Pritchard, is that the sport was named after “pickle boats” in rowing, where mismatched or leftover crew members are combined. This reflects how pickleball blends elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis into a unique hybrid game.

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How Did Pickleball Become So Popular?

Pickleball’s popularity has grown steadily, fueled by its simple rules, social nature, and accessibility. The game’s appeal expanded rapidly in the 1980s and 1990s, especially in community centers and senior living communities, where its low-impact design and fun doubles format made it ideal for all ages.

The formation of Pickleball, Inc. in 1972 helped supply official equipment like pickleball balls and paddles, supporting the game’s early growth. Later, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), founded in 2005, played a key role in standardizing rules, forming the USAPA Rules Committee, and promoting formal gameplay features such as the dink, drop serve, and rally scoring across national and international competitions.

The Evolution of Pickleball: Key Milestones Throughout the Years

• 1965: Pickleball was invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum.
• 1967: The first permanent pickleball court is built in Pritchard’s backyard.
• 1972: Pickleball, Inc. is founded to market paddles, nets, and pickleball balls.
• 1984: The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) is formed to formalize rules and promote national growth.
• 1990: Pickleball is being played in all 50 U.S. states.
• 2005: The official USAPA website launches; membership and tournament activity grow rapidly.
• 2009: The First USAPA National Tournament was held in Arizona with over 400 players.
• 2015: The Pickleball Hall of Fame is established to honor pioneers and champions.
• 2017: The International Federation of Pickleball expands the sport to global audiences.
• 2021: Major League Pickleball launches, signaling the sport’s rise as a professional league.
• 2023: Pickleball is named the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
• 2024: Up to 50 million adult Americans reported playing pickleball in the past 12 months.

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Pickleball Today: From Backyard Game to Competitive Sport

Pickleball has grown from a backyard pastime into one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., with nearly 50 million adult players reported in the last year. Backed by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the game now features thousands of courts and a thriving network of professional leagues and tournaments.

Modern gear, from graphite and composite paddles to SunSafe courtwear, has advanced the game. Meanwhile, major events like the Pickleball National Championships, Pickleball World Championships, and Major League Pickleball are featured on top sports networks under growing broadcast contracts.

Organizations like USA Pickleball, the International Federation of Pickleball, and the World Pickleball Federation continue expanding the sport globally. At the same time, outlets like Pickleball Magazine and the Pickleball Hall of Fame celebrate the rich and evolving pickleball history.

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Pickleball Gear and Apparel: Then vs. Now

In pickleball’s early days, players used basic ping pong paddles and a plastic ball; a far cry from today’s advanced paddle technology. Modern pickleball paddles now feature materials like fiberglass/Nomex honeycomb panels, engineered for better control, spin, and power. The evolution of performance gear has elevated play across all levels, from casual doubles games to high-speed Erne shots in national tournaments.

At Eleven Social Club, we design stylish, functional clothing for modern players who care about both performance and expression. Our SunSafe courtwear features breathable, UPF-rated fabrics to keep you protected under the sun, while our Miami-inspired aesthetic delivers comfort and confidence from warmups to cool-downs. Whether you're playing at a local league or just hitting the court with friends, our apparel helps you move better, stay cooler, and look sharp.

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The Future of Pickleball: Growth, Gear, and Community

Pickleball’s rapid rise shows no signs of slowing. With millions of new players picking up a paddle each year and major investments from sports networks, professional leagues, and sponsors, the sport is transitioning from a recreational pastime into a global movement.

But the future of pickleball isn’t just about courts and championships; it’s about community, lifestyle, and how players express themselves on and off the court. That’s where Eleven Social Club comes in. With SunSafe courtwear engineered for movement, breathability, and UPF protection, our gear helps players stay cool, confident, and focused during every point.

Top Gear for the Modern Pickleball Player

• SunSafe Performance Tops: Lightweight, breathable shirts with UPF protection. These are ideal for long matches under the sun.
• Breathable Court Skirts & Shorts: Custom-made for agility and movement, these pieces combine style and stretch for all-day comfort.
• Pickleball Hats & Visors: Shield your eyes and stay focused during rallies with sleek, lightweight headwear built for court play.
• Transition & Polarized Sunglasses: Perfect for outdoor courts. These reduce glare and maintain visibility in changing light conditions. 
• Performance Socks & Wristbands: Moisture-wicking and built for support, these small accessories make a big difference in long matches.
• Supportive Slides: Ideal for before and after the game, our cushioned slides help your feet recover in style.
• Streetwear-Inspired Lifestyle Apparel: Off-court options like hoodies and crewnecks let you rep your pickleball passion wherever you go.

From casual matches to elite tournaments, Eleven Social Club offers style-forward essentials designed to meet the demands of modern play.

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Eleven Social Club: Where Performance Meets Style

At Eleven Social Club, we design performance-driven pickleball apparel for players who care about how they move, feel, and look on and off the court. We’re inspired by the energy of the game and the community that surrounds it, which is why our gear blends breathable, SunSafe fabrics with bold, Miami-inspired design. Whether you're grinding through a tournament, rallying with friends, or heading out after a match, we’re here to help you play hard, recover fast, and rep the sport in style.

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