Key takeaways:
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum as a way to entertain their families.
The origin of pickleball's name is debated, with the 'dog theory' suggesting it was named after a family pet and the 'pickle boat theory' referencing a term from rowing.
Despite the common belief, historical evidence and testimonies from the founders suggest the game was named after the 'pickle boat' rather than the dog Pickles.
Pickleball has one of the quirkiest names in sports, but where did it come from? This fun debate has been part of the sport’s story for decades, adding to its charm and sense of belonging. It’s the kind of question that pops up during a game or over coffee, pulling players and fans into pickleball’s quirky past.
At PB5star, we’re all about sharing the passion, history, and excitement of pickleball. Our site is a handy spot for players wanting to learn about the game’s beginnings, pick up quality apparel, and join the pickleball crowd. From eye-catching designs to gear that works hard, we’ve got you covered, whether you’re new or a longtime player.
Pickleball history
Picture a summer day in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Three dads, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, had a goal: keep their families busy. With no badminton gear around, they grabbed ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball with holes, setting up on a small court. Just like that, a new game started!
That first afternoon wasn’t meant to launch a new sport; it was simply an improvised way to get everyone outside and playing together on an old badminton court. As they experimented, they realized they’d stumbled onto something different from tennis or badminton, faster, more compact, and easy for kids and adults to enjoy side by side.
That backyard idea grew fast. The trio tweaked the rules, dropped the net lower to match the paddles, and made the game simple enough for kids and grown-ups alike. They mixed bits of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into something new and easy to pick up. News spread through friends and neighbors, and by 1967, they built the first real court in a backyard.
From there, the game slowly moved from Bainbridge Island to parks, schools, and community centers across the country, carried mostly by word of mouth and the enthusiasm of families who loved its mix of fun and competition.
Pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in America, having grown 51.8% from 2022 to 2023. Its charm comes from being easy to start yet tough to perfect, keeping games lively and fun.
That rapid rise has also kept curiosity about its unusual name alive; players don’t just want to learn the rules, they want to know the story that connects today’s booming courts back to that first summer experiment.
The pickleball naming controversy
Here’s where it gets fun. How did pickleball get its one-of-a-kind name? Two ideas float around, each with its own fans, giving the sport a bit of extra character:
The dog theory
Some folks say the game was named after Pickles, the Pritchard family’s dog, who loved chasing the ball during games. Imagine a happy pup running around the court, tail wagging, while everyone laughed—it’s a cute picture that’s hard not to like.
As the story spread, many people assumed this playful detail had to be the source of the name, and the “dog origin” became one of the most retold bits of pickleball lore.
The pickle boat theory
Others say, Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, picked the name from the “pickle boat” in rowing—a crew of leftover rowers from other boats joining hands, much like pickleball pulls from different sports. This idea links the name to a smart comparison, matching the game’s mixed-up roots.
In this version, Joan drew on her familiarity with the term “pickle boat” to describe how the new game felt like a blend of spare parts: borrowed equipment, a repurposed court, and rules inspired by several sports at once.
This back-and-forth has turned into a fun piece of pickleball’s past, stirring up friendly debates and good times among players who love its weird history.
Whether people lean toward the dog tale or the rowing reference, the conversation itself has become part of the culture, giving players an easy way to swap stories and welcome newcomers into the community.
Sorting fact from fiction
Timing discrepancy
Some old notes hint that Pickles the dog didn’t join the family until after the game already had its name. This mix-up in timing makes you wonder—could a dog who showed up late really be the one behind it?
When you line up the dates, the sequence is clear: the game came first, the Pritchards’ dog arrived later, and the cute story about Pickles chasing balls likely grew from there.
Joan Pritchard’s statement
Joan herself said that while they had a dog named Pickles, the sport wasn’t named after him. Her word matters, giving us a peek at how the name came to be and clearing up some of the guesswork.
She pointed instead to the rowing term “pickle boat” as her inspiration, explaining that the way they cobbled the game together from different sports reminded her of a boat filled with leftover rowers.
That first-hand account from someone who was there carries more weight than later retellings, even if the dog story is easier to remember.
The real inspiration
The “pickle boat” idea fits just right with the game’s mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It was a sport patched together, like a pickle boat crew of odds and ends. This tie-in feels thought-out, matching the clever spark of those dads on Bainbridge Island. And since pickle boat consists of two words, this also sparked the debate of whether pickleball is one word or two!
Beyond the clever wordplay, the name “pickleball” mirrors the sport’s personality: a little quirky, instantly memorable, and less formal than many traditional racket sports.
That light-hearted tone has helped the game stand out, making people curious enough to ask, “What is pickleball, anyway?”, and often convincing them to try a game for themselves.
Today, you’ll even see tournaments, clubs, and gear brands lean into the name with playful pickle-themed graphics and references, all reinforcing the sport’s easygoing, community-first spirit.
How did pickleball really get its name?
So, was pickleball named after a dog? The dog story is a blast, sure, but the signs point to Joan Pritchard’s rowing idea as the real deal. Pickleball, like a pickle boat, mixes different pieces to make something awesome—a blend of sports tied together with a bit of imagination. The name caught on, and now it’s a sport with a feel all its own, clicking with millions who enjoy its strange charm.
But honestly, the name’s origin isn’t the big thing—it’s how pickleball pulls people together. Whether you’re a pro trading shots or just grabbing a paddle for kicks, you’re in on a game that’s quick, fun, and hard to put down. And at PB5star, we’re right beside you on this journey! With our performance-driven apparel and gear, you’ll be ready to hit the court in style!
