Shireta Jones’ passion and perseverance on pickleball court - VA News

I learned about it probably about the same time-frame. I know it's been around a long time but more recently became popular. Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—who were looking for a new game to play with their families during the summer. Here's a brief history:

Creation: The game was initially created as a backyard game for the families of Pritchard and Bell. They improvised with ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball, using a badminton net. The name "pickleball" came from Joan Pritchard, Joel's wife, who likened the game to the "pickle boat" in crew, where leftover rowers were put together, suggesting that pickleball was a mix of different sports.
Early Development: The game combined elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Initially, the rules were quite fluid, but over time, they were formalized. The first permanent pickleball court was built in 1967 at the home of one of the inventors.
Standardization: By the 1970s, the game began to spread beyond Bainbridge Island. The United States Pickleball Association (USAPA) was formed in 1984 to standardize rules and promote the sport. This organization has been pivotal in defining the rules, dimensions of the court, and equipment specifications.
Growth: Pickleball saw slow but steady growth until the 21st century when it began to explode in popularity, especially among older adults looking for a less physically demanding alternative to tennis. The sport has since gained traction among all ages due to its social, accessible nature, and the smaller court size compared to tennis.
Recent Surge: In the last decade, pickleball has seen a massive surge in popularity. It's now played in community centers, schools, parks, and even has its own dedicated facilities. The sport has attracted professional athletes from other sports, celebrities, and has been featured on television and in various media.
Current Status: As of 2024, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with thousands of courts nationwide and an increasing number of tournaments. It's also gaining international interest, with countries like Canada, India, Spain, and others developing their pickleball communities.


The sport's appeal lies in its simplicity, the fun social aspect, and how it can be played at various levels of intensity, making it suitable for a wide demographic. The community aspect of pickleball also plays a significant role in its growth, as players often form close-knit groups, further promoting the game.