The Origin and Explosive Growth of Pickleball: From Backyard Fun to a National Movement

In a world where new sports rarely take hold, pickleball has done the unthinkable—capturing the hearts of millions across the United States and beyond. Blending elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, pickleball has evolved from a humble backyard game into the fastest-growing sport in America. With nearly 20 million players nationwide, its rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.

The Unlikely Beginning

Pickleball was born in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—returned from a round of golf to find their children complaining of boredom. In a moment of creative problem-solving, they gathered up a wiffle ball, ping-pong paddles, and a badminton net, lowered the net, and invented a game that was equal parts engaging, social, and accessible.

The goal was simple: create a family-friendly activity that people of all ages could enjoy. The court was small, the equipment was easy to use, and the rules were straightforward. What started as improvisation quickly turned into something more—neighbors got curious, friends joined in, and soon enough, a movement was underway.

What’s in a Name?

Pickleball’s quirky name has always invited curiosity. The most accepted version of the story comes from Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, who remarked that the game reminded her of a "pickle boat" in crew, where leftover rowers were assembled into a team. Another, more whimsical tale claims the game was named after the family dog, Pickles, who would chase the ball around the court. Though the dog story is fun, Pickles the dog reportedly came along a few years after the game was named—so the "pickle boat" version holds more historical weight.

The First Real Court and Growth Through the Years

In 1967, just two years after its invention, the first permanent pickleball court was constructed in the backyard of Bob O'Brian, a friend of the Pritchards. The sport began to spread across the Pacific Northwest through word of mouth, church groups, and community centers.

By the mid-1970s, pickleball had its first official tournament, and in 1984, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was formed to promote the sport, develop standardized rules, and support grassroots growth.

Despite its steady rise, pickleball remained relatively under the radar for decades, mostly popular among retirees, community centers, and local leagues. But all of that changed in the 2010s.

The Boom Begins

Between 2015 and 2020, the sport began gaining serious traction. Courts began popping up in parks, neighborhoods, and gyms. Pickleball’s appeal expanded well beyond senior communities—young adults, families, and competitive athletes started embracing the game.

What sparked the boom?

Accessibility: The rules are easy to learn, the gear is affordable, and games are short and fun. It’s also easy on the joints, making it ideal for players of all ages and skill levels.
Social Connection: Pickleball is a naturally social game. Played mostly in doubles, it brings people together on and off the court.
Low Barrier to Entry: A paddle, a ball, and a local court are all you need. And with more than 68,000 courts in the U.S. as of 2024, it’s easier than ever to find a place to play.
Media Attention and Celebrity Endorsements: Pickleball’s rising profile has been helped by features in national publications and endorsements by celebrities and athletes—from Tom Brady and LeBron James to Bill Gates.

The Fastest-Growing Sport in America

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States for four consecutive years (2021–2024). The numbers are astounding:

In 2021, there were an estimated 4.8 million players.
By 2024, that number had skyrocketed to 19.8 million, a 311% increase in just three years.
Players now span all generations, with the 25–34 age group becoming the sport’s largest segment for the first time in 2024.

This explosion in popularity has led to an infrastructure boom as well. Cities and communities are racing to keep up with demand, often converting unused tennis courts or building entirely new pickleball-specific facilities. In fact, industry analysts estimate that nearly $900 million in infrastructure investment will be required in the next five years to keep up with player growth.

Professional Leagues and Media Coverage

As the game has grown, so too has its professional scene. The formation of organizations like the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), and Major League Pickleball (MLP) has elevated the sport's visibility and professionalism. These leagues are now hosting high-stakes tournaments across the country, many of which are televised or streamed to enthusiastic audiences.

Corporate sponsorships and prize money are increasing, and top players are becoming household names in the pickleball community. What was once a backyard pastime is now a legitimate competitive sport.

HEX Pro Performance and the Pickleball Revolution

At HEX Pro Performance, we’ve been proud to be part of this incredible journey. As pickleball continues to evolve, so does the equipment needed to play it well. That’s why we’ve developed high-performance paddles like the X1, X2, FUZION, STRYKER, TRUFOAM, VANQUISH and DYNAMIX—crafted to deliver power, control, and precision whether you’re a weekend warrior or tournament-level competitor.

With millions of new players hitting the courts and thousands of games played every day, HEX paddles are helping athletes level up their performance and enjoy the game more than ever.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Pickleball

Pickleball’s story is still being written. From its humble beginnings on a quiet island in Washington to its current status as a national obsession, the sport’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing. With growing media exposure, professional leagues, youth involvement, and a global presence on the horizon, pickleball is poised to become a lasting fixture in the world of sports.

Whether you're a beginner just discovering the game or a seasoned player chasing the podium, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Pick up a paddle, find your nearest court, and experience why pickleball has captured the nation’s attention—and why HEX Pro Performance is the trusted brand helping players push the game forward.