Who Invented Pickleball?

The first permanent court was built in 1967, and by the 1970s, pickleball began gaining national attention. In 1984, the United States Amateur Pickleball Association was formed, solidifying its place in American recreational culture. The sport’s quirky name is attributed either to the Pritchards’ dog, Pickles, or to the “pickle boat” in crew—a mix of leftover rowers.

Joel Pritchard’s legacy lives on in every serve and volley. His spontaneous creativity turned a backyard pastime into a global phenomenon, now enjoyed by millions. Pickleball’s rise reflects the power of simple, joyful innovation and the enduring impact of a veteran’s desire to bring people together through play. See the full story at https://pureaudacity.com/blogs/news/who-created-pickleball.