Pickleball may feel like a new sport, but its story goes back more than sixty years.

And it started in a backyard.

Where Did Pickleball Begin?

Pickleball originated in Washington State in the United States in 1965.

What began as a simple family activity gradually developed into a sport with its own equipment, rules and identity.

The early game borrowed elements from existing racket sports, but over time the court, paddle and rules became distinctly pickleball.

From Backyard to Permanent Court

As the game developed, it became more organised.

In 1967, an important milestone followed: the first permanent pickleball court was constructed.

By the following decades, organised pickleball had begun to take shape, eventually leading to formal associations, tournaments and standardised rules.

For more about the sport and its development, USA Pickleball is one of the key resources for official rules and information in the United States.

Why Did Pickleball Grow?

The simplicity of the game is part of its strength.

You don't need a huge court.

You can understand the basic idea quickly.

Doubles makes the sport social.

And while pickleball is easy to begin playing, mastering it is another story entirely.

Dinks, resets, drives, drops, speed-ups, positioning and spin give serious players plenty to obsess over.

Pickleball Goes Global

Today, pickleball is played far beyond North America.

The European Pickleball Federation represents the increasingly organised European side of the sport, while national organisations and local clubs continue to introduce new players.

The Netherlands now has playing locations throughout the country.

The Next Chapter

That's the part of pickleball history we find most exciting at TOCO67.

The game already has a past.

But in Europe, it still feels like we're near the beginning.

New courts are appearing. New players are discovering the game. European tournaments are getting bigger.

Pickleball started with people simply wanting to play.

More than sixty years later, that still feels like the best reason to pick up a paddle.