Family Pickleball in December — A Holiday Activity for All Ages

December in South Africa is about sunshine, school holidays, family visits, and finding fun ways to spend time together. If you’re looking for something active that doesn’t require serious fitness or complicated rules, pickleball is a brilliant holiday option. It’s the rare sport where kids, parents, aunties, uncles, and grandparents can all jump in on the same court — and actually enjoy it.

 

Why Pickleball Fits the December Holiday Mood

 

The festive season often comes with two challenges: keeping kids busy and finding activities that everyone agrees on. Pickleball solves both. Games are short, the court is small, and the learning curve is gentle. You can play a quick match before breakfast, squeeze in a few rallies between beach trips, or turn it into a sunset family competition followed by a braai.

Because you don’t need a full tennis court or advanced skills, pickleball can be played almost anywhere — especially in summer when outdoor spaces are easier to use.

 

What Makes Pickleball Great for All Ages?

 

• Simple rules: Beginners can learn the basics in 5–10 minutes.
• Smaller court: Less running than tennis, which helps younger kids and older adults keep up.
• Slower ball pace: Gives everyone a fair chance, even if their reflexes or coordination differ.
• Low-impact movement: It’s active without being punishing on joints.
• Social by nature: Doubles is the standard, so it naturally becomes a family team game.

Even globally, pickleball is well-known as a sport that welcomes a wide range of ages and abilities because of these features.

 

How to Set Up a Holiday Family Pickleball Game

 

Here’s a practical way to get everyone involved without pressure:

1. Pick your location: If you have a local pickleball court, great. If not, any flat surface works — a tennis court, netball court, school playground, or driveway. You can also check our Find a Court page for nearby options.
2. Use family-friendly gear: Lightweight paddles are best for kids and beginners. If you’re playing outside, choose outdoor balls. Starter kits make this easy — see our starter kits collection.
3. Teach the basics quickly: Keep it simple:
   • Serve underhand.
   • Ball must bounce once on each side before volleys (the “two-bounce rule”).
   • No volleys inside the kitchen (non‑volley zone).
4. Start with mini games: Play to 5 or 7 points first. Short games keep kids engaged and stop beginners from feeling overwhelmed.
5. Rotate partners: Switch teams every game so everyone plays with everyone — it’s more social and avoids one side dominating.

 

Fun Family Game Formats (That Aren’t Too Competitive)

Not every December game needs to feel like Wimbledon. Try these relaxed formats:

• King/Queen of the Court: Winners stay on, challengers rotate in. Great for bigger families.
• Rally Challenge: See how many hits your family can keep going without a fault. Kids love beating the “family record.”
• Adults vs Kids (with a twist): Adults must dink only, while kids can drive. It keeps things fair and hilarious.
• Round Robin: Everyone plays everyone in quick 7‑minute games. Ideal for holiday gatherings.

 

Don’t Have a Court? Build a “Pop‑Up” One

Pickleball is one of the easiest sports to set up casually. If you don’t have access to a court:

• Mark boundaries with chalk, rope, cones, or tape.
• Use a portable net (or lower a tennis net if available).
• Play on any flat surface with enough width for a small court.

You’ll find portable net options in our nets collection.

 

Tips for Playing With Young Kids

• Let them serve closer to the net.
• Lower the net slightly if you’re using a portable one.
• Use softer balls if they struggle with full-speed rallies.
• Celebrate effort and long rallies, not just points.

 

Why Active Holidays Matter in South Africa

South African kids (and adults) are often less active during longer breaks. Health authorities regularly encourage families to use holidays to get moving together, because it supports healthier habits and better overall wellbeing. Pickleball fits perfectly — it feels like play, but still gets everyone active.

 

🌍 External Resource

For more ideas on keeping kids active during school holidays, visit Health Magazine’s South African guide to keeping kids active.

 

Make Pickleball Your New Holiday Tradition

At the end of the day, holiday family pickleball in South Africa isn’t about perfect technique — it’s about laughter, movement, and being together. The sport is built for connection. Whether your family plays once on Christmas Eve or every weekend through December, you’ll be creating a tradition that’s healthy, affordable, and genuinely fun.

Ready to get your family on court? Browse our family sets, grab a starter kit, or book a casual holiday session near you. Let’s make this December the month your family falls in love with pickleball.