Enjoy Family Fun: 20 Ways to Get Your Kids into Pickleball

July 17, 2024 by Jason

Introducing your kids to pickleball can be a fantastic way to enjoy quality family fun while staying active. This fast-paced, fun sport is perfect for all ages and skill levels, making it an ideal activity to share with your children. Here are some tips to help you get your kids into pickleball and turn it into a family activity everyone will love.

Start with the Basics

1. Keep It Simple

Begin by explaining the basic rules of pickleball in a simple and engaging way. Focus on the essentials like how to serve, the importance of the kitchen (non-volley zone), and scoring. Use visuals and demonstrations to make it easier for your kids to understand.

Breaking Down the Rules:

  • Serving: In pickleball, serves are underhand and must be made diagonally. Show your kids how to serve by demonstrating the motion slowly. Let them practice with a few balls, and remember to praise their efforts.
  • The Kitchen: This is a seven-foot non-volley zone in front of the net. Explain that players can’t hit the ball in the air while standing in the kitchen. You can mark this area with tape or chalk in your driveway or backyard to make it clear.
  • Scoring: Games are typically played to 11 points, and you must win by two. Points are only scored by the serving team. Keep the initial games short to hold your kids’ attention and gradually increase the length as they become more comfortable.

2. Get the Right Gear

Invest in kid-friendly pickleball gear. Lightweight paddles and smaller balls are perfect for young players. Make sure everyone has proper shoes to avoid slips and falls on the court.

Choosing the Right Paddle:

  • Material: Paddles come in different materials like wood, composite, and graphite. For kids, lightweight composite paddles are ideal because they are easier to handle.
  • Size: Children’s hands are smaller, so look for paddles with smaller grips. This will help them control the paddle better and prevent injury.
  • Design: Kids love fun designs and colors. Let them choose a paddle with a design they like to increase their excitement about playing.

Balls and Shoes:

  • Balls: Use softer pickleballs designed for beginners and kids. These balls have a lower bounce, making them easier to hit.
  • Shoes: Ensure your kids have non-slip, comfortable shoes that provide good support. Proper footwear is essential to prevent injuries.

Make It Fun

3. Play Mini-Games

Instead of jumping straight into a full game, start with mini-games and drills that are both fun and instructional. For example, practice volleys by seeing how many times you can hit the ball back and forth without letting it drop.

Fun Mini-Games:

  • Volley Challenge: Set a goal for how many consecutive volleys you can make as a team. Start with five and gradually increase the number as you improve. Celebrate each milestone with a cheer or a high-five.
  • Target Practice: Place cones or markers on the court and challenge your kids to hit them with the ball. This game helps improve accuracy and control while adding an element of competition.
  • Serve Relay: Have a serving contest where each player tries to get the ball into the correct service box. Turn it into a relay race to add excitement and encourage teamwork.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in building confidence and enthusiasm. High-fives, cheers, and encouraging words will keep your kids motivated and excited to play.

Tips for Positive Reinforcement:

  • Be Specific: Instead of generic praise like “Good job,” be specific about what they did well. For example, “Great serve! You hit it perfectly into the service box.”
  • Encourage Effort: Praise the effort, not just the outcome. Acknowledge their hard work and determination, even if they don’t win a point.
  • Set Achievable Goals: Help your kids set realistic and achievable goals. Celebrate when they reach these milestones to keep them motivated.

Create a Routine

5. Schedule Regular Playtime

Set aside specific times during the week for family pickleball sessions. Consistency helps build skills and makes pickleball a regular part of your family routine. Make sure these sessions are fun and not too competitive.

Creating a Pickleball Schedule:

  • Weekly Sessions: Designate a couple of days each week as pickleball days. Consistent practice helps improve skills and makes pickleball a part of your family’s routine.
  • Flexible Timing: Be flexible with the timing to accommodate everyone’s schedule. Whether it’s after school or on weekends, find a time that works best for your family.
  • Keep It Short: Especially at the beginning, keep the sessions short and sweet. As your kids’ interest and stamina grow, gradually extend the playtime.

6. Join a Local Pickleball Club

Look for local pickleball clubs or community centers that offer family-friendly programs. Playing with other kids can be motivating and provide a social aspect to the game. It’s also a great way to meet other pickleball-loving families.

Benefits of Joining a Club:

  • Social Interaction: Playing with other children helps improve social skills and provides a sense of community.
  • Skill Development: Clubs often have coaches or experienced players who can offer valuable tips and guidance.
  • Family Events: Many clubs host family events and tournaments, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the game.

Get Creative

7. Design Your Own Court

If you have the space, set up a pickleball court in your driveway or backyard. Use chalk or tape to mark the lines and create a net using rope or a string. This way, your kids can play anytime they want, right at home.

Steps to Create a Backyard Court:

  • Measure the Space: Ensure you have enough space for a standard pickleball court (20 feet wide by 44 feet long). Adjust the size if necessary to fit your yard.
  • Mark the Lines: Use chalk or tape to mark the court lines. Make sure to include the kitchen and service boxes.
  • Set Up the Net: If you don’t have a pickleball net, use a rope or string at the correct height (34 inches at the center). Secure it with poles or attach it to existing structures like fences.
  • Add Fun Elements: Make the court inviting by adding decorations or colorful markings. Personalize it to make it feel special for your kids.

8. Organize Family Tournaments

Turn your family pickleball sessions into mini-tournaments. Create brackets, keep scores, and award fun prizes to keep the competitive spirit alive. This adds an extra layer of excitement and gives everyone something to look forward to.

Organizing a Family Tournament:

  • Create Brackets: Use a simple bracket system to organize matches. You can find printable templates online or create your own.
  • Keep Scores: Assign a scorekeeper or let players keep track of their own scores. Make sure everyone understands the scoring rules.
  • Award Prizes: Offer fun prizes like homemade trophies, medals, or even a special treat for the winners. Make sure to recognize everyone’s effort and sportsmanship.

Keep It Light and Enjoyable

9. Mix Up the Teams

Regularly switch up the teams to keep things interesting. Pairing parents with kids or mixing siblings together can make the games more dynamic and fun. This also prevents any one team from dominating and keeps the playing field even.

Team Mixing Ideas:

  • Parent-Child Teams: Pair parents with children to create balanced teams. This encourages teamwork and helps younger players learn from older ones.
  • Sibling Teams: Let siblings play together or against each other. Friendly sibling rivalry can be a great motivator.
  • Random Teams: Draw names from a hat to form teams. This adds an element of surprise and keeps things fresh.

10. Incorporate Breaks and Snacks

Remember to take breaks and have plenty of snacks and water on hand. This keeps energy levels high and ensures everyone is having a good time. Use these breaks to chat, laugh, and bond as a family.

Snack Ideas for Pickleball Breaks:

  • Fruit Snacks: Offer a variety of fresh fruits like apple slices, grapes, and berries. These are healthy and provide a quick energy boost.
  • Healthy Treats: Granola bars, yogurt, and cheese sticks are great options for a quick, nutritious snack.
  • Hydration: Keep plenty of water and sports drinks available to stay hydrated. Encourage your kids to take regular sips during breaks.

Advanced Tips for Family Pickleball Fun

11. Introduce Strategy and Tactics

As your kids become more comfortable with the basics, introduce them to simple strategies and tactics. This helps them understand the game better and improves their playing skills.

Basic Strategies to Teach:

  • Positioning: Explain the importance of positioning on the court. Teach them where to stand during serves, returns, and volleys.
  • Shot Selection: Show them different types of shots like dinks, drives, and lobs. Practice these shots during mini-games to reinforce their skills.
  • Team Communication: Encourage communication between team members. Simple phrases like “mine” or “yours” can help prevent confusion and improve coordination.

12. Learn from the Pros

Watch professional pickleball matches with your kids to inspire them and introduce them to advanced techniques. Discuss the strategies used by the pros and try to incorporate some of these into your family games.

Ways to Learn from the Pros:

  • Watch Matches: Find professional matches on YouTube or sports channels. Watch together and discuss the gameplay, techniques, and strategies.
  • Attend Tournaments: If there are local or regional pickleball tournaments, take your kids to watch. Seeing high-level play in person can be very motivating.
  • Online Tutorials: Look for instructional videos and tutorials online. Many professional players offer tips and drills that you can practice at home.

13. Customize the Game for Younger Kids

For very young children, customize the game to make it easier and more enjoyable. Adjust the rules, court size, and equipment to suit their age and skill level.

Customization Ideas:

  • Smaller Court: Use a smaller court size to make it easier for young kids to move around and reach the ball.
  • Lower Net: Lower the net height to match their height and ability. This makes it easier for them to hit the ball over the net.
  • Simplified Rules: Simplify the rules to focus on fun and basic skills. For example, don’t worry about keeping score or enforcing strict rules in the beginning.

14. Celebrate Family Achievements

Create a family pickleball achievement board where you can track progress and celebrate milestones. This visual representation of their achievements can be very motivating for kids.

Achievement Ideas:

  • Skills Mastered: Track skills like serving, volleys, and specific shots. Celebrate when they master a new skill.
  • Games Won: Keep a record of games won or milestones like the first time they scored a point or played a full game.
  • Fun Awards: Create fun awards for different achievements, such as “Best Team Player,” “Most Improved,” or “Pickleball Enthusiast.”

Incorporate Educational Elements

15. Teach the Science of Pickleball

Incorporate educational elements by teaching your kids the science behind the game. Explain concepts like physics, geometry, and health benefits related to pickleball.

Educational Topics:

  • Physics: Discuss how force, angle, and spin affect the ball’s trajectory. Use practical demonstrations to explain these concepts.
  • Geometry: Explain how different angles and court positioning affect gameplay. Practice hitting the ball at different angles to see the results.
  • Health Benefits: Talk about the physical and mental health benefits of playing pickleball. Discuss how regular physical activity helps improve overall well-being.

16. Set Learning Goals

Set learning goals related to pickleball, such as improving a specific skill or understanding a new concept. This helps keep your kids focused and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Learning Goal Ideas:

  • Skill Improvement: Set goals like improving serves, mastering volleys, or learning new shots. Track their progress and celebrate achievements.
  • Understanding Rules: Make it a goal to fully understand all the rules of pickleball. Use quizzes or discussions to reinforce their knowledge.
  • Physical Fitness: Set fitness goals related to pickleball, such as improving endurance, strength, or agility. Incorporate related exercises into your routine.

Make Pickleball a Part of Your Family Culture

17. Share Pickleball Stories

Share stories about famous pickleball players, historical moments, and personal experiences related to the game. This helps build a deeper connection to the sport and inspires your kids.

Story Ideas:

  • Famous Players: Talk about well-known pickleball players and their achievements. Discuss their playing styles and what makes them successful.
  • Historical Moments: Share interesting facts and milestones in the history of pickleball. Explain how the sport has evolved over time.
  • Personal Stories: Share your own experiences with pickleball, including challenges, successes, and funny moments. Encourage your kids to share their stories as well.

18. Create Pickleball Traditions

Establish family traditions related to pickleball, such as annual tournaments, themed game nights, or special celebrations. These traditions help make pickleball a cherished part of your family culture.

Tradition Ideas:

  • Annual Tournament: Host an annual family pickleball tournament with fun themes and prizes. Make it a big event that everyone looks forward to.
  • Themed Game Nights: Have regular game nights with different themes, such as “80s Night” or “Superhero Night.” Encourage everyone to dress up and play along with the theme.
  • Special Celebrations: Celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays or holidays, with a pickleball game. Incorporate festive elements to make it memorable.

19. Document Your Pickleball Journey

Create a family pickleball journal or scrapbook to document your journey. Include photos, stories, achievements, and memorable moments. This not only preserves memories but also shows the progress and growth of your family’s pickleball skills.

Journal Ideas:

  • Photos: Take photos during games, tournaments, and special events. Include captions to describe the moments.
  • Stories: Write down funny, inspiring, or memorable stories related to your pickleball experiences. Let each family member contribute.
  • Achievements: Record milestones, such as mastering new skills, winning games, or achieving personal goals. Include dates and details.

20. Involve Extended Family and Friends

Extend the fun by involving extended family and friends in your pickleball activities. This expands your pickleball community and provides more opportunities for social interaction and fun.

Involvement Ideas:

  • Family Reunions: Incorporate pickleball into family reunions or gatherings. Organize friendly matches or mini-tournaments.
  • Friend Playdates: Invite your kids’ friends over for pickleball playdates. This adds a social element and helps introduce more kids to the sport.
  • Community Events: Participate in or host community pickleball events. This helps build connections with other pickleball enthusiasts and promotes the sport locally.

Conclusion

Introducing your kids to pickleball is not just about teaching them a new sport; it’s about creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. With these tips, you can turn pickleball into a family activity that everyone will love and look forward to. So grab your paddles, hit the court, and enjoy some quality family pickleball fun!