Amid the excitement surrounding Lifetime’s new original film A Pickleball Christmas, starring James Lafferty and Zibby Allen, I was excited to finally sit down and watch it.

I went into the movie with a different set of expectations. After all, this is a Lifetime Original I’m watching from the comfort of my own home, not an Oscar contender. It’s more in line with the Hallmark-style holiday films my mom loves, just with a few extra cheeky innuendos.

Overall, the movie was delightful. It perfectly captured the feel of a Florida Christmas, with palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights and sunny skies on Christmas Day. Lafferty and Allen bring their holiday romance to life in a way that’s both genuine and playfully silly—the kind of lighthearted charm you expect from a Christmas movie.

What was truly fun, though, was seeing how the filmmakers brought pickleball to life on screen. There were epic training montages, and Allen’s character taught Lafferty the art of the soft game. The movie even included a tournament complete with “Pick TV” broadcasters calling the action, adding a playful touch to the competition. 

Their portrayal of pickleball was mostly accurate, though it had a few amusing slip-ups.

For one thing, everyone seemed to be playing with some generic, plastic paddle—no JOOLAs, Paddleteks, or Franklins in sight. In real life, you’d probably spot Andre Agassi’s signature paddle making a cameo in the background of every shot at the club.

There were also a few moments where the court positioning felt a little off. During the tense tournament game, the serving team wouldn’t normally have both players standing on the baseline. And no one would stand right on the kitchen line during a rally—they’d be stuck in the dreaded mid-court “no-man’s-land” instead. But these were minor errors, noticeable only to us pickleball enthusiasts.

After interviewing Lafferty about the pickleball lessons he took before filming, it’s clear he knew his way around the court. His drop serve was solid, and his dinks and down-the-line drives often won the points. Allen, a regular pickleball player in her free time, brought the finesse of someone who’s been playing for years.

What I really appreciated about the movie is that it never mocks pickleball for a cheap laugh. While Lafferty’s character starts out skeptical because of his pro tennis background, he quickly learns to enjoy and respect the game. The players at the club aren’t just older adults. They span all ages, highlighting the sense of community that makes pickleball so special.

Sure, the movie is a little silly. It’s a Lifetime pickleball romance, after all. There’s some cheesy dialogue and a third-act miscommunication that could’ve been avoided if the characters had just talked. At one point, the lovebirds have a full-on “we need to discuss our feelings” conversation right in the middle of match point while trying to save the club. But despite the silliness, it’s still a lot of fun, thanks in large part to Lafferty and Allen, whose acting shines through every dink, drop, and kitchen violation.

A Pickleball Christmas is definitely one to add to your holiday movie lineup.

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