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PB Vision App

PB Vision Team

Everything from how to subscribe to a plan to how to use the app and troubleshoot.

App Usage

<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0191c865-6aa7-70bf-ac16-9ad37392d279.gif" data-width="100%" data-align="left"><ul><li>Framing: The entire court including all 4 corners should be clearly visible in the frame</li><li>Game: The video must be of a doubles pickleball game</li><li>Length: The video should be no longer than 30 minutes</li><li>Format: The video should be at least 1080p and 30fps</li><li>Orientation: The video should be in landscape mode</li><li>Height: The camera should be at least 5 feet off the ground</li><li>Post Processing: Don’t submit a video that’s been modified; our system handles idle-time cutting</li><li>Stability: Avoid handheld video; use a tripod or fence mount for steady footage</li><li>Lighting: Avoid filming with direct sun in the background; if it’s hard to make out players or the ball, our AI will struggle too!</li></ul>Here are some examples of ideal framing:<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae71-7d91-74ec-8d92-40fc0ff3880f.png" data-width="75%" data-align="left"><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae71-e054-7987-bc48-ba184c72f80c.png" data-width="75%" data-align="left"><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae73-21c9-7f7e-b5fc-0e4ab2f98420.png" data-width="75%" data-align="left"><h2 id="f3ktmqmoizy" data-toc-id="f3ktmqmoizy">Would a hand-held recording work?</h2>No. A tripod, fence mount, or any solid base positioned 5+ feet up is a must. The important thing is that your phone or camera of choice does not move while the video is being recorded.<h2 id="qif0c71axr1" data-toc-id="qif0c71axr1">Can I upload more than one game per recording?</h2>Video uploads are restricted to 30 minutes in length. If you recorded a longer video with multiple games, try cutting out each game as individual videos and upload those.<h2 id="qx7lo8i3yld" data-toc-id="qx7lo8i3yld">Is there a size limit on video uploads?</h2>Yes, the size limit is 10GB. If your video file size is too large, consider using your OS tools for reducing resolution or trimming footage.<h2 id="ac04qiyxdf2" data-toc-id="ac04qiyxdf2">How long does it take to process a video?</h2>It depends on our server load and the number of videos in the queue at any given time, but you should expect between 15-30 minutes.<h2 id="kck5od5i1aw" data-toc-id="kck5od5i1aw">What angles work?</h2>360 degrees! As long as all 4 corners of the court are in the frame and the camera is high enough off the ground, your video should process successfully.<h2 id="1pdo61q8f14" data-toc-id="1pdo61q8f14">What FPS and resolution should I use?</h2>Our AI works equally well on any video 1080p 30fps and up. You can upload whatever resolution and frame-rate you like best, just keep in mind that there is a 10GB max file size.<h2 id="l88zz5fa8lr" data-toc-id="l88zz5fa8lr">Are singles games supported?</h2>Not yet. We're actively working on supporting singles games, but we can't quite do it yet. There needs to be 4 players in your video for it to be processed without error.<h2 id="spaksfqq0d7" data-toc-id="spaksfqq0d7">Do I have to use a smartphone?</h2>Nope! GoPro, phone, DSLR. Any digital video camera that can record 30 frames per second or greater should be just fine.

Video Recording and Framing Tips

<h2 id="i0fyyfk34oo" data-toc-id="i0fyyfk34oo">What subscription plans are available?</h2>PB Vision offers a 1-month free trial of the Premium plan, which comes with three video processing Credits to get started. After that, you'll have the option to choose the best plan for you!<ul><li>Starter: $15/month - billed at $180 annually Ideal for casual players looking to review their performance with essential stats. Includes 60 Credits granted at the start of each billing year.</li><li>Premium: $33/month - billed at $396 annually Great for players wanting deeper insights and access to premium features such as shot explorer. Includes 180 Credits granted at the start of each billing year.</li><li>Professional: Tailored for teams, coaches, and facilities. Custom pricing based on your needs. Contact us for more details!</li></ul><h2 id="5if7w6axrkd" data-toc-id="5if7w6axrkd">Where can I&nbsp;pay for a subscription?</h2>You can now subscribe on the website! Your subscription will work on all of your devices. If you'd prefer to subscribe on iOS or Android, we'll have that ready later this month. To subscribe, sign in and go to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb.vision/subscribe">https://pb.vision/subscribe</a> and choose which plan you'd like. If you aren’t able to proceed, please reach out to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="mailto:support@pb.vision">support@pb.vision</a> and let us know so we can help.<h2 id="fqk74p8q0b1" data-toc-id="fqk74p8q0b1">What are Credits?</h2>A Credit is what powers our analysis. It lets you process one pickleball game (a typical game is 12-15 minutes long but we know it can vary) and receive a full breakdown of all the stats and insights our AI engine generates. Whether it’s rally lengths, shot types, or player-specific performance, our video processing will give you a treasure trove of actionable data.1 Credit&nbsp; = 1 game processedAs a subscriber, you'll automatically receive a set number of credits based on your plan, but if you need more, simply head to your account page to top up!<h2 id="qiti0yz8pkw" data-toc-id="qiti0yz8pkw">What if I run out of Credits?</h2>As a subscriber, Credits refill every year! But if you need more you can also buy more whenever you need them. You can purchase additional Credits at any time.<ul><li>$9.99 for 1 Credit</li><li>$29.99 for a 5-Pack of Credits</li><li>$99.99 for a 30-Pack of Credits</li></ul><h2 id="4e4sm5esi0r" data-toc-id="4e4sm5esi0r">Will my Credits roll-over?</h2>Yes, Credits rollover annually and don't expire.<h2 id="64ym2zrawlo" data-toc-id="64ym2zrawlo">Where can I find how many Credits I have?</h2>You can find the remaining Credits for your account in your profile. On the web, sign in and visit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb.vision/settings/credits">https://pb.vision/settings/credits</a>. On mobile, navigate to Profile → Credits.<h2 id="y4140fxdfxw" data-toc-id="y4140fxdfxw">Will I get my Credit back if I delete a video from my library?</h2>Removing a video from your library will not give you a Credit. Credits are received through subscriptions and are used only when uploading videos. If you run into any issues with a video, before attempting to upload again, please reach out to us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="mailto:support@pb.vision">support@pb.vision</a>.<h2 id="tepyysis626" data-toc-id="tepyysis626">Can I change my subscription plan at any time?‍</h2>Yes! You can upgrade or downgrade your plan whenever you like. Upgrades are applied immediately, while downgrades will take effect at the end of your billing cycle.<h2 id="t1qz2rmlc4c" data-toc-id="t1qz2rmlc4c">How does the free trial work?‍</h2>The free trial lasts for 1 month and includes all Premium features plus 3 Credits. After the trial, you’ll need to subscribe to keep processing videos, but you can still view your existing footage.<h2 id="8q00sq2zr8p" data-toc-id="8q00sq2zr8p">What payment methods do you accept?‍</h2>We currently accept credit cards. More payment options may be introduced in the future.<h2 id="fy641cp2fae" data-toc-id="fy641cp2fae">What happens if I cancel my subscription?</h2>If you cancel, your account will stay active until the end of your billing period. Your remaining Credits, will still be associated with your account, but in order to use them, you will need to reactivate a subscription. If you don’t re-subscribe, your data will be kept for 30 days, giving you time to come back.<h2 id="sycfdyckc7c" data-toc-id="sycfdyckc7c">Join the ambassador program!</h2>Earn rewards for sharing PB Vision with your friends! When someone signs up and becomes a subscriber using your referral, both you and your friend will receive 15 credits as our way of saying thanks for spreading the word.For full details on how to participate and maximize your rewards, check out our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/0056672-ambassador-program-referral-codes" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="0056672-ambassador-program-referral-codes" data-article-id="0056672" data-locale="en" data-hash="">Ambassador Program Guide</a>.

Subscriptions & Credits

<h1 id="88fw23t40za" data-toc-id="88fw23t40za">What are referral codes?</h1>Referral codes allow you to share PBV with others and earn rewards! When you subscribe to PBV’s Starter or Premium plan using a referral code, both you and the ambassador who shared the referral code will receive 15 PBV credits each<h1 id="2p7wowpq0iw" data-toc-id="2p7wowpq0iw">How to share / find your referral code</h1><ul><li>To access your ambassador page, sign in and go to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb.vision/settings/ambassador">https://pb.vision/settings/ambassador</a></li><li>Here you can copy your referral code or request a custom referral code</li></ul><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/01941cff-c00e-7070-aac1-0b7592f6d919.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left"><ul><li>You can also download your personalized QR code to have others scan to redirect them to PB Vision</li></ul><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/01941d01-ae5b-75f9-8671-6a0883f29106.png" data-width="75%" data-align="left"><h1 id="swy2z138ww7" data-toc-id="swy2z138ww7">How to redeem a referral code</h1>There are two ways to redeem a referral:<ol><li>Using a Referral Link</li><li>Scanning a QR Code</li></ol>When you use a referral link or scan a QR code, you’ll be directed to the PB Vision website. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one—it’s free and quick! If you’re already logged in, you’re all set.Once you sign up for a Starter or Premium subscription, both you and the person who referred you will receive 15 video upload creditseach.NOTE: Referral credits do not apply to gift card purchases or activations<h1 id="qfekpmm04ro" data-toc-id="qfekpmm04ro">Frequently asked questions</h1><ul><li>Can I use multiple referral links?<ul><li>Referrals will only count for the last referral code/link that you opened prior to signing up for a subscription. </li></ul></li><li>How can I see how many referrals I have driven and received credit for?<ul><li>You can access your ambassador page at <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb.vision/settings/ambassador">https://pb.vision/settings/ambassador</a> to see how many referrals your code has driven<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/01941d35-9cf6-77c3-9f37-0d1806f554ee.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left"></li></ul></li></ul>

Ambassador Program / Referral Codes 

Welcome to your ultimate guide to understanding the terminology and definitions used in our video analysis. This resource will help you navigate and make the most out of your videos so you’ll know exactly what to do to improve. If you need ideas for how to use this information you’ll want to check out our other article <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://roadmap.pb.vision/en/help/articles/1497351">HERE</a>.<h2 id="80xekw5dzo5" data-toc-id="80xekw5dzo5">Insights, Analytics, and Stats</h2>From lowest to highest level: Stats → Analytics → InsightsInsights: The ultimate goal—actionable recommendations provided directly, without needing to perform the analysis yourself. The plan is to expand Insights Reports to offer actionable recommendations, for example which skill to prioritize to enhance player skill rating.Analytics: This is how most users interact with the app, using tools to analyze the stats and identify areas for improvement. For example using Shot Explorer to assess dink success rate.Stats: Refers to raw data, such as JSON data files or Excel exports, that can be used for deeper analysis.<h2 id="yrdfsxd1qrt" data-toc-id="yrdfsxd1qrt">Highlights</h2><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae9e-2d69-77ab-8f6e-c20fea8c8f6c.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">Just as the name suggests, these are the noteworthy plays during the game. PB Vision is designed to identify and showcase ATPs, Ernes, Poaches, Firefights, and Long Rallies.If you're looking for share-worthy footage to post, this is the place to start!<h2 id="i72zw7i2et7" data-toc-id="i72zw7i2et7">Player Stats Tab</h2><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae9e-c6ba-73fe-be82-df9afc31f582.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">This is where we dive into the details of each player’s performance related to serves, returns, lobs, drives, and so much more. Let's break it down:<h3 id="2smb5dwb2r5" data-toc-id="2smb5dwb2r5">Total Shots</h3>Here, you can see how many times you hit the ball throughout the entire game. It's a good indicator of your activity level—especially how it stacks up with the other players.<h3 id="wp125sbscm8" data-toc-id="wp125sbscm8">Shot Accuracy</h3>Here, you can see your percentages of in, out, and net shots.<h3 id="aaxidrs5d0c" data-toc-id="aaxidrs5d0c">Avg Serve (Mph)</h3>Despite the name, we actually use the median to represent your serve speeds. The median is the middle number in your series of serves. For instance, if you only served three times at the speeds of 20mph, 21mph, and 30mph, the median would be 21mph. This approach offers a more accurate picture of your typical serve speed compared to just averaging the numbers.<h3 id="ckm5kdzoeiq" data-toc-id="ckm5kdzoeiq">Serve Percentile</h3>We compare your median serve speed from the game against all the serves we’ve analyzed (which is quite a lot!). Your percentile ranking shows how you stack up. For example, if you're in the 50th percentile, that means 50% of the serves we've analyzed are faster than yours and 50% are slower.&nbsp;<h3 id="oo2l57eoz10" data-toc-id="oo2l57eoz10">Average Drive (Mph)</h3>Similar to the median serve, this stat focuses on all the drives you made during the game and finds the median speed. Drives are those powerful shots that either land deeper in the court or would if not intercepted first by your opponent. This number helps you gauge your consistency and power.<h3 id="p1a7ombtse1" data-toc-id="p1a7ombtse1">Drive Percentile</h3>This tells you how your median drive speed compares to all the other drives we’ve analyzed. It's a cool way to see where you stand among other players.<h3 id="sc2tztwcd1r" data-toc-id="sc2tztwcd1r">Court Coverage</h3>Ever wondered where you’ve been on the court the most? The court coverage heatmap shows your movements and gives an estimate of how many feet you’ve traveled during the game. This is also a good indicator of your spacing. Are you hugging the centerline leaving yourself open to shots down the side?Our program is also advanced enough to recognize if you switch sides with your opponents - just don’t change your outfit mid game 😉<h3 id="xfy4b45sm1x" data-toc-id="xfy4b45sm1x">Serves &amp; Returns</h3><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192aea1-d77d-76cd-9757-2e1e5d30e335.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">We break the court into sections and calculate how many of your serves landed in each area. Deep serves are what you want since they force your opponent to stay back longer and away from the kitchen.&nbsp;Next, we show the same thing with returns. This is arguably more important than a deep serve. A shallow return allows your opponent a much higher chance at reaching the kitchen line to even the playing field.&nbsp;<h2 id="f6s1bsw26cb" data-toc-id="f6s1bsw26cb">‍3D Shot Chart</h2><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192aea2-af90-793c-a6c0-063f929f7e58.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">This interactive section is one of our favorites. You get to look at a 3D model of various shots, including:<ul><li>Serves (1st shot)</li><li>Returns (2nd shot)</li><li>3rd Shots</li><li>4th Shots</li><li>5th Shots</li></ul>You can also use the secondary filter to view specific shot types (drops, drives, and lobs).Are your drives staying low and close to the net? How well are you executing your 3rd-shot-cross-court drops? Can you purposefully aim your serve to your opponent's backhand? Do you tend to send all your drives down the middle turning it into a predictable shot?Visualizing all these different shots allows you to see what needs your attention. You can also combine this with your shot quality score (explained below) to know right away if something needs your attention.&nbsp;<h2 id="7q4fqact831" data-toc-id="7q4fqact831">Shot Quality</h2>Shot quality is an average of how well a specific type of shot is executed.&nbsp;<ul><li>Drops are evaluated based on how attackable the ball would be if the receiver was perfectly situated on their kitchen line.</li><li>Drives are evaluated based on how high over the net the ball flies (lower is better) and how deep in the court the ball lands (or would land if not hit).</li><li>Lobs are evaluated based on how deep in the court the ball lands (deeper is better).</li></ul><h2 id="515zewwm7it" data-toc-id="515zewwm7it">Team Stats Tab</h2><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192aea3-48d8-7e7f-af6b-72aa6254c3e6.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">This section breaks down stats for team performance.<h3 id="3pw04of7b8c" data-toc-id="3pw04of7b8c">Kitchen Arrival</h3>This represents how often each player reaches the kitchen line during rallies when your team is serving. It's crucial for understanding your team’s net play efficiency.<h3 id="4eyoeb73pzd" data-toc-id="4eyoeb73pzd">Shot Distribution</h3>Ever wondered how the shot-taking is split between you and your teammate? This section compares your total shots versus your partner’s, color-coded to match each player's profile.<h3 id="6i3aqsif7ix" data-toc-id="6i3aqsif7ix">Left Side Play</h3>This shows how often you were on the left side of your partner. A stat closer to 50/50 that would mean you didn’t stack while a percentage like 90/10 would mean you used the stack on offense or defense throughout the game. Experimenting with stacking on offense or defense to see how it translates to performance is important when working with a new partner.<h2 id="dq8slfpyse8" data-toc-id="dq8slfpyse8">Overview</h2><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192aea3-de0d-76f2-86ed-1531f6dfa2f4.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">This section provides a general summary of the game.<h3 id="ms7yxedqra8" data-toc-id="ms7yxedqra8">Total Rallies</h3>The total number of rallies in the game.<h3 id="tt5kff0bsty" data-toc-id="tt5kff0bsty">Kitchen Rallies</h3>The number of rallies where all players get to the kitchen, giving insight into net play dynamics.<h3 id="703t8dpppm5" data-toc-id="703t8dpppm5">Avg Shots per Rally</h3>In most cases, more experienced players will have a higher average of shots per rally than less experienced players. This is a good indicator of fewer risky moves resulting in errors and fewer mistakes in general.<h3 id="6dckzor7rcw" data-toc-id="6dckzor7rcw">Longest Rally</h3>This shows the most hits in a single rally, showcasing the game’s most intense rally. It’s also showcased under the Highlights portion of the analysis and marked with a 🔥next to the rally number.&nbsp;We hope this breakdown helps you understand your game better and helps you find areas for improvement. If you need ideas for where to start then you’ll want to read [THIS] article for examples on how to use video analysis and stat reviews for deliberate improvement.&nbsp;<h2 id="r0wec3ya4i4" data-toc-id="r0wec3ya4i4">FAQ</h2><h4 style="text-align: start" id="ef58zykmxez" data-toc-id="ef58zykmxez">How is all this information calculated?</h4>We’ve created and trained our own AI program by having it analyze thousands of games.<h4 style="text-align: start" id="pp4o2i2kzws" data-toc-id="pp4o2i2kzws">What if I see something wrong, mission or incorrect?&nbsp;</h4>Please contact support through our in app widget (accessible via the question mark on the top right while signed into the app).

Ultimate Terminology and Definitions Guide

Make reviewing your pickleball footage more efficient with these handy keyboard shortcuts for our video player.<table style="minWidth: 397px"><colgroup><col style="width: 372px"><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="372">Keyboard Shortcut</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Function</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="372">Space Bar or K</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">▶️ Toggle Video Playback</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="372">F</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">🖥️ Toggle Fullscreen</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="372">J</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">⏩ Advance Video Player 5 Seconds</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="372">L</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">⏪ Re-wind Video Player 5 Seconds</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="372">M</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">🔇Toggle Mute</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="372">Right Arrow Key</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">⏭️ Advance Video Player 1 Frame</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="372">Left Arrow Key</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">⏮️ Re-wind Video Player 1 Frame</td></tr></tbody></table>

Video Player Shortcuts

The power of video analysis can help us sharpen our skills by amplifying the learning value of every game we play. To harness the full potential of tools like PB Vision, you don't need complicated setups or extensive preparation to leverage this powerful tool. In this article, I’ll share simple and efficient methods to capture video of your game, allowing you to focus on perfecting every serve, third shot drop, and dink.&nbsp;Here you can find:<ul><li>Considerations for Your Recording Setup&nbsp;</li><li>Pickleball Court Setup Options&nbsp;</li><li>How to Frame a Pickleball Court</li><li>Bonus Tips &amp; Tricks</li></ul><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b124-18cb-7d13-90fb-40eb19f5e495.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left"><h2 id="yceqyyf0lqf" data-toc-id="yceqyyf0lqf">Considerations for Your Recording Setup</h2>When it comes to filming your games, balancing quality and efficiency is key. While having a setup akin to a professional PPA match would be great, it's obviously not practical for casual play. On the other hand, setting up without considering the basics, like framing the court, risks leaving you with unusable footage.&nbsp;In priority order, here are four essential factors to consider:&nbsp;<ol><li>Proper Framing: Ensure your camera captures the entire court.&nbsp;</li><li>Efficiency: Quick set up that doesn’t take much time.&nbsp;</li><li>Repeatability: Aim for a consistent setup that works every time.&nbsp;</li><li>Flexibility: Your setup should adapt to different courts.</li></ol><h2 id="yc377wrdqt4" data-toc-id="yc377wrdqt4">Pickleball Court Setup Options&nbsp;</h2>For most pickleball courts, you can categorize them into two groups:<ol><li>Fenced pickleball courts: These have a fence within 10 feet on at least one side.</li><li>Open-space pickleball courts: These are courts without nearby fences, including indoor courts.</li></ol><h2 id="1mmyl5slki1" data-toc-id="1mmyl5slki1">Fenced court setup - the spring clamp</h2><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b11c-107c-76f4-a7a9-dbfd26aaef10.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">One of the easiest and most reliable setups uses a spring clamp. After testing an array of combinations of photography equipment, I landed a straightforward setup that offers reliable framing while being extremely quick and repeatable to setup. This clamp includes a built-in ball head, and you can enhance it further with a screw clamp featuring bubble levels and a phone mount.Here's what you'll need:<ul><li>Photography spring clamp (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546392-REG/Manfrotto_175_175_Spring_Clamp.html">B&amp;H Photo</a>) + small ball head (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1583493-REG/smallrig_ball_head_mount_2796.html">B&amp;H Photo</a>) + adapter (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1418567-REG/impact_ca_119_spigot_5_8_flat_edged.html">B&amp;H Photo</a>)</li><li>OR This model has a built-in ball head (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1604773-REG/manfrotto_175f_2_cold_shoe_shoe_clamp.html">B&amp;H Photo</a>)</li><li>Screw clamp with bubble levels (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://a.co/d/iyBUMmN">Amazon</a>)</li><li>Universal phone mount that works with screw clamp (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://a.co/d/6j1zipL">Amazon</a>)</li><li>Bonus: Founders pick! Octopus Tripod with Wireless Remote (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WD8XRZD">Amazon</a>)</li></ul>Why I Like It: To date, nothing beats the speed and efficiency with which this setup can quickly clip onto any fence, leaving you ready to play in ~30 seconds. It's sturdy and unobtrusive during play; I've even moved it mid-game to shift courts without being disruptive. Unlike a tripod, the clamp on the fence isn't a hindrance to even the most extreme play. Similarly, once the camera is mounted and you start playing, you immediately forget that it is there.&nbsp;Tips:<ul><li>If the camera is above your line of sight, use the bubble levels for level framing.</li><li>When using back cameras (so you can’t see the screen)</li><li>Shoot extra wide (e.g. using the 0.5x camera) to ensure proper framing.&nbsp;</li><li>Start the recording before you mount it to the fence to ensure the video is in proper orientation and while you can reach the button</li><li>Practice setting it up a few times to become confident you can mount it and adjust the frame to fit in the full court.&nbsp;</li></ul>Note: You may have seen the flexible-leg tripods where the legs wrap around any object. While these can work well, I would highly recommend sticking with the higher-end versions of the original <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://joby.com/us-en/">Joby GorillaPod</a>, which typically cost around $100-$120. Over 15 years as a photographer, I have personally had multiple of these types of devices fail, and many of the cheap ones are simply not very stable.‍<h2 id="lsmx5q5qc1s" data-toc-id="lsmx5q5qc1s">Open-space court setup - tripod</h2><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b11c-baba-7922-ab6e-f9574d6fe03b.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">When you lack a nearby fence, a standard tripod setup works well. Set it up far enough away so it is not a distraction or hindrance. There are near-infinite options for tripods and brands. If you don't have one already, expect to pay $40+ for one that can be moderately stable with the weight of a cell phone.&nbsp;Here's what you'll need:<ul><li>&nbsp;Opt for a simple ball head on a tripod with fully extended legs at a minimum of 5’</li><li>Tripods with included ball head and clamp, max height &gt;5’+ at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/products/Complete-Tripods-with-Heads/ci/2635/N/4075788742?sort=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH&amp;filters=fct_head-type_1544%3Aball-heads%2Cfct_maximum-height_4143%3A61in%7C63in%7C65in%7C66in%7C71in%7C76in%7C80in%7C89in%2Cfct_quick-release-system_7375%3Aarca">B&amp;H Photo</a></li><li>Universal phone mount that works with standard clamp (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://a.co/d/6j1zipL">Amazon</a>)</li></ul>Why I Like It: The tripod is a fundamental piece of photography + videography gear for a reason. It is flexible across many scenarios and, when coupled with a ball head, doesn’t even need to be placed on flat ground. It is easy to carry it onto the court with the legs + center column extended to quickly set it in place before quickly leveling it out and hitting record.‍Tips:<ul><li>Most tripods have a hook of some type in the middle. Use that to hang your bag or anything else with a little bit of weight. This will greatly increase the stability of the tripod, particularly on a windy day.</li><li>Extend the tripod's legs to their maximum height before using the center column.</li><li>Watch out for setting up the tripod too too low. Many inexpensive tripods will max out at around 5’, which can result in an obstructed view, particularly if set up &gt;10’ from the edge of the court.&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 id="rpaq1kqes8s" data-toc-id="rpaq1kqes8s">How to Frame a Pickleball Court</h2>To ensure smooth processing, position the camera at a minimum height of 5 feet, ensuring that all four corners of the court are clearly visible within the video recording frame. If the entire court isn't visible, it might lead to processing issues with the PB Vision system. If you do nothing else, make sure every time that each of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/en/help/articles/1108176-video-recording-and-framing-tips">four corners is visible</a> in the frame and not obstructed by the net.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ca0d-dd57-7d7f-a252-76722576863d.gif" data-width="100%" data-align="center"><h2 id="ya782aqkqw0" data-toc-id="ya782aqkqw0">Bonus Tips &amp; Tricks</h2><ul><li>Always ask for permission before recording games. A simple "Mind if I record our game to improve my skills?" usually does the trick. In my experience, almost everyone has no issue, and many are interested in doing this themselves.&nbsp;</li><li>Use your cell phone camera. Considering the tradeoffs discussed, it's hard to beat the “good enough” quality of a cell phone camera for both recording and processing videos for analysis.&nbsp;</li><li>Shoot at 1080p at 30fps. For efficient analysis, shoot your videos at 1080p resolution and&nbsp; 30 frames per second (fps). Unless you have specific biomechanical details to uncover, this resolution and frame rate is sufficient for play analysis and will result in far smaller video files, speeding up the upload and analysis process. 4K is fine too, but we’ll have to compress it locally to be able to upload in a reasonable amount of time.</li><li>Occasionally record from your opponent's POV. Set up your camera on the opposite side you are playing on occasion. It can be helpful to get a view closer to what your opponent sees, as well. For example, to get a sense of what a slicer second shot or cutting serve looks like.</li></ul><h2 id="kso4wp07kb1" data-toc-id="kso4wp07kb1">Time to record!</h2>Harnessing the potential of video analysis <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/8591382" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="8591382" data-article-id="8591382" data-locale="en" data-hash="">can be a transformative tool for all pickleball players</a>. By capturing your gameplay, you’re investing a small amount of time now for a great long-term payoff. Use the setups discussed above to effortlessly capture the footage you need with PB Vision and take your gameplay to the next level. See you on the court!Give it a try and upload your gameplay video today.&nbsp;Looking for more on pickleball and PB Vision? Join our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://discord.com/invite/N73jSVDpwK">pickleball community on Discord.</a>‍

How to Record Your Pickleball Game

<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0193c2c5-6468-755d-ac83-0c55337bd818.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left"><h1 id="8tq70pffffe" data-toc-id="8tq70pffffe">Scoring Assumptions</h1>The algorithm assumes standard rules: games played to 11 or 15 points, with a 2-point margin for victory, and normal (non-rally) scoring. We’re working on relaxing these assumptions, but for now, deviations may result in errors or the algorithm not displaying results.<h1 id="d5mtrps3rp1" data-toc-id="d5mtrps3rp1">Ensuring Optimal Recognition</h1>• The primary input is the server and serve order.• Ensure all players are clearly visible in the video. If a player is cropped or obscured, the algorithm might guess incorrectly. (See <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://roadmap.pb.vision/en/help/articles/1108176-video-recording-and-framing-tips">video/framing tips</a>)• Additional data like line calls is used, but with less confidence (after all, if it’s hard for you to judge an “out” call, it’s challenging for us too).<h1 id="ooymybt64db" data-toc-id="ooymybt64db">How the Algorithm Handles Scoring</h1>• It tries to reconstruct a plausible scoring sequence with minimal corrections. Sometimes this means adjusting what might seem like clear and obvious rallies if errors occur earlier in the sequence.• The final score is prioritized, but the running score may occasionally be off by a rally or two due to ambiguous situations.• Unfortunately, there’s no way to manually correct the running score in the current interface at this time.<h1 id="2kqzi1oibid" data-toc-id="2kqzi1oibid">When the Algorithm Makes Mistakes</h1>• Errors by players (e.g., serving out of turn) can confuse the algorithm. Without manual correction tools, it can only make educated guesses.• If the algorithm struggles to generate the correct final score, you can help by entering it manually in the Overview tab. These corrections are incredibly valuable for improving the system.<h1 id="syb6crsmqxq" data-toc-id="syb6crsmqxq">Additional Tips for Best Results</h1>• Remove warm-up footage from the start of the video. The algorithm doesn’t process warmups, but you can send them separately for insights on your practice shots.• If you use score-tracking software or manually track scores, feel free to share to enter the score manually on the Overview tab. Rally-level details help us refine the algorithm further.<h1 id="m42fa7qwwym" data-toc-id="m42fa7qwwym">The Bigger Picture</h1>We’re excited about the potential of this scoring algorithm. Beyond scorekeeping, it paves the way for deeper statistical analysis of shot outcomes and decision-making patterns. Stay tuned—we’ll soon share more about these developments!

How does the scoring algorithm work, and what should I know?

Upgrade your facility with intelligent video capture, real-time game stats, instant replays, and social sharing.

Court Insights Club Program

<h2 id="qqwz0b0xq57" data-toc-id="qqwz0b0xq57">Program Overview</h2>Note: the full partner page is available here on the website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb.vision/partner">https://pb.vision/partner</a><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192cf89-f707-7223-b895-af1ddcfbcc3e.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">The AI-powered pickleball experience that combines video capture, auto game stats, and social sharing in one seamless package. Record, save highlights, and live-steam to all from the same camera. See it in action!<div class="iframe-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TXwmp7yoP_4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" class="w-full shadow aspect-video rounded-xl" data-youtube-video=""></iframe></div>Our Court Insight package includes:<ol><li>Premium Camera: Capture every detail of the game with our high end weatherproofed camera which features an ultra-wide field of view.</li><li>Tablet: Easily record and share games courtside.</li><li>Automatic AI Insights: PB Vision transforms every video into <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb.vision/video/nsbbhjdmydr4/">personalized insights</a> and enables players to learn from their performance with ease.</li></ol>Whether your players are seeking to improve their gameplay or simply looking to share highlights automatically extracted from their match, Court Insight has them covered. Our AI reviews gameplay footage to offer strategic and personalized growth opportunities for all players.Check out this <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb.vision/video/83gyqyc10y8f/">demo</a> to see how Court Insight will revolutionize your courts with AI-driven insights.&nbsp;<h2 id="fft75m7errp" data-toc-id="fft75m7errp">Get Started</h2>Just fill out <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://rw5oc1u9yue.typeform.com/to/trCv3vTD">this form</a> and we’ll be in touch!<h2 id="cqq6o67lstf" data-toc-id="cqq6o67lstf">Pricing</h2>Camera Equipment A one-time fee of $185 + $49 per month per court. Volume discounts are available for both hardware and software when equipping multiple courts.PB Vision premium invoice option With this option, players receive full access to their stats and can share them with friends. The club is billed $5 per analyzed game, and we suggest increasing court reservation fees by $5 per player, per hour to offset the cost.PB Vision standard passthrough option In this option, there are no costs to the club. Players pay directly through their existing subscription, or they can create a new account and record three free games during the PB Vision free trial period.<h2 id="6f2q1wl88sq" data-toc-id="6f2q1wl88sq">FAQs</h2><h3 id="001mlreed8w" data-toc-id="001mlreed8w">What are the top features of Court Insight?</h3><ul><li>Transparent, simple pricing with no hidden fees or upcharges</li><li>Cloud-based AI processing, much more powerful than on-device options</li><li>Seamless and easy integration with existing court setups</li><li>Automatic highlight generation and sharing</li></ul><h3 id="3d7ys5wkmbl" data-toc-id="3d7ys5wkmbl">Do you offer indoor, outdoor, and mobile options?</h3>Yes, we provide ruggedized cameras and tablets for all environments.<h3 id="8l5q38sd0po" data-toc-id="8l5q38sd0po">What happens if we need technical support or upgrades?</h3>We’re always here to help! We’re avid pickleball players and want your players to have the best experience possible. We’re available to help in any way we can via phone and email.<h3 id="rq8f8i21xac" data-toc-id="rq8f8i21xac">Do you have existing installations?</h3>Yes, many facilities across the country have already set up Court Insight! Let us know if you'd like a reference.<h3 id="5sczxt6afym" data-toc-id="5sczxt6afym">How hands-on is the setup?</h3>Minimal. Once cameras are set up, recordings are automatic.<h3 id="ysc71koz3zp" data-toc-id="ysc71koz3zp">How long can a game be?</h3>Our system is enabled for games lasting up to 30 minutes.

Court Insight by PB Vision

Everything from PB Vision terminology to interpreting advance stats.

Stats & Insights

We're thrilled to announce the release of Data Exports. This gives you ownership of your data and unprecedented access to everything from high-level, advanced statistics down to detailed frame-by-frame data. You can now dive deeper into your game than ever before. We’re excited to see how the community uses and builds on all this data!<h2 style="text-align: start" id="8xpwlt3i1ew" data-toc-id="8xpwlt3i1ew">What data is available?</h2><ol><li>Stats - an extensive set of advanced statistics inspired by discussions with pro teams, coaches and users that goes beyond what's currently available in our insights view. Read more about these stats in this file in our blog post <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/5971198" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="5971198" data-article-id="5971198" data-locale="en" data-hash="">Advanced Stats</a> or check out the data’s schema <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pbv-public.github.io/stats">here</a>.</li><li>Insights - The data used to power the PB Vision app. Check out the data’s schema <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pbv-public.github.io/insights">here</a>.</li><li>CV - The low-level computer vision data from which everything else is derived. Check out the data’s schema <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb-vision.github.io/schemas-cv">here</a>.</li></ol><h2 style="text-align: start" id="sdwwyw5iwxl" data-toc-id="sdwwyw5iwxl">Who is this for?</h2>The stats file exposes a comprehensive set of advanced statistics that goes beyond what's currently available in our insights view. It's designed for players and coaches who want to explore their performance in fine detail, offering a wealth of data to analyze and improve your game. As of now it’s available in a JSON text file. We know this format may not be ideal for less technical users, and so we’re working to also export these stats in a spreadsheet format. Stay tuned!The other two files are geared towards developers because these data exports are large files with tons of data.<h2 style="text-align: start" id="48oqb2444xr" data-toc-id="48oqb2444xr">How do I download all this new data?</h2>You can download these files from two places. Simply click the sandwich menu (⋮) and select "Download Raw Data"‍<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae94-88cb-7c06-a6cc-05c80995f18a.png" data-width="75%" data-align="center">Video Page<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae94-fb0e-7314-a798-172d4d4f5ff4.png" data-width="75%" data-align="center">Library Page<h2 style="text-align: start" id="e0cr6dakcqp" data-toc-id="e0cr6dakcqp">What’s next?</h2>We'll be frequently updating the advanced stats with more data! If you have a stat in mind that you'd love to see, please come chat with us about it on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://discord.gg/9baCb6qUxg">Discord</a> #pickleball_stats!

Advanced Insights with PB Vision's Data Exports

We’ve developed an extensive set of advanced statistics inspired by discussions with pro teams, coaches, and users that goes beyond what's currently shown in our app. An Excel file is available for you to download with every video, accessible via the sandwich menu (⋮) from the library or video page. If you’re a developer, you might be more interested in our<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/2010377" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="2010377" data-article-id="2010377" data-locale="en" data-hash=""> Data Export</a> feature.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae90-531b-7b9d-a20d-250966436233.png" data-width="100%" data-align="center">Download it hereLet's dive into some of the exciting new stats you can explore.<h2 style="text-align: start" id="xe5am4mywli" data-toc-id="xe5am4mywli">Team Comparison</h2><ul><li>Percentage to Kitchen: This is the percentage of rallies where both players on the team made it to the kitchen. Is someone hanging back, or are you both consistently getting to the kitchen?‍</li><li>Team Short/Medium/Long Length Rallies Won: Understand where your team excels. Do you dominate in quick exchanges or playing it safe over longer rallies?</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="80b1adc7255" data-toc-id="80b1adc7255">Player Comparison</h2><ul><li>Shot, Volley, Ground Stroke Counts: See how you stack up against your partner and opponents. These stats can give insight into targeting strategy as well as if a player favors their backhand or forehand.</li><li>Total Distance Covered (ft): Greater movement isn’t necessarily a signal for success. Move on the court, but at the right moments and to the right places.</li><li>Player Net Impact Score: This measures your overall impact on the game's outcome. A higher score indicates a more significant positive influence. This stat is a work in progress, so for now you will just see 50%.</li><li>Average Shot Quality: See how your shots stack up overall. Are you consistently <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/8239205" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="8239205" data-article-id="8239205" data-locale="en" data-hash="">making high-quality shots</a>?</li><li>Team Shot Percentage: See how much you're contributing to your team's total shots. Are you carrying the load or playing a more supportive role?</li><li>Out Fault Percentage: This is the percentage of shots you accidentally hit out. Lower is better.</li><li>Net Fault Percentage: This is the percentage of shots you accidentally hit into the net. Lower is better.</li><li>Team Left Side Percentage: This stat is indicative of stacking. If you don’t stack on offense or defense, you’d see about 50/50.</li><li>Team Thirds Percentage: Who is taking the third shots on your team? If one player is taking most of them, but you are struggling to win in shorter rallies, switch it up and let the other player take some. Who is taking the majority of the thirds on your opponent’s team? If you are losing, consider aiming at the neglected player to root out any weaknesses.&nbsp;</li></ul>Team Fourths and Team Fifths Percentage: These stats can reveal targeting patterns for the fourth and fifth shots during rallies. For example, if you have a high team_fourths_percentage, it might indicate that your opponents are targeting you with their third shots.<h2 style="text-align: start" id="6odma08666c" data-toc-id="6odma08666c">Player Stats</h2>This one has it all. There are many interesting stats to explore, like ball_directions, which enables you to discover patterns in your shot placements (are you favoring certain areas of the court?).&nbsp;Most important are the shot type breakdowns. They are the gray rows starting after the team_long_length_rallies_won stat.<ul><li>The gray rows break down each grouping of shots in a number of ways. The groupings include: backhands, dinks, drives, drops, fifths, forehands, fourths, kitchen_area, left_side_player, lobs, mid_court_area, near_baseline_area, near_left_sideline_area, near_midline_area, near_right_sideline_area, passing, poaches, resets, returns, right_side_player, serves, smashes, speedups, third_drives, third_drops, third_lobs, thirds.</li><li>Each of those types of shots (groups) include: average_baseline_distance, average_height_above_net, average_quality, count, median_baseline_distance, median_height_above_net, speed_stats, outcome_stats. Some of these are really only useful for specific shot groups.</li><li>Outcome stats are particularly important as they signal how well you pull off shots of each type. For example, if your speedup success percentage is quite low, you should consider when and how well you are speeding up the ball.</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: start" id="2d4f40moe31" data-toc-id="2d4f40moe31">Interpreting the Data</h3>Let's look at a few more examples of how to interpret some of the stats in the Player Stats sheet.<ol><li>Shot Quality by Type: If your dinks have a higher average quality than your drives, it might be time to focus on improving your power game.</li><li>Ball Directions: A high left_cross_right_count could indicate a strong forehand cross-court shot, but also a potential overreliance on that type of shot that opponents might exploit.</li><li>Role Data: Compare your performance when serving vs. receiving. Are you more likely to get to the kitchen when your team is serving? This could inform your strategy and areas for improvement.</li><li>Speed Stats: Look at the speed differentials between your fastest and median shots. A wide gap could suggest inconsistency or strategic variation in your play.</li></ol>Outcome Stats: Pay attention to your success_percentage and rally_won_percentage for different shot types. This can help you identify which shots are most effective for you in winning points.<h2 style="text-align: start" id="5tzlaowos7x" data-toc-id="5tzlaowos7x">Share your ideas!</h2>We're excited to see how you'll use these stats to elevate your game!We're continuously improving and expanding our offerings. If you have any feedback or suggestions for additional stats, please come chat with us on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://discord.gg/9baCb6qUxg">Discord</a> #pickleball_stats channel.

Interpreting PB Vision’s Advanced Stats

One of PB Vision’s primary goals is to expose areas in your game that need work and help you visualize improvement over time. Recording and uploading your games to PB Vision won’t automatically make you a better player - we wish it were that easy! Deliberate improvement requires deliberate practice.&nbsp;Did you know that Ben Johns drills 2+ hours a day, 6 days a week? Another pro shared that for every hour of actual games they play, they spend 2 hours drilling.Now, most of us don’t have that kind of time or even want to drill 2 hours each day, but if you want to get better, drilling is the fastest way to improve.&nbsp;This is a beginner's guide for using PB Vision to uncover what areas of your game need the most improvement and give you some suggestions on how to practice. Later, these suggestions will be built right into the app alongside the data.<h1 style="text-align: start" id="28q73d1z31s" data-toc-id="28q73d1z31s">First – How do I know what to drill?&nbsp;</h1>After you upload your first video for our AI to analyze, check out these 4 areas first:<ol><li>Serves</li><li>Returns</li><li>3rd Shot Drops</li><li>3rd Shot Drives</li></ol><h2 style="text-align: start" id="kzal6wya7wx" data-toc-id="kzal6wya7wx">Serves</h2>You can only score on your serve—are you making the most of it? Here are 4 things to look at:<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192aea6-7c14-7160-8512-11d1865196b0.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">Consistency – How often are you hitting the net or out of bounds? Focus first on just putting the ball in play.&nbsp;Have you noticed that most pros don’t serve it very fast or even put crazy spin on the ball? That’s because they know their opponent will likely return whatever they send their way. If you are playing at a high level you’re more likely to score during a rally than get an ace.Depth – A deep serve is more important than a powerful serve. It will keep your opponent away from the kitchen for a few more seconds and make the returns more difficult. Both of which will set you up for a better 3rd shot.&nbsp;Power – If you consistently hit a deep serve then you’ll want to focus on speed/power. We track the median speed of your serves so it’s easy to compare over time.Accuracy – Can you hit the ball where you want, like to your opponent's backhand? Check out the 3D shot viewer to see where your serves are landing. Are you intentional with the placement and do you have a larger strategy at play?&nbsp;Here are the top serving videos and drills to help you improve your serves:&nbsp;<ol><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmdnJNCEwxI">Beginners Guide -&nbsp; Rules and Technique</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58i2nXPwIDo">How to Hit EXPLOSIVE Serves in Pickleball (60+ MPH)</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrT_McUYxs8">5 Serves to Learn</a> (Top Spin | High Loop | Slow Lob | Short Angle | Slice)</li></ol><h2 style="text-align: start" id="75323apfc0c" data-toc-id="75323apfc0c">Returns</h2>Returns are arguably more critical to winning a game than serves in pickleball because a missed return literally gives your opponent a free point. We've all experienced the thrill of intense dinking, driving, executing impossible saves, and engaging in long rallies at the kitchen, all for the reward of a single point. Yet nothing matches the disappointment of seeing your next return fly into the net, allowing your opponent to tie up a close game. Your returns NEED to be as close to 100% successful as you can get. Similar to serves, PB Vision breaks down your returns so you can analyze:&nbsp;<ol><li>Consistency&nbsp;</li><li>Depth</li><li>Accuracy</li></ol>Remember the #1 goal of the return is to help you get to the kitchen, giving your team a major advantage. Because of that, it’s okay to hit a floating return that hangs in the air a bit (while still going deep) so you have more time to run to the kitchen. The worst mistake a player can make at this point is returning the ball short. A short return is an open invitation for the serving team to run right to the kitchen line and put the returning team on the defensive.&nbsp;Here are the top return tips, tricks, and drills to help you improve:<ol><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5JhgqNVPIA">New Best Way to Return </a>- How the pros do it</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9UhXW6AQPA">The 3 T’s of Service Returns</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722mGzXn4RA">Load and Explode Returns</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p27Gq140UjQ">5 Advanced Return Targeting/Positioning Strategies&nbsp;</a></li></ol><h2 style="text-align: start" id="xi5tlzfllmq" data-toc-id="xi5tlzfllmq">3rd Shot Drops &amp; Drives</h2>This is where things start to get interesting! This is a crucial shot in the game of pickleball. After the serve and the ball is on its way back, you have a couple of decisions to make.&nbsp;<ul><li>Do you go for the drop shot or should you drive it?</li><li>Do you hit that shot crosscourt, to the middle, or down the line?</li></ul>Here are some resources from the pros on 3rd shot strategy and technique for hitting those shots effectively:&nbsp;<ol><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz2wXIKHXcs">3rd Shot Drop Technique&nbsp;</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h53rod8X5o">Drive + Drop Combo Drills</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gs5ke38K-o">Hybrid Drive</a> - a mix of a drop and a drive</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnTAm5pAr9c">Strategy Drop vs. Drive</a></li></ol><h3 style="text-align: start" id="rssqq4cybrq" data-toc-id="rssqq4cybrq">Conclusion</h3>However long you decide to practice, here are two tips to always remember:<ol><li>Be specific about what skill you want to improve and then practice drills again and again until you see improvement. Then move to the next.</li><li>Form first, speed second. It’s just as easy to develop bad habits as it is to develop good ones. Don’t sacrifice future progress by developing bad habits.</li></ol>‍

Analyze Serves, Returns, and 3rd Shots

If you’ve been using PB Vision to analyze your pickleball games, you might have noticed a quality rating for your 3rd shots. But what does it really mean if your app shows that the quality of your 3rd shots is 50%? Let’s break it down.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae8a-1e53-741f-b7da-333f6a1ba23b.png" data-width="100%" data-align="center">Shot quality meter - an average of all displayed shots in a given category<h2 style="text-align: start" id="0osq0tfoo4x" data-toc-id="0osq0tfoo4x">What is PB Vision Measuring?</h2>‍The quality metric for your 3rd shots is based on how well your shot challenges your opponent. Imagine your opponent is standing at the net, ready to intercept your shot. PB Vision visualizes a sphere around your opponent, representing the area within which they can make contact with the ball.If your shot intersects that sphere at a low point—forcing your opponent to hit upward—your drop shot is considered effective, and the quality is rated higher (usually indicated in green). Conversely, if your shot is easier for your opponent to handle, the quality rating decreases.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae8b-18af-7a85-833b-11b32beb3668.png" data-width="100%" data-align="center">Quality shown by color for individual drops<h2 style="text-align: start" id="3mxtb87ltk8" data-toc-id="3mxtb87ltk8">‍What It’s Not Measuring</h2>‍It’s important to note that this metric doesn’t account for your opponent’s actual position during the game. The analysis is purely based on how your shot would fare against an ideally positioned opponent. So, if your opponent is slow getting to the net and you drop the ball with more space, that might be a smart play, but it won’t necessarily be reflected in the quality score.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192ae8b-7eec-7306-8f66-c6f54748dbbd.png" data-width="50%" data-align="center">Quality Scale<h2 style="text-align: start" id="lqfqpcxwk1b" data-toc-id="lqfqpcxwk1b">‍Why Does This Matter?</h2>‍When practicing your 3rd shots, it’s beneficial to imagine your opponent is always in the best possible position. This mindset challenges you to improve your shot quality and helps you get better practice. In summary, a 50% quality rating means that, while your shot is effective, there’s still room for improvement in making it more difficult for an ideally positioned opponent. Keep practicing, and use PB Vision to track your progress! Please do keep in mind that our AI is only as good as the data it's trained on. We will only get better with time.

Understanding 3rd Shot Quality

Pickleball is a sport of finesse, agility, and precision. Mastering mechanics and movement is key to success in this rapidly growing game. But how can technology assist in improving your skills while ensuring you stay injury-free? One answer lies in human pose estimation or HPE.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b123-9c96-73e4-925a-d1f82d8aa24a.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left"><h2 id="07aa78e750d" data-toc-id="07aa78e750d">What is Human Pose Estimation?</h2>Human pose estimation is a computer vision based technology that involves the precise tracking of the position and orientation of specific points of the human body in images or videos. This capability can enable the analysis of athletes' movements. While human pose estimation finds applications in various sports, its potential is fast becoming recognized in the world of pickleball.To excel in pickleball, understanding the significance of player movement is paramount. Proper mechanics and fluid movement patterns play a vital role in enhancing your performance. Not only do they help you play more efficiently, but they can also significantly reduce the risk of injuries.<h2 id="mqsmb6yaspo" data-toc-id="mqsmb6yaspo">Pickleball Injuries Could Cost U.S. Nearly $500 Million Annually</h2>In a recent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/27/pickleball-injuries-health-care-medical-costs">Axios article</a>, the financial implications of pickleball injuries were brought to light. According to UBS analyst Andrew Mok, the sport of pickleball accounts for a significant portion of medical costs, estimated to be between $250 million to $500 million annually. This substantial financial burden arises from the injuries sustained during gameplay. Furthermore, the data revealed that certain body parts are more susceptible to injuries. The most common areas affected include the wrist, lower leg, and head.Understanding the financial impact and common injury patterns in pickleball highlights the urgency of injury prevention and the need for technologies like human pose estimation and AI-based shot detection to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for players.<h2 id="03tbqopodo3" data-toc-id="03tbqopodo3">What Are Some Factors that Go Into Predicting Injuries?</h2><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b122-9c2c-74d3-8f86-2434e22ecbb1.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">(McCunn et al., 2016, Bennett M, et al., 2020)Predicting injuries involves a complex interplay of factors. These include not only physical attributes like movement quality but also psychological factors, intrinsic risk factors, fatigue levels, and the player's current actions, among others. Integrating all of these factors is essential to making accurate injury predictions, which can make implementing this technology challenging. Once researchers understand the sport's demands on players, they can develop movement screens based on these demands to mimic those requirements and assess movement quality, ultimately predicting injuries.&nbsp;<h2 id="4c6rwtlcxq3" data-toc-id="4c6rwtlcxq3">PB Vision and Exploring Use Cases of Human Pose Estimation</h2>The future holds boundless possibilities for integrating human pose estimation with PB Vision's technology, making it accessible to players of all skill levels to reduce the risk of injuries. While PB Vision provides one piece of the puzzle by analyzing a player's movement quality, a holistic approach requires the analysis of all other relevant factors. This technology could help with:<ul><li>Injury Prevention: Predict the areas where you're most likely to sustain injuries on the court, identify which specific repetitive movements are causing the most discomfort in your body, and provide recommendations for relief.</li></ul><ul><li>Personalized Performance Feedback: Customized training plans designed to elevate your performance, ensuring a safer and more rewarding pickleball experience. Enabling you to refine your posture, footwork, and technique to perform at your peak.&nbsp;</li></ul>The integration of human pose estimation technology through PB Vision holds major potential to enhance players' on-court performance and significantly reduce the risk of pickleball injuries, unlocking valuable insights, and ultimately contributing to the longevity and growth of the sport.Looking for more on pickleball and PB Vision? Join our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://discord.com/invite/N73jSVDpwK">pickleball community on Discord</a>.

Pose Estimation Technology: Enhancing Safety and Performance in Pickleball

Learn new ways to up your pickleball game.

Improve at Pickleball

In the rapidly evolving world of sports technology, PB Vision stands out as a powerful tool for pickleball enthusiasts looking to elevate their game. By leveraging AI-driven video analysis, PB Vision provides valuable insights that can transform your training. Here are some tips on how to use PB Vision in the most effective way.<h2 style="text-align: start" id="5sk5pmzy4ar" data-toc-id="5sk5pmzy4ar">1. Focus on one skill at a time</h2>To avoid feeling overwhelmed, concentrate on improving one skill at a time. For instance, if your goal is to perfect your serve, focus solely on that for a few drill sessions and games. PB Vision will provide detailed feedback on your serves, helping you make precise adjustments before moving on to another skill.&nbsp;Need ideas on what PB Vision can help you improve? Check out this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/5987232" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="5987232" data-article-id="5987232" data-locale="en" data-hash="">list of stats we analyze</a> as well as their definitions.<h2 style="text-align: start" id="6lwpwywppb4" data-toc-id="6lwpwywppb4">2. Watch the Whole Game</h2>Viewing the highlights, stats, and shot charts provided by PB Vision is definitely fun, but we promise you’ll see more meaningful improvement if you combine those tools with an analysis of the whole match. Imagine you were asked to give feedback to a team of basketball players when all you had access to were their box scores. Sure you could make some pretty good guesses, but you wouldn’t be seeing the whole picture. An NFL quarterback will spend as much as 2 hours a day watching film. Surely we can take 15 minutes to watch our game all the way through. Tip: View the whole game with a single focus (preferably the goal you’ve set in step 1).If you don’t know where to begin, here are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/0494239" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="0494239" data-article-id="0494239" data-locale="en" data-hash="">50 questions you can ask yourself</a> to help you analyze your game plus some drills to help.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align: start" id="ym1odwllrfx" data-toc-id="ym1odwllrfx">3. Drill Drill Drill</h2>Did you know that pickleball pros will often practice 2 hours every day? Now, if you don’t intend on going pro then you definitely don’t have to practice that much, but one thing is certain - drilling = improvement.Need some ideas? Here’s an example of how to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/1497351" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="1497351" data-article-id="1497351" data-locale="en" data-hash="">use PB Vision to analyze your serves, returns, and 3rd shots and some recommended drills.</a>&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align: start" id="mqsmtecc1me" data-toc-id="mqsmtecc1me">4. Regularly Review and Analyze</h2>Regularly review and analyze your gameplay footage to track your progress. Compare your performance over time to identify patterns, improvements, and areas that need more work. This ongoing analysis will help you make data-driven adjustments to your drilling sessions.You don’t need to record and upload every game you play. We recommend uploading a handful of your games each week to track improvements in the area you’re focusing on—preferably those games where you were trying to be the most competitive.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align: start" id="lywy1bxt0rf" data-toc-id="lywy1bxt0rf">5. Stay Patient and Persistent</h2>Improvement in sports takes not only time but a healthy dose of persistence as well. Use PB Vision regularly and stay patient. Celebrate small victories and keep pushing towards your larger goals. The consistent application of stat reviews will yield significant results over time.<h2 style="text-align: start" id="8lm7sm0w3r6" data-toc-id="8lm7sm0w3r6">6. Find a Coach or Expert</h2>While PB Vision provides excellent analytical tools, having a coach to offer personalized feedback can be invaluable. A coach can help you interpret the data, provide additional insights, and tailor your training program to address specific weaknesses.Here is a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKEUIy1XzTo">video</a> you may want to watch with 6 reasons you may have plateaued.By integrating these strategies, you can harness the full potential of PB Vision to elevate your pickleball game. Embrace the technology, stay committed to your training, and watch your skills improve!

Maximize Your Pickleball Training: How to Use PB Vision Effectively

Reviewing your pickleball game with a purpose can be a eye-opening experience. By focusing on specific aspects of your play, you can identify areas for growth and create a targeted plan to enhance your skills. Select one of the sections below, watch your game with those questions in mind, and use the provided resources to drill, play, and repeat.<h2 style="text-align: start" id="6r6qs1d381x" data-toc-id="6r6qs1d381x">General Performance</h2><ol><li>Am I maintaining a consistent stance and balance throughout the game?</li><li>How is my footwork when moving around the court?</li><li>Am I recovering quickly after each shot?</li><li>Do I anticipate my opponent's shots effectively?</li><li>Am I positioning myself correctly for each shot?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="ekzal7cdfst" data-toc-id="ekzal7cdfst">Movement and Positioning Resources:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0S2FqwmB9Q">Footwork the Pros Use + Drills</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM9ozyidTY8">Footwork Taking You From the Serve to the NVZ</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaPva4MRvPs">Pro Level Game - Footwork Breakdown</a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="2l0k0rxm3ax" data-toc-id="2l0k0rxm3ax">Serve</h2><ol><li>Is my serve landing consistently in the desired area of the service box?</li><li>Am I varying my serves to keep my opponent off balance?</li><li>How is my serve speed and spin?</li><li>Am I following through properly on my serve?</li><li>Am I ready for the return immediately after serving?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="iryl64kcdy7" data-toc-id="iryl64kcdy7">Serving Resources:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmdnJNCEwxI">Beginners Guide -&nbsp; Rules and Technique</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58i2nXPwIDo">How to Hit EXPLOSIVE Serves in Pickleball (60+ MPH)</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrT_McUYxs8">5 Serves to Learn</a> (Top Spin | High Loop | Slow Lob | Short Angle | Slice)</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="2etz1m45y4f" data-toc-id="2etz1m45y4f">Returns</h2><ol><li>Am I positioning myself correctly to return the serve?</li><li>How is my footwork when preparing to return the serve?</li><li>Am I placing my return effectively to challenge my opponent?</li><li>Do I have a consistent and reliable return of serve?</li><li>Am I varying the depth and placement of my returns?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="8ekeycpdoxi" data-toc-id="8ekeycpdoxi">Return Resources:</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5JhgqNVPIA">New Best Way to Return </a>- How the pros do it</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9UhXW6AQPA">The 3 T’s of Service Returns</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722mGzXn4RA">Load and Explode Returns</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p27Gq140UjQ">5 Advanced Return Targeting/Positioning Strategies&nbsp;</a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="t5icmee1y5k" data-toc-id="t5icmee1y5k">Dinking</h2><ol><li>Is my dinking consistent and controlled?</li><li>Am I placing my dinks to create opportunities?</li><li>How is my footwork and positioning during dinking rallies?</li><li>Am I varying the height and placement of my dinks?</li><li>Do I transition smoothly from dinking to attacking shots?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="trziowb31oo" data-toc-id="trziowb31oo">Dinking Resources:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecooxg9BszE&amp;t=26s">Advanced Dinking Drills</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.perplexity.ai/search/i-need-the-best-pickleball-vid-efLn9RXQRZ._8gBMshXBAA">Pro Game Dinking Analysis</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PysM8dr76N4&amp;t=192s">Resetting the Dink Strategy + Drills </a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="30ecpsk5fff" data-toc-id="30ecpsk5fff">Volleys</h2><ol><li>Am I maintaining a compact swing on volleys?</li><li>Is my positioning and stance correct for volleys?</li><li>Am I placing my volleys to put pressure on my opponent?</li><li>How is my reaction time and anticipation for volleys?</li><li>Am I using the appropriate amount of force on my volleys?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="8pmyo62r1e0" data-toc-id="8pmyo62r1e0">Best Volley Resources:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZFKnYaVVnk">Efficient Movement + Faster Hands Drills</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCXvUVoBcVo">Pro Guide to Speedups</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3g_SFd_Lm4">Speedup Defense Strategy&nbsp;</a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="b6sk78qsdo2" data-toc-id="b6sk78qsdo2">3rd Shots</h2><ol><li>Is my 3rd shot landing consistently in the non-volley zone (kitchen)?</li><li>Am I using proper technique and follow-through on my 3rd shot?</li><li>Am I effectively mixing up my 3rd shot drops and drives to keep my opponent guessing?</li><li>How is my footwork and balance when executing the 3rd shot?</li><li>Is my 3rd shot setting up a favorable position for the next shot?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="dy1pcyplbax" data-toc-id="dy1pcyplbax">Best 3rd Shot Resources:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz2wXIKHXcs">3rd Shot Drop Technique&nbsp;</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h53rod8X5o">Drive + Drop Combo Drills</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gs5ke38K-o">Hybrid Drive</a> - a mix of a drop and a drive</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnTAm5pAr9c">Strategy Drop vs. Drive</a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="57w3z3rrq4b" data-toc-id="57w3z3rrq4b">4th Shots</h2><ol><li>Am I effectively anticipating and positioning myself for the 4th shot?</li><li>Is my 4th shot landing in a challenging spot for my opponent, neutralizing their 3rd shot?</li><li>Am I maintaining control and using a soft touch when necessary on the 4th shot?</li><li>Am I making smart decisions based on the pace and spin of my opponent’s 3rd shot?</li><li>Is my 4th shot response helping me regain control of the rally and set up my next move?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="iy3wppse05a" data-toc-id="iy3wppse05a">Best 4th Shot Resources:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhcl0Lg47x8">Basic 4th Shot Breakdown and Strategy</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk5uXWK8U1A">4 Tips for a Better&nbsp; 4th Shot</a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="wp58yzewbsw" data-toc-id="wp58yzewbsw">Strategy and Tactics</h2><ol><li>Am I sticking to my game plan or strategy? Do I even have one?</li><li>Do I adjust my strategy based on my opponent's weaknesses?</li><li>How is my shot selection during different phases of the game?</li><li>Am I playing to my strengths and minimizing my weaknesses?</li><li>Am I effectively using lobs and drop shots?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="pcsq66ms7y4" data-toc-id="pcsq66ms7y4">Doubles Strategy &amp; Tactics Resources:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGMLn68RZS8">Basic Doubles Strategies</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lsr6sjkzUGI">Game Breakdown: Strategy &amp; Tactics</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRcglMBgSXM">5 Advanced Positioning Strategies from a Pro</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.perplexity.ai/search/i-need-the-best-pickleball-vid-efLn9RXQRZ._8gBMshXBAA">Pro Game Dinking Analysis</a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="5bo71d5pwdq" data-toc-id="5bo71d5pwdq">Mental Game</h2><ol><li>Am I staying focused and composed under pressure?</li><li>How do I respond to mistakes or errors?</li><li>Am I maintaining a positive attitude throughout the game?</li><li>Do I communicate effectively with my partner?</li><li>Am I keeping my energy levels up and staying motivated?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="8idk6se48of" data-toc-id="8idk6se48of">Mental Game Resources:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CvDx0dJESQ">Ben Johns on Mental Toughness&nbsp;</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owZaWcOAOQg">5 Mental Strategies for Winning</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F4rS9DVoeY">The Mental Game with Coach Tim Buwick</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210628447-pickleball-mindset">The Pickleball&nbsp;Mindset by Dayne Gingrich</a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="8f5wxklwrpl" data-toc-id="8f5wxklwrpl">Opponent Analysis</h2><ol><li>What patterns or tendencies can I identify in my opponent's game?</li><li>How is my opponent responding to different types of shots?</li><li>Are there specific areas of the court my opponent struggles with?</li><li>Am I exploiting my opponent's weaknesses effectively?</li><li>How is my opponent's positioning and movement on the court?</li></ol><h4 style="text-align: start" id="k21d7026a8t" data-toc-id="k21d7026a8t">How Pros Breakdown Games:&nbsp;</h4><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7uKoRDkA38">64 Minutes of Point-By-Point Analysis</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdsnXtb_mwM">Pro Analysis of a Few Points</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lsr6sjkzUGI">Game Breakdown: Doubles Strategies &amp; Tactics</a></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: start" id="7231irqrmao" data-toc-id="7231irqrmao">Conclusion</h2>Improving your pickleball game can be both fun and rewarding! By asking the right questions and using the resources in each section, you'll see your skills grow. So get out there, drill, play, and enjoy the process of getting better!

50 Questions to Ask While Reviewing Your Pickleball Games

In the vast realm of pickleball paddle choices, PB Vision community member David elevates customization. Wondered about adding weight to your paddle? David dove into 77 experiments, meticulously sharing his journey on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/17ff6vk/the_impact_of_adding_weight_to_a_paddle_an/?rdt=58173">Reddit</a>. Join us as we explore the details and unveil unexpected insights from his extensive testing.First, what does adding weight to your paddle do? Adding weight to your pickleball paddle, specifically considering swingweight and twistweight, can significantly impact your game. The increased weight contributes to faster ball speeds and enhances stability for more precise shots, influencing both aspects. Much like swinging a tennis racket, the distribution of weight along the racket influences how it feels when swung. Holding the handle versus the head of the racket can create a different sense of weight and impact your swing, similar to the concept of swingweight in pickleball paddles.&nbsp;Finding the perfect fit involves experimenting with different weights. Think swingweight for maneuverability, and twistweight for stability, to strike the right balance based on your playing style and comfort preferences on the court.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b116-9a5f-70de-8edf-19fe07d3be77.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;📷 by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pickleballcentral.com/blog/the-lab-at-pickleball-central-why-swingweight-twistweight-and-balance-points-matter-in-pickleball/">Pickleball Central</a>&nbsp;PB&nbsp;Vision: Can you share a bit about yourself and how you got into pickleball?David: My pickleball addiction started when friends and I ran into a rudimentary pickleball setup on a half-size basketball court. Though it was way too small (we had no idea!), we quickly came to love the game. Our dog was also an instant fan, quickly learning that she could chase the (many) errant balls that shot off down the adjacent hillside.PBV: What inspired you to conduct over 77+ tests on the impact of adding weight to a paddle?David: After playing with an inexpensive set of paddles from Amazon for a few months, I learned about <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://discord.gg/yANZPezXUT">Chris Olsen's Discord</a> from a pickleball friend. That opened my eyes to a mind-numbing array of paddles, and eventually to the realization that each paddle could be further customized by adding weight. I was inspired to experiment in order to better understand how adding weight would affect a paddle.‍PBV: Can you elaborate on your process, especially regarding the measurements and configurations you used?David: I started by placing some weights near the bottom of the paddle and measuring its impact on swingweight, twistweight, etc. Then I'd move the weights up a little bit and measure again, repeating until I got to the top. Then I'd do it all over with heavier weights. On the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://gospartus.com/products/ballista">Ballista</a>, I also experimented with weights in the hole.PBV: What were the most surprising or unexpected findings from your experiments?David: I was surprised by how much the distribution of weight matters. I also came across some great academic research (e.g., <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/243491969_The_dead_spot_of_a_tennis_racket">The dead spot of a tennis racket</a>) which shed light on how weight distribution affects both paddle performance and the human body. It also taught me how to calculate the sweet spot location!PBV: How do different amounts of weight in various locations affect paddle characteristics?David: Weight closer to the head increases swingweight the most. Even edge tape, which seems really light, can change swingweight by a few points! Weight further from the middle of the paddle most increases twistweight (so weight on the handle or in the hole affects twistweight very little).<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b117-1afa-7fd6-be22-b652fab63507.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;📷 by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Pickleball/comments/17ff6vk/the_impact_of_adding_weight_to_a_paddle_an/">David via Reddit</a>PBV: You mentioned a rule of thumb about increasing twistweight and swingweight. Can you explain this in more detail?David: Adding weight to a paddle always increases the swingweight. On the paddles I tested, I found the "best" I could achieve was an increase in twistweight by roughly 1 unit for every 3 units I increased swingweight. This was achieved by placing weight at the bottom corner. Given the answer to the previous question, this is intuitive— the bottom corner is far from the center of the paddle (good for increasing twistweight) and far from the top of the paddle (good for minimizing the increase to swingweight).PBV: Can you walk us through your process when adding weight to a paddle? What considerations do you prioritize?David: Based on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNl46fNTRUA">Braydon of Pickleball Effect's research</a>, a higher twistweight is associated with a more stable paddle. So I generally add weight which maximizes the twistweight (i.e., right on or near the bottom corner), while not adding so much weight that the paddle becomes cumbersome to swing (i.e., swingweight too high).PBV: In your Redddit thread, you mentioned the use of Wilson Tungsten Tuning tape and collaboration with Briffidi. How did these tools contribute to your measurements?David: I use <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.briffidi.com/product/sw1/">Briffidi</a> devices to measure swingweight (using the 5cm adapter like Chris, etc.), twistweight and balance point. Wilson's tungsten tape is great for adding weight because it's non-toxic (unlike lead) and easily peels off, so it can be moved around the paddle (useful not only when running this experiment, but also when adjusting my paddle to feel right for me).PBV: Any final thoughts you’d like to add or advice for pickleball enthusiasts looking to customize their paddle weight?David: Ultimately, what matters most is how your paddle feels when you play with it. I encourage everyone to try a few different weight configurations to get a feel of what works best for you. I'd also encourage everyone to try adding weight because it's unlikely the factory default is perfect for you. Happy experimenting!Want to learn more about PB Vision? Join our pickleball community on <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://discord.com/invite/9baCb6qUxg">Discord</a>.

How to Customize Paddle Weight

<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b124-e5a7-7ed2-88c7-b0963977c2df.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">Ever notice how fast a pickleball game can zip by? The action can be a blur, and catching all the nuances in real time is like trying to catch a speeding sports car on foot. That’s where recording your matches comes to the rescue. It lets you rewind, pause, and closely inspect those lightning-fast moments.&nbsp;If you're ready to supercharge your pickleball game analysis, look no further than PB Vision. We leverage cutting-edge AI technology to extract and evaluate data from your pickleball video content. With PB Vision, you'll gain access to game statistics, including rally lengths. Soon, you'll have the ability to tag players, dive into detailed stats, generate insightful reports, and so much more. If you've ever felt like the pace of the game is overwhelming, here's why recording your matches can be your secret weapon for uncovering hidden insights.1. Gain a Third-Person Vantage:When you're in the heat of a match, it can be challenging to see the game from an objective perspective. Recording your games allows you to step back and view the action from a third-person vantage point. This unique viewpoint provides insights into positioning, strategies, and opportunities that you might have missed during the game2. Identify Issues Happening Too Fast:Pickleball is a fast-paced sport, and sometimes, it's tough to catch all the nuances of a rally in real time. By reviewing recorded matches, you can pinpoint moments when things happened too quickly to process during play. This helps you identify areas that need improvement and fine-tuning.3. Slow Down and Analyze Your Form:Are you wondering if your serve technique is as efficient as it could be? <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/record-analyze-your-pickleball-game/">Recording your games allows you to slow down and closely analyze your form and movements</a>. You can spot flaws, refine your strokes, and work on perfecting your pickleball technique.‍4. Share with Your Partner:If you're playing doubles, sharing recorded matches with your partner can be invaluable. It provides an opportunity for both of you to assess your performance as a team, identify areas of synergy, and strategize for future matches.5. Track Your Improvement Over Time:Recording your games creates a historical record of your progress. It's incredibly rewarding to look back at earlier recordings and see how far you've come. Tracking your stats over time will also fuel our AI coach's learning process, guiding your future efforts to improve your game and advance your skills.Your future pickleball superstar self will thank you later. Grab that camera, hit the court, and start recording those matches. To help us figure out what we could do next, check out our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://roadmap.pb.vision/">public roadmap</a> for updates on the upcoming PB Vision products—your feedback helps shape future releases.Looking for more PB Vision? Join our pickleball community on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://discord.com/invite/9baCb6qUxg">Discord</a>.

Why Recording Pickleball Games Makes You a Stronger Player

<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b128-8e47-7bfe-bcf1-95a9298a211e.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">Whether you first stepped on the court several years ago or several days ago, you’ve probably heard pickleball players talking about their ratings.“I’m a 3.5, but I’m trying to get to 4.0 by the end of the year.”“I thought I was a 4.0, but I just played in a tournament against other 4.0 players and they totally destroyed us. I think we were sandbagged.”“You’re a 4.5? I’m only a 3.0. No way am I playing against you.”Player ratings help us gauge our skill level compared to our competitors, find good match-ups with other teams, and measure our improvement over time. That last piece is probably the most important–without ratings, you have no way to determine how much you’ve improved or how much more work you need to put in to reach your goals.That being said, how you’re rated as a player depends on your rating system–and not all of them are created equal. Read on for an introduction to the different types of rating systems, plus the pros and cons of each.<h1 id="61c58qycise" data-toc-id="61c58qycise">DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating)</h1><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b126-4b37-7c2f-947b-bf4cf167d32d.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">📸 by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://mydupr.com/">DUPR</a>&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://mydupr.com/">DUPR</a> is one of the most popular pickleball rating systems, especially for amateur players. It includes both doubles and singles play and is designed to be a universal standard.Algorithm: DUPR includes both doubles and singles, and is based on your most recent 60 matches (for doubles) or 30 matches (for singles) within 12 months. It employs a proprietary algorithm, which considers factors like the competitive level of the match, the type of match (club, tournament, etc.), and winning/losing to provide a rating between 2.0 and 8.0.<h4 id="tcprsctxcki" data-toc-id="tcprsctxcki">Pros:</h4><ul><li>Incorporates both sanctioned and non-sanctioned matches.</li><li>Universal approach, aiming for a standard that can be applied anywhere.</li><li>Considers a broad history of recent play, not just tournaments; meaning you can have a DUPR score even if you don’t play in tournaments.</li></ul><h4 id="7mrbs5l7sd4" data-toc-id="7mrbs5l7sd4">Cons:</h4><ul><li>Some players believe it can be slow to respond to skill changes.</li><li>It can be biased based on region because the algorithm factors in the skill level of those you play with; i.e. a 4.5 player in California might be very different from a 4.5 player in Florida.</li><li>It does not currently factor in point differential or margin of victory, only wins and losses. Your DUPR can go up only if you win, and will go down if you lose–even if the match was close against more highly rated opponents.</li><li>Algorithm updates happen often, and aren’t always clearly communicated, which can be confusing for players looking for a consistent rating system and can cause ratings to shift even if the data doesn’t change.</li></ul><h1 id="ttea06z1l7o" data-toc-id="ttea06z1l7o">USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) Player Ratings‍</h1><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b127-035b-71a1-8a29-f8330a4d20ed.png" data-width="100%" data-align="center">A player’s USA Pickleball Tournament Player Rating (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://usapickleball.org/tournaments/tournament-player-ratings/utpr-details/">UTPR</a>) is calculated based on the player’s performance in USAPA-sanctioned tournaments. The rating algorithm takes into account tournament wins/losses as well as the ratings of all opponents. Ratings are initially calculated as 4-digits, then rounded down to provide a 2-digit rating ranging from 1.0 to 6.0+.Players without a UTPR can self-rate to enter tournaments. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://usapickleball.org/tournaments/tournament-player-ratings/player-skill-rating-definitions/">Guidelines</a> are provided by USAPA to help players self-rate, by assessing their proficiency in skills such as dinking, serving, volleying, and strategizing.For example, a player just starting out in the game without much sports experience would be a 1.0-2.0 player, whereas a pickleball pro would rank at 5.0 and above.Algorithm: The UTPR calculates a player’s 4-digit rating for each player, adjusting after each sanctioned tournament based on match outcomes and the ratings of opponents. That 4-digit rating is then rounded down to a 2-digit skill rating.<h4 id="bit6tisb17r" data-toc-id="bit6tisb17r">Pros:</h4><ul><li>Based on actual match results, which can be a strong indicator of performance.</li><li>Encourages competitive play in sanctioned tournaments.</li><li>The 4-digit UTPR is calculated on a weekly basis.</li></ul><h4 id="00w3dy8cr61" data-toc-id="00w3dy8cr61">Cons:</h4><ul><li>May not accurately reflect the skill of players who don't frequently compete in tournaments.</li><li>Because players can use self-ratings to enter tournaments (at least at first), they can ‘play down’ against players of lesser skill and thus enhance their UTPR unfairly.</li><li>UTPR may be slow to reflect changes in skill. For example, if you’re rated at a 3.5, but practice has brought you closer to a 4.5 skill level, you can still play in a 3.5 tournament–but winning all of those matches at 3.5 will not have much of an effect on your rating.</li><li>UTPR could be biased based on age or region if players do not participate in a variety of age categories and localities.</li></ul><h1 id="s2a7t07q2yk" data-toc-id="s2a7t07q2yk">Pickleball Tournament Rating (WPR)</h1><img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b127-5da0-7403-b4ad-4f6e71968400.png" data-width="100%" data-align="center"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="http://PickleballTournaments.com">PickleballTournaments.com</a> developed the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.pickleballtournaments.com/ratings.pl">World Pickleball Ratings (WPR)</a> system to be as comprehensive as possible.Algorithm: The WPR algorithm uses a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.pickleballtournaments.com/ratings.pl">Glicko-2 ratings system</a> to calculate a player’s rating on a quarterly basis based on factors such as results from sanctioned and non-sanctioned tournaments, match frequency, and opponents’ player ratings.<h4 id="mz0imwtlbdp" data-toc-id="mz0imwtlbdp">Pros:</h4><ul><li>Tailored for tournament players.</li><li>Decreases ‘sandbagging’ in tournament play by reducing the use of self-rating for brackets and seeding.</li></ul><h4 id="7yk8o82dmmi" data-toc-id="7yk8o82dmmi">Cons:</h4><ul><li>Like UTPR, it may not accurately reflect the abilities of players who do not compete in tournaments, such as those run through <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="http://PickleballTournaments.com">PickleballTournaments.com</a>.</li><li>The proprietary nature of the algorithm means players can't precisely predict how their actions will affect their rating.</li></ul><h1 id="mbbep43a2w3" data-toc-id="mbbep43a2w3">Less Common Rating Systems</h1>There are a handful of additional rating systems, but they are less common:<ul><li>World Pickleball Federation (WPF) Rating System: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.worldpickleballfederation.org/world-series/">WPF</a> uses a system similar to DUPR but is used by the WPF for international play. Players can view their rankings at global, regional, and country levels, and that ranking takes into account the best twelve results over the past year. The pros and cons for this rating system are similar to DUPR’s.</li><li>International Pickleball Federation (IPF) Rating System: Similar to USAPA's rating, providing guidelines for international competition levels. The pros and cons of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://theipf.org">IPF</a> rating are similar to USAPA’s.</li><li>Local Club or Regional Ratings: Some local clubs have their own rating systems based on local league play or assessments. These ratings may not always translate well to national or international levels but are used for internal events and ladder play.</li></ul>Remember, each rating system has its specific goals and use cases, and the best way to improve your rating will depend on your competitive focus and the resources you have available, including using advanced analytics platforms like PB Vision to get more detailed insights into your game.&nbsp;With recorded data from everything that happens on the court, PB Vision is working toward a more objective rating system. For more information about how computer vision can be used to improve your game and–one day–provide you with the most accurate player rating, read on.Finding flaws in existing pickleball <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.pb.vision/post/pickleball-ratings-part-one-overview-of-the-most-popular-player-rating-systems">skill rating systems</a> doesn’t require much digging. Although they can be useful, DUPR, UTPR, WPR, and others rely on some level of subjectivity, leading to difficulty in accurately assessing player skills. This is where the innovative application of computer vision technology comes into play, heralding a shift towards a more objective and accurate evaluation of player abilities.<h1 id="2si67lkyyik" data-toc-id="2si67lkyyik">What is Computer Vision?</h1>Computer vision is under the umbrella of artificial intelligence (AI), and it enables computers to interpret and make sense of the visual world. By processing digital images, videos, and other inputs, computer vision systems use deep learning algorithms to identify, classify, and respond to various elements within these visuals. The implications of this technology in sports analytics are significant–many sports have already benefited from the application of computer vision. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.balltime.com">Balltime</a> provides AI-generated stats for volleyball, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.trackman.com">Trackman</a> helps improve golf performance, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://siqbasketball.com">SIQ</a> helps train basketball players, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://teammstrd.com">Team Mustard</a> analyzes skills for baseball and football.Consider a technology that can scrutinize every moment of a pickleball match, where every shot, player movement, and tactical decision is captured and evaluated from video footage. Computer vision analysis involves breaking the footage into individual frames and applying sophisticated algorithms to extract meaningful data from these images. The result is a rich, multi-dimensional understanding of the game, distilled into actionable insights.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://chat.openai.com/c/457f474c-0ec2-4351-af45-3ffeb4739e76#">&nbsp;</a><h1 id="rbr11d0k1i8" data-toc-id="rbr11d0k1i8">Capturing Data for Analysis</h1>To effectively access PB Vision’s computer vision analysis, you first need a high-quality video recording of your match. Ensuring the right framing and resolution is crucial for accurate data extraction. For tips on capturing the best footage, refer to our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/en/help/articles/5886489-how-to-record-your-pickleball-game">best recording practices article.</a><h1 id="z3astbywtst" data-toc-id="z3astbywtst">Analyzing the Data: Game Insights</h1>The backbone of PB Vision is its sophisticated algorithm, which employs machine learning and computer vision to meticulously analyze videos of pickleball matches. It assesses various aspects of player performance, including shot accuracy, types of shots, player movement, and error rates (see below). This analysis is then transformed into precise data models, offering unprecedented insight into a player’s performance.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b12c-aab9-743a-af73-3d74919a4468.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">Once the video is processed through PB Vision's system, it yields a wealth of insights. Players can explore detailed visualizations of their performance, such as heatmaps (see below) showing shot placements, analysis of player movement patterns, and breakdowns of error rates. These insights go beyond mere statistics, offering a deeper understanding of a player's strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.For instance, a heatmap may reveal a player’s tendency to favor one side of the court, or a particular stroke analysis might highlight a recurring technical flaw. Such detailed feedback is invaluable for targeted skill development.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192b12d-2de2-76dd-a6d7-2981364597fb.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left"><h1 id="xxpl6503pe2" data-toc-id="xxpl6503pe2">Translating Computer Vision Analysis to Player Ratings</h1>While PB Vision does not currently assess player ratings, it lays the groundwork for a new kind of rating system based on objective game insights.Imagine a rating system where your score directly reflects specific, measurable aspects of your game, analyzed by advanced AI, namely large language models (LLMs). These sophisticated AI systems, renowned for their ability to understand and generate human-like text, could take our objective analysis of player performance to new heights. By integrating LLMs, PB Vision could achieve a higher abstraction of insight, extracting nuanced interpretations from the raw data. This system could analyze physical gameplay and provide strategic advice, mental game coaching, and personalized feedback by "reading" more into the data than we currently comprehend. This integration could transform how we understand and improve in pickleball.A more objective rating system based on these insights could go beyond a simple decimal like ‘4.0’ or ‘3.5’--players could have a more detailed breakdown of their ratings in categories such as speed, backhand skill, maximum forehand drive speed, spin ability, shot decision making, reset capability, and serve quality. Instead of relying on tournament outcomes or subjective evaluations, this system would consider the intricacies of a player’s performance. No longer would a player’s rating be dependent solely on wins and losses or a partner’s skill level– ratings would be as accurate a reflection of a player’s true ability as possible.<h1 id="yo84e3a8x16" data-toc-id="yo84e3a8x16">Assessing a Computer Vision-Based Rating System</h1>Pros<ul><li>Comprehensive Skill Analysis: Provides a layered and more nuanced view of player abilities, encompassing technical, tactical, and physical aspects.</li><li>Dynamic Performance Tracking: Allows players to monitor their development over time, adapting to different game situations and strategies.</li><li>Inclusivity: Offers valuable insights for players at all levels, regardless of their participation in competitive play.</li><li>User-Centric Adaptive Approach: Adapts to individual player needs and aspirations, such as strategies, playing tempos, and preferred shot types.</li><li>Objective Evaluation: Significantly reduces biases related to external factors, offering a more balanced and fair assessment of skills.</li><li>Privacy Protection: Does not store biometric data to best protect player privacy.</li></ul>Cons<ul><li>Potential Inaccuracies: Computer vision is still error-prone and will never be 100% accurate.</li><li>Reliance on Recording Quality: The error margin largely depends on recording quality.</li><li>Essential Need for Player Tagging: Players must be manually tagged across games.</li></ul><h1 id="2qc3iswzcss" data-toc-id="2qc3iswzcss">Improving with an Objective System</h1>To make the most of a computer vision-based rating system like PB Vision, players should:<ul><li>Focus on Targeted Feedback: Use the detailed analysis to zero in on specific weaknesses or areas needing improvement.</li><li>Embrace Consistent Evaluation: Regularly upload gameplay videos to take advantage of performance tracking over time.</li><li>Engage Actively with Tools: Utilize the platform's various tools and training recommendations to systematically refine your skills and strategies.</li></ul>The integration of computer vision technology in assessing pickleball player ratings opens up a new world of sports analytics. With the potential to offer objective, detailed, and actionable insights, this technology can revolutionize the way players understand and improve their game. As we continue to develop and refine these tools, the future of pickleball ratings looks more precise, inclusive, and data-driven, enabling players at all levels to elevate their game based on clear, objective metrics. Stay tuned to PB Vision as we lead the charge in this exciting new frontier of pickleball analytics.Want to learn more about PB Vision? Join our <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://discord.com/invite/N73jSVDpwK">Discord</a>.

Pickleball Ratings Ultimate Guide

I started playing pickleball around 4 years ago, hovering at a solid 3.5 level with occasional forays into 4.0. But for some reason, I couldn’t consistently break through to that next tier. After years of trying, I started a new journey using PB Vision. In just four months, I went from a 3.5 player to beating 4.5s regularly, which my DUPR confirmed. This past fall, I lined up four 4.0 tournaments, anticipating that would be the right level—only to win gold in all of them. And now, after regularly competing well against 4.5–5.0 level teams, I’m looking ahead to competing at 4.5 tournaments exclusively 📈.So how did this happen? First, I had to find the right partner who was willing to use PB Vision to experiment and strategize. This article is a deep dive into how PB Vision became an invaluable tool in my journey, helping me refine strategies, analyze competition, and execute my game plan on the court.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0192fca9-eb2c-731b-b5f5-db326223862d.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left"><h1 id="taykefqo21k" data-toc-id="taykefqo21k">Using PB Vision for Tournament Preparation</h1>In competitive pickleball, preparation is everything. PB Vision allowed me to break down my game footage, identify strengths and weaknesses, and create targeted drills for improvement. Here’s a <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/articles/8521304-maximize-your-pickleball-training-how-to-use-pb-vision-effectively" data-organization-id="66d2ef3f0be44f95dc4c24b4" data-help-center-id="nfznqywsy4rvznc8" data-slug="8521304-maximize-your-pickleball-training-how-to-use-pb-vision-effectively" data-article-id="8521304" data-locale="en" data-hash="">guide to maximize your training with PB Vision</a> that helped me.Some key strategies PB Vision enabled include:<ol><li>Analyzing Heatmaps for Positioning: Using court coverage heatmaps, I noticed that some teams tried to target my female partner. We adjusted by having her hug the right sideline more, which made her harder to exploit. Seeing PB Vision’s visualizations highlighted her efficient movement and showed opponents struggling to execute their intended shots against us.</li><li>Fine-Tuning Serves and Returns: One of my early drills was to strengthen my serve and return, getting depth and consistency while making slight adjustments each time I reviewed footage. PB Vision’s serve breakdown allowed me to see where I was losing points and how to correct it. I focused on controlled power in my serves and began putting opponents on the defensive right from the start.</li><li>Identifying Target Players and Patterns: By reviewing gameplay footage, I started identifying which players were vulnerable to pressure. This meant either driving harder or targeting a weaker backhand when possible. I learned to control my aggressive playstyle, focusing on efficiency and soft game over brute force.</li></ol><h1 id="yf6sztry4zx" data-toc-id="yf6sztry4zx">Essential Tournament Tips Learned Along the Way</h1>Over the course of four tournaments, I gathered a list of strategies that took my game from decent to dominant:<ol><li>Use Timeouts Wisely: Momentum swings are inevitable. Calling a timeout after losing several points in a row allowed me to reset, especially after long rallies. By pausing to refocus, I came back stronger, turning setbacks into opportunities.</li><li>Know When to Let Shots Go: Early tournament jitters often led me to swing at every ball, even those likely heading out of bounds. Watching my PB Vision footage showed I was often hitting balls that were clearly going out. By trusting myself to judge these shots better, I conserved energy and avoided easy giveaways.</li><li>Stay in the Present, Not the Past: Tournament play can mess with your head. Early on, I noticed that overthinking errors made me lose focus. Instead, I learned to reset mentally after each point, giving myself grace and moving on quickly. My motto became “Next point” as a way to stay focused on the here and now.</li><li>Play to My Strengths: PB Vision highlighted my top shots and skills. If I was in a jam, I returned to what I knew worked best. My partner and I leaned into our signature “shake and bake” strategy (her driving, me applying pressure at the net).</li></ol><h1 id="ietml5cdwr1" data-toc-id="ietml5cdwr1">Building Skills and Breaking Bad Habits with PB Vision</h1>PB Vision didn’t just improve my tournament strategies; it revolutionized my skill development and consistency on the court:<ul><li>Serve and Return Mastery: I used PB Vision to isolate skills, especially my serve. Focusing on one skill at a time helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed, with PB Vision’s feedback pointing out which returns were working best under real pressure.</li><li>Footwork and Positioning: Reviewing my positioning habits made a big difference in my gameplay. PB Vision taught me to move into position quicker and to plant my feet firmly rather than staying in motion. Staying grounded improved the accuracy of my shots and made it easier to react quickly to opponents’ moves.</li><li>Mental Discipline: PB Vision’s holistic approach allowed me to analyze not just the physical but also the mental aspects of my game. Having a data-driven look at my performance allowed me to see when frustration would impact my play, reminding me to breathe, reset, and approach each point with fresh energy.</li></ul>For anyone interested in using PB Vision to improve their play, check out this <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://help.pb.vision/en/help/articles/5987232-ultimate-terminology-and-definitions-guide">list of stats</a> we analyze and their definitions.<h1 id="bt5oai7aks0" data-toc-id="bt5oai7aks0">The Power of Partnership and Strategy</h1>Success in doubles means building a strong partnership, and PB Vision showed my partner and me exactly how to work in sync:<ul><li>We experimented with stacking (having one player stay on a preferred side) based on PB Vision data. After trying different setups, we realized that playing me on the right without stacking defensively gave us the highest win rates.</li><li>Reviewing our footage, we realized I needed to take as many thirds as possible, allowing my partner to set up and execute her powerful drives with ease if an opponent's return did cruise more down the right sideline to her. This level of transparency made us comfortable with our roles and helped us avoid stepping on each other’s toes.</li></ul><h1 id="yoxm67lptbd" data-toc-id="yoxm67lptbd">Continuous Improvement: Drills, Analysis, and Patience</h1>Improvement is a marathon, not a sprint. I drilled with PB Vision regularly, gradually building a skill set that brought confidence and resilience. Here’s what kept me going:<ol><li>Regular Reviews: By uploading a handful of games each week, I tracked progress and pinpointed patterns that needed work. Consistent use of PB Vision’s analytical tools kept me aware of areas for improvement, ensuring I never stagnated.</li><li>Drill, Drill, Drill: Practicing with PB Vision allowed me to hone specific skills, such as third-shot drops, returns, and volleys, so I could bring a well-rounded game to the court.</li><li>Setting Goals and Being Patient: Improvement took time. PB Vision became a supportive companion, pushing me to set small, achievable goals and celebrate every bit of progress. In this journey, staying patient and persistent was essential.</li></ol><h1 id="4et3wwsfol6" data-toc-id="4et3wwsfol6">Embracing a Champion’s Mindset</h1>One of the most impactful books I read during this period was <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.amazon.com/Pickleball-Mindset-Blueprint-Peak-Performance/dp/B0CZML929B">The Pickleball Mindset by Dayne Gingrich and Jill Martin</a>. Their philosophy aligned perfectly with PB Vision’s data-driven insights, helping me shift from merely chasing wins to playing with intention and purpose. I learned to channel confidence and approach every match with a fresh mindset, understanding that winning isn’t about perfection; it’s about resilience and adaptability.Some guiding principles I took from Gingrich include:<ul><li>Control What You Can: I stopped worrying about uncontrollable factors, like my partner’s performance or the other team’s trash talk. PB Vision provided concrete metrics on what I could improve, which kept my focus grounded and productive.</li><li>Confidence Over Perfection: Every match became a chance to improve. I approached every game knowing I had the tools to compete with anyone on the court, whether they were 3.5s or 5.0s. This perspective helped me face high-stakes moments with confidence rather than fear.</li></ul>For anyone looking to deepen their mental game, I highly recommend Gingrich’s book—it provides great strategies to build resilience on and off the court.<div data-type="horizontalRule"><hr></div><h1 id="kz8eoodf8ob" data-toc-id="kz8eoodf8ob">My Pickleball Journey Continues</h1>Thanks to PB Vision, I transformed from a 3.5 player struggling to compete to a tournament champion breaking into the 4.5 range. I couldn’t have achieved this without data-driven training, consistent analysis, and an ever-deepening understanding of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, PB Vision is the perfect tool to help you take your game to the next level.So, are you ready to unlock your potential? Explore <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://pb.vision">PB Vision</a> today and begin your own journey to excellence!

How PB Vision Helped Me Go From Recreational Pickleball to Tournament Champion

Pickleball is a fast-paced game that demands split-second decision-making. In the heat of a match, it's easy to miss subtle but important details about your opponents. This is where PB Vision steps in, helping you break down your games and identify opponent weaknesses that may have gone unnoticed in real time.I recently participated in a local team challenge event and analyzed all my games using PB Vision. What I discovered was eye-opening—several opponents were making consistent errors that I hadn’t noticed during play. PB Vision not only helped me understand what went wrong during specific rallies but also enabled me to strategize with my teammate for future matches. Armed with this data, we could adjust our gameplay to exploit our opponents' weaknesses.In this post, I'll walk you through two specific ways I used PB Vision to pinpoint opponent vulnerabilities. Whether you're striving for better tournament results, aiming to dominate your local league, or simply looking to sharpen your pickleball IQ, these insights can give you a competitive edge.<h2 id="wzqzw14xcbi" data-toc-id="wzqzw14xcbi">Shot Accuracy</h2>The first thing I examine when analyzing opponents' weaknesses is their shot accuracy. PB Vision makes it easy to see how many shots an opponent hit into the net or out of bounds. By clicking into the Shot Explorer, you can dive deeper to identify which specific shots led to errors.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0193ac1d-4a1f-7288-9a97-833d6b6813d2.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">For instance, in one match, I noticed my opponent hit a majority of their backhands out of bounds. This indicated a weak backhand, a common vulnerability among players still refining their technical skills. Knowing this, I plan to target their backhand more aggressively the next time we play.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0193ac1e-24f2-7a2f-ae4c-d4de0f961c31.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">When reviewing shot accuracy, look for consistent patterns in errors—especially those you and your teammate can capitalize on. Targeting these weaknesses puts additional pressure on your opponents, increasing their likelihood of making mistakes.<h2 id="woqit82ildw" data-toc-id="woqit82ildw">Shot Trajectories</h2>Another powerful feature of PB Vision is its shot trajectory analysis using the 3D Viewer. This tool helps you identify patterns in shot placement and success rates.In one of my games at the team challenge, I discovered that one opponent struggled with third shots. They were hitting successful third shots only about 50% of the time, while their partner had a much stronger performance in this area. During the match, I hadn’t picked up on this, but PB Vision revealed the pattern clearly.<img src="https://fb-usercontent.fra1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/0193ac1e-9be0-7b85-a59d-4165adafa524.png" data-width="100%" data-align="left">If I could replay that game, I would adjust my returns to target the player with the weaker third shots, forcing them to make more errors. The trajectory analysis feature even allows you to click on individual shots, taking you directly to the Shot Explorer for a closer look. Use this tool to uncover patterns like weak third shots or other tendencies that can shift the balance of a match in your favor.<h2 id="f1kkpm05pbz" data-toc-id="f1kkpm05pbz">Summary</h2>Even the most observant players can't catch every detail during a match. By analyzing gameplay with PB Vision, you can uncover hidden patterns and tendencies in both your opponents’ and your own performance. This level of insight allows you to build smarter strategies, exploit vulnerabilities, and elevate your game to the next level.Whether you're a recreational player or a tournament competitor, PB Vision is your secret weapon for understanding the nuances of pickleball.- AJ

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