Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

This A.I. tool might make Pickleball players better, faster (but not stronger)

It tracks the movement of players, the trajectory of the ball, and other relevant aspects of the game

person showing pair of blue-and-white running shoes
Joan Azeka / Pexels

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been in the news almost constantly since the release of ChatGPT, a text-generating AI software developed by OpenAI in November 2022. Now, AI is making its way into sports, specifically pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America.

If you haven’t heard about PB Vision (a new AI tool for pickleball players), we’ll give you the deets and explain how it might help you improve your game.

Aerial photo of pickleball courts in The Villages
TheVillagesFL / Wikimedia Commons

How can there be an AI tool for pickleball?

While AI is typically associated with tasks like language processing and content creation, developers are testing its potential applications in various domains, including sports.

Recommended Videos

Pickleball Vision AI LLC has found a way to apply AI technology to pickleball. Don’t worry; a robot won’t follow you around the pickleball court, hitting shots for you (yet). Instead, the AI tool is designed to assist players in analyzing their gameplay and providing valuable insights for improvement.

AI for Pickleball???

Here’s how PB Vision works

Grab a stationary camera (a smartphone on a tripod should work) and set it up to capture footage of your pickleball game. The camera should be at least four feet off the ground, and all four corners of the pickleball court should be visible in the frame.

Once you’ve finished playing and filming, upload your video to PB Vision. The company asks that you upload just one game at a time, as processing takes time and resources. The recommended video resolution is 1280×720 pixels.

The AI tool will then analyze your video using computer vision algorithms and machine learning techniques. It will track the movement of players, the trajectory of the ball, and other relevant aspects of the game.

@pickleballvision

Development update: The data is there, and it’s accurate 👍 Next phase, we trigger logic and gameplay feedback. We’re getting closer to this reality in all levels of #pickleball 😎 No special equipment required.#ai#machinelearning #computervision #pickleballtiktok pickleballislife@thedinkpickleball

♬ Chill Day – LAKEY INSPIRED

Could this AI tool make pickleball players better and faster?

The real answer to this question is: it depends. If you know the rules of pickleball, the terms used in the game, and how to analyze gameplay and interpret data (and can take a bit of constructive feedback), then the PB Vision AI tool has the potential to make you a better and faster pickleball player.

  • Identify your strengths and weaknesses. PB Vision tracks your gameplay and provides insights on things like serve accuracy, return of serve success rate, and winning percentage. This info can help you figure out what you’re good at and what you need to work on.
  • Analyze your opponents’ gameplay. PB Vision doesn’t just track your skills; it also tracks your opponents’. This info can help you develop strategies and adjust your game plan accordingly.
  • Improve your shot selection and placement. PB Vision analyzes the trajectory of your shots and provides feedback on shot selection and placement. This info can help you make better decisions about where to hit the ball and how to hit it.

Whether you know how to play pickleball or not, PB Vision can still be a valuable tool for learning the game and improving your skills. Plus, it’s free to use and accessible to anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection.

Tabitha Britt
Tabitha Britt is a freelance writer, editor, SEO & content strategist.
This new website is like Airbnb for RV enthusiasts and campers (and it’ll plan trips for you with A.I.)
Hate travel planning? Let the robots take care of your next great bucket-list-worthy road trip itinerary
An RV and a Jeep at a campground with the setting sun in the background.

For many of us, camping is the perfect excuse for a proper digital detox. It’s a great time to put down the cell phone, leave the tablet at home, and forget about Netflix & Chill for a while. But mixing a little tech with your outdoor adventures isn’t always a bad thing, especially if it can make your trip planning faster, easiest, and just plain better. With that in mind, one new company wants to help travelers plan their next great car and RV camping trips using smart, AI-powered search. The robot revolution is here!

AdventureGenie promises to be the “world's first RV and camping travel planning tool powered by Artificial Intelligence.” The goal is to answer the three most important questions campers and RV travelers have to ask about every trip: Where to go, how to get there, and which campgrounds and RV parks are worth a stay. Even seasoned travelers know that figuring these out can involve hours, even days, of research with multiple tabs open at once to make sense of it all, especially if it’s a destination they’ve never visited.

Read more
A golf range finder might make all the difference in your game — here’s why
Don't have a golf range finder? It might be one of the biggest mistakes you'll make this season.
a golf ball on course on edge of hole

Golf: one of the most timeless and genteel sports a person can play. Many will tell you that business deals are done on the golf course rather than in the boardroom. Beyond wheeling and dealing, it’s also a fantastic way to socialize with friends and colleagues. For people in warmer climates like Florida and South Carolina, it’s a year-round sport. For the northeast, ‘tis the season to return to the golf course, but you may be rusty.

Tired of constantly hitting a ball into the water rather than anywhere near a hole? Feel like your golf game has plateaued in recent years? Sure, practice makes progress. However, a golf range finder may be what’s missing from your arsenal. The tool acts as the perfect teammate, measuring distance and accuracy to help a golfer decide how hard to hit the ball. One can help you lower your score, negate the need to fish balls out of the water, and impress your golf crew. Get the 4-1-1 on the missing piece to your golf game.

Read more
Cyber Monday snow blower deals still available: Save up to 28% off
The EGO Power+ Cordless Snow Blower on a white background.

There are some great Cyber Monday deals on snow blowers, which are perfect if you’re looking ahead to those snowier days. If you’ve already kitted yourself out with some sweet Cyber Monday tool deals, this is your chance to enhance your home even more by clearing the snow around your yard or drive. While you’re at it, now might be the time to treat yourself to the Cyber Monday deals under $25, too, but for now, we’ll focus on all things snow blower. Besides picking out the best snow blower deals, we also have some great advice on what to consider before buying a snow blower. Read on while we take you through everything you need to know about snow blowers and learn where the best deals are.
Our Top Pick: Greenworks 80V Cordless Brushless Snow Blower -- $579 $800 28% off

Able to clear a 6-car drive on one charge, the Greenworks 80V Cordless Brushless Snow Blower has a powerful motor for quieter operation yet longer life. It has up to 20-foot discharge from its rotating chute while you can easily clear a 22-inch path and 13-inch level of depth. With a hassle-free start, it’s perfect for easy clearing. It's also 28% off, meaning you can save $221.

Read more