by Kelly Campbell
Even the technology novices have likely heard about artificial intelligence (AI) in some capacity over the last few years. Our AI technology has been evolving for decades, but recent developments and improvements with generative AI have become a central topic. Whether you’ve noticed the Google AI summary at the top of your searches, have fallen for a fake celebrity video, read about debatable AI use in education, are using ChatGPT for everything down to your weekly meal plan, or even simply enjoyed an AI Snapchat filter –– this new technology has been a monumental development revolutionizing every aspect of our lives –– for better or for worse.
The pickleball industry is no exception to the AI wave. We can’t even imagine the entire scope of how instrumental AI can and will be for the pickleball space in the future. Read on for more on how pickleball companies have begun using AI, some technology pros and cons, and how you can leverage AI chatbots to your pickleball advantage today.
A Brief AI Overview
From the autocorrect feature on your phone to Amazon’s Alexa devices and Apple’s Siri, AI isn’t a new concept, but generative AI has blown up recently in part due to the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and other AI chatbots.
Generative AI makes it feel like the world is at our fingertips. Whether you use AI tools for research, writing assistance and brainstorming, personal organization, or wellness and fitness advice, there are countless ways to use the tool.
In simple terms, AI is a type of technology that allows machines to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. This includes things like understanding language, recognizing pictures, making decisions, and solving problems. AI can learn from data and improve over time, making it “smart” in different ways.
AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, are designed specifically to communicate with people through text or voice. They can understand questions or messages and respond in a way that feels like you’re talking to a real person. They can be programmed to get better at understanding and responding the more they interact with people.
Most of your favorite apps, websites, streaming services, brands, and even banks have implemented and expanded AI in their businesses –– whether you’ve realized it or not. Personalized recommendations on streaming services, writing assistance and evaluation on Grammarly, playlist creations on Spotify, and Amazon’s virtual customer services features are just the tip of the iceberg.
How is AI being used in the pickleball space?
These are a few examples of companies using AI technology in the pickleball industry:
SwingVision: AI-powered iPhone and iPad app that uses video to analyze your game, track your shots, and automate line calling on any court.
Playsight: AI-powered app that provides fixed and portable video technology. In fixed contexts, Playsight is installed in facilities and gyms to create permanent SmartCourts. As a mobile app, Playsight can record or live stream anywhere. Both models capture pickleball action, produce high-quality events with instant replay, and assist with player development.
SportAI and Shark: Through this collaboration, SportAI will develop an AI-powered pickleball coaching app that will provide players with personalized training and product recommendations.
While it’s hard to know which of our favorite pickleball companies are utilizing AI for certain, here’s how many brands can (and likely are) use AI in their current business models:
- Produce AI-powered marketing content
- Offer virtual product try-on
- Analyze consumer behavior
- Simplify inventory management
- Plan events and tournaments (including weather forecasting)
- Develop e-commerce personalization experiences
- Develop and implement customer service chatbots
- Improve manufacturing efficiency
- Keep score and track metrics
Personal Pickleball Progress Using ChatGPT
If you’ve never used an AI chatbot yourself, you might wonder –– is AI all it’s cracked up to be? How useful can it be on an individual level? Is it way too advanced for me?
We put ChatGPT to the test for pickleball-related inquiries to see how it would measure up. We used the free version of ChatGPT as a beginner user to gather general information and advice about pickleball. We kept it pretty basic, and within seconds of typing in our questions, we received thorough responses. Here are the results:
TrackitHub: In less than 100 words, what is pickleball?
ChatGPT: Pickleball is a fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on a smaller court with a net, using paddles and a plastic ball with holes. Players can play singles or doubles, aiming to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent’s side of the court. It’s popular for its easy-to-learn rules, low-impact nature, and appeal to all ages and skill levels.
TrackitHub: Who are the best professional pickleball players in the U.S.?
ChatGPT: Here are some of the top U.S. professional pickleball players:
- Ben Johns – Dominates in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
- Anna Leigh Waters – Rising star with top rankings and major earnings.
- Tyson McGuffin – Aggressive player with multiple gold medals.
- JW Johnson – Known for his aggressive style and major wins.
- Collin Johns – Top men’s doubles player with numerous titles.
Sources provided:
TrackitHub: In a brief summary, what are the rules of pickleball?
ChatGPT: Here’s a brief summary of pickleball rules:
- Court & Equipment: Played on a 20×44 ft court with paddles and a plastic ball.
- Serving: Underhand, diagonally, and one fault allowed before losing serve.
- Scoring: Points only for the serving team, typically played to 11, 15, or 21 (win by 2).
- Double Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed.
- Kitchen: No volleys allowed in the non-volley zone (near the net).
- Faults: Occur if the ball goes out, doesn’t clear the net, or rules are violated.
TrackitHub: How can I improve my pickleball game?
ChatGPT: To improve your pickleball game, focus on developing consistency and accuracy with your shots. Practice your serves to ensure they land in the correct service box, and work on your returns to keep the ball in play. Improve your positioning and footwork to get into the right place for each shot. Master the “dink” shot to control the ball at the net, and work on your volleys and overhead smashes for offensive plays. Also, develop strategies like court positioning and communication in doubles. Regular practice and playing with better players will accelerate your improvement.
TrackitHub: What’s the best pickleball paddle in 2025?
ChatGPT: Here are some of the best pickleball paddles of 2025:
- Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta
- JOOLA Ben Johns Perseus CFS 16
- Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro
- Gearbox CX14E
- Selkirk AMPED Epic
TrackitHub: What do pickleball ratings mean?
ChatGPT: Pickleball ratings are used to classify players based on their skill level. The rating system helps players understand where they stand and match up against others of similar ability.
Here’s a breakdown of common ratings:
- Beginner (1.0 – 2.0): New to the game, still learning basic rules and techniques.
- Intermediate (2.5 – 3.0): Can rally and understand the game but may struggle with consistency and shot placement.
- Advanced Intermediate (3.5 – 4.0): More consistent with shots, better footwork, and strategic play.
- Advanced (4.5): Highly skilled, excellent consistency, and strategy.
- Professional (5.0 – 5.5): Elite players with advanced skills and deep understanding of the game.
Ratings can be obtained through tournaments, play with rated players, or self-assessment.
Seriously, you can ask the bot anything –– doubles strategies, training exercises and drills, how to calculate your rating, the estimated cost of new equipment (and build a budget).
It’s pretty impressive how much information we were able to gather in such a short time as non-experts in AI. With more practice, better preparation, and more specific prompts for the bot, the convenience and informational impact of AI in this capacity is limitless.
Cons & Considerations
Keep in mind that even though it may sound like it, ChatGPT (and other AI bots) is not a real person. All of this information is being pulled from somewhere, so take any advice with a grain of salt. AI is not fool-proof. It’s absolutely crucial to fact-check any info, particularly any advice given about sensitive or health-related topics.
Take our best paddle question, for example. The bot generated a list of the best paddles, but most were pulled from 1-2 sources: Santa Cruz Pickleball Hub and Center Court Pickleball. Who’s to say, or fact check, that this information is unbiased/accurate, even if it is? Why did it pull from those articles, and how would we know if these sites have partnerships or deals with paddle companies to promote products?
Here are some other AI limits, cons, and ethical considerations to note as a user:
- Accountability: Individuals are responsible for fact-checking AI, as it may provide false information that a user then shares and spreads. There are no tangible consequences on AI for inaccuracies.
- Creativity: Because AI is not actually a human, all of the info being utilized is pulled from a data source. No truly new or unique content is generated.
- Copyright & Privacy: Lack of creativity in AI leads to a gray area for copyright issues and plagiarism. It’s unclear who owns the rights to content generated by AI. AI can mimic copyrighted work. AI also has the power to create “deepfakes” (realistic but manipulated videos) mimicking a certain animation style or using the voice and likeness of celebrities and real individuals without their consent.
- Environmental impact: The environmental impact of AI is a growing concern. Generative AI relies on massive amounts of electricity and water to operate. As it becomes more popular, and it is exploding, the demand for resources will rise.
- Emotional intelligence and context: Again, because AI is not a human, generated responses lack emotional intelligence and context, which, as we know, is a crucial part of our human experience and how we move through the world.
- Automation & job displacement: Many fear that AI’s capabilities can and will replace jobs. Will AI-powered coaching apps diminish the need for real pickleball coaches?
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