Film Yourself to Play Better Pickleball

Ever wonder why the pros always seem to improve so quickly? Well, one of their secrets is video analysis, and it’s something you can easily do too.

Let’s dive into why videoing yourself while playing pickleball can lead to major improvements.

Why Video Yourself?

We asked a few pickleball players who have tried video analysis, and their insights were eye-opening.

One player shared, “I realized I needed to move more aggressively, stay engaged, and keep my paddle in the right position. Seeing myself on video completely changed the game for me.” It’s incredible how much you notice on video that you miss in the heat of the game—like short serves, poor paddle positioning, and overall court movement.

“You truly can’t grasp how off your form is (even if it feels great in the moment) until you watch yourself play on video,”

Intermediate player

Another player mentioned, “I’ve picked up so much from watching footage of myself play—it really shows you what you need to work on.” It’s like having a coach who’s with you 24/7, pointing out things you might not even realize you’re doing wrong.

For some, the revelation was about the difference between feeling good and actually performing well. “You truly can’t grasp how off your form is (even if it feels great in the moment) until you watch yourself play on video,” one player noted.

The consensus among players is clear: videoing yourself can bring a whole new level of awareness and improvement to your game. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, there’s always something to learn from watching yourself in action.

Getting Started

It’s easier than you think to start videoing your games. You don’t need fancy equipment; a smartphone on a tripod will do. Here’s a quick setup guide:

1. Equipment Needed: Smartphone, tripod, or a friend to film. You can also use an action camera like GoPro Hero that can easily be set up on the court fence.
2. Best Angles: Place the camera at the back of the court to capture all the action; use the .5 zoom setting.
3. Apps to Use: Try apps like SwingVision or even the basic camera app on your phone. SwingVision is great for reviewing games and tracking your improvement with its detailed data. Just don’t rely on it for line calls—it’s not effective for that.

Analyzing Your Footage

Now that you’ve got the footage, what should you look for?

1. Immediate Feedback: Spot mistakes like poor footwork or paddle positioning.
2. Compare to the Pros: Watch pro matches on YouTube at a slower speed and see how your game stacks up.
3. Technical Breakdown: Focus on your strokes, serves, and returns.

Working on Improvements

1. Set Specific Goals

After analyzing your footage, set specific goals based on what you observed. Maybe you need to work on your backhand or improve your footwork.

Having clear objectives will make your practice sessions more focused and effective.

2. Practice Drills

Incorporate drills into your practice that target your weak areas. If you noticed your footwork needs improvement, practice specific footwork drills.

If your serve is inconsistent, work on serving drills. Consistent practice is key to improvement.

Take a look at some of the tips and drills we discussed in the following articles:

• Pro Tips for Solo Pickleball Drills at Home
• Refining Precision Shots with the 4 Corners Drill
• The Yo-Yo Drill for Dominating the Kitchen Line
• Solo Speedup Drill to Improve Advanced Play

3. Get Feedback

Don’t go it alone. Share your footage with a coach or experienced player for additional insights. They can provide valuable feedback and help you understand what you need to work on.

4. Track Your Progress

Keep filming yourself regularly to track your progress. It’s encouraging to see how far you’ve come and what still needs work.

Plus, it keeps you accountable and motivated.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Analyzing video Footage

1. Overanalyzing: It’s easy to get bogged down by every tiny detail. Focus on the big picture and key areas for improvement, rather than obsessing over every minor mistake.
2. Neglecting the Basics: Sometimes we get so caught up in advanced techniques that we forget the fundamentals. Make sure your basic skills, like footwork and grip, are solid before moving on to more complex strategies.
3. Ignoring Advice: Be open to feedback and willing to make changes. Sometimes an outside perspective can provide insights you might have missed.
4. Comparing Too Much: While it’s beneficial to watch and learn from the pros, remember that everyone’s game is different. Focus on improving your own skills rather than constantly comparing yourself to others.

For many of us, just the thought of recording ourselves on the court feels cringe-worthy. But trust me, the benefits of doing it once in a while are immense. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn.

Happy pickling!