Imagine a pickleball court where every serve and dink is analyzed by artificial intelligence — that future is now reality at The Picklr.
The Picklr, a rapidly expanding indoor pickleball franchise, has announced a multi-year agreement with Wingfield, a company specializing in tracking technology for racquet sports. This partnership aims to introduce AI-powered pickleball training technology to The Picklr’s facilities, offering new tools for players to analyze and improve their game.
Central to this collaboration is the Wingfield Box for Pickleball, a video and data tracking solution co-designed by The Picklr and Wingfield. The system connects to users’ smartphones, allowing players to review their performance metrics and video footage, making AI-powered pickleball training accessible to players of all levels.
“When done correctly, the release of new technology within sports can be game-changing, and we want The Picklr to be at the forefront,” said James Hurlock, the chief brand officer of The Picklr, in a statement. “Rather than sourcing an off-the-shelf product, we spent 18 months working with Wingfield to develop a custom AI offering to assist and elevate players of all abilities to the next level. The Picklr is ‘Where Pros are Made,’ and we want to be able to assist our members in their journey in as many ways as possible.”
The Wingfield system offers several features:
- Match Mode: Allows players to record and analyze their game footage.
- Drills: Provides targeted practice options for various skill levels.
- Player Assessment: Offers insights into a player’s current skill level.
- Mobile App Integration: Enables players to access their data on their smartphones.
“We are thrilled to partner with The Picklr and bring our advanced AI video technology to the fast-growing sport in the U.S.,” said Jaan Brunken, the COO of Wingfield, in a statement. “Our goal at Wingfield has always been to elevate the player experience through technology, and this partnership allows us to introduce a new level of performance insights and analytics to pickleball players at scale. By combining Wingfield’s passion for innovation with The Picklr’s vibrant community, we believe we’re setting a new standard in how athletes train, compete and improve their game.”
As part of this AI-powered pickleball training initiative, The Picklr is introducing an AI Coaching Add-On to its membership. For an additional $29.99 per month, members can access Wingfield-equipped courts and the ERNE ball machine on a first-come, first-served basis.
As The Picklr expands across North America, they plan to equip multiple courts in each location with this AI-powered pickleball training technology.
The partnership between The Picklr and Wingfield represents a notable development in the intersection of technology and pickleball. As this technology becomes more widely available, it will be interesting to observe its adoption among players and its influence on training methodologies in the sport.
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
