Building a successful pickleball business requires more than great courts and engaging programs — it also demands the right technological infrastructure. A well-designed tech stack can streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and provide valuable data for growth. Below are some key technologies to consider when designing your pickleball club’s tech stack, based on insights from Frank Lawrence, the owner of Little Rock Athletic Clubs.
1. Club Management & Court Reservation Software
Efficiently managing your pickleball facility requires robust management software, especially when handling membership and court reservations. Lawrence highlighted the value of Club Automation, which his club uses to manage both the pickleball courts and the broader athletic club operations.
“It’s what we’re using to manage the club side of things as well, and it works really well,” said Lawrence.
Other popular software include CourtReserve, Pickleball Manager, Pickleball Den and Facility Ally, among others. Whomever you choose, do your research and look for a comprehensive club management system that integrates court reservations, membership data and scheduling to significantly streamline day-to-day operations.
2. Leagues & Tournament Management
If your pickleball club hosts leagues, tournaments or regular round robins, specialized software is essential for smooth operation. Lawrence uses SWISH to manage daily leagues and round robins. “It’s worked really well for us to manage all of our league play and activities,” he said.
Many management softwares have league management capabilities, as well. Similar to choosing a management software, look for a technology that streamlines operations and provides a great user experience for players. Any technology you partner with should minimize friction, not create it.
3. Court Filming Technology
Video technology is becoming increasingly popular in pickleball, as players seek to analyze their game and improve their performance.
“There’s a lot of court filming technology out there, and a lot of them are pretty affordable,” Lawrence noted. Some popular options include PlaySight and SaveMyPlay, both of which offer solutions for filming matches and providing playback to players.
Pickleball enthusiasts love to review their gameplay, and by offering this service, your club could attract players eager to hone their skills.
4. Player Ratings Systems
One of the biggest trends in pickleball is the use of ratings to match players of similar skill levels. The DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system is the most recognized in the space. “The most popular company in the ratings market is DUPR,” said Lawrence.
Some customers appreciate the rating system to match up with similar-level players, whereas others view it as a turn-off from the fun.
Before implementing a rating system, it’s essential to understand your customer base. While competitive players may appreciate the structure, casual players may prefer a more laid-back experience.
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) & Marketing Tech
In addition to court management software, you may want to invest in a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform to help manage customer leads, track member engagement, and gather data that can improve marketing efforts.
A CRM system can also assist in nurturing relationships with members by providing automated communications, managing memberships, and identifying opportunities for upselling or member retention. Many mar-tech companies exist as well, such as Instinctive Insights, that use data to help operators make data-driven marketing decisions.
When choosing the right technologies for your pickleball business, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your customers and the scale of your operations. By investing in the right software and systems, you can improve efficiency, enhance the player experience, and grow your business more effectively.
We’d love to hear from you — what technologies have you found beneficial for your pickleball facility, or what tech are you interested in learning more about? Share your thoughts with us by emailing rachel@peakemedia.com!
