🎾 Smash this: Pickleball meets AI

How I used ChatGPT to improve my game (you can too!).

Jun 27, 2025

💜 Hey M(AI)VENS,

☕ Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Welcome new and returning readers! I started M(AI)VENS to help women leverage AI at work and at home. That includes everything from career growth and productivity at the office to wellness, creativity, and daily routines at home.

This week, we’re taking a fun detour to the pickleball court. It’s lighthearted and I'm not too proud to say I love pickleball even though I'm still learning the ropes.

I wanted to share some real-life examples of how I’ve been using AI lately to better understand and improve at the game. From learning the rules and scoring, to getting technique tips and even finding the best gear, AI has been surprisingly helpful (and super fun) as I figure things out.

Here’s what you’ll find inside: fun stats about women in pickleball, 10 beginner tips (according to ChatGPT), 10 intermediate tips, and some standout women players to follow on Instagram. Plus, I cover new “smart paddle” technology and challenge you to host your own M(AI)VENS-style pickleball meetup.

But don’t worry. If you’re here for the business strategy and career insights, M(AI)VENS has plenty of that too. In case you missed them, here are a few recent business-minded editions you might want to check out:

Start That Consultancy – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. It’s more doable than ever with the help of AI tools.
How a New Report on AI Could Change Your Career Path, with 6 high impact strategies for ambitious women to shine at work.

Whether you're planning your next professional pivot or your next doubles match, I’m glad you’re here.

Now let’s talk pickleball. 🎾

📊 Fun Stats

No doubt you’ve heard that pickleball is quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and I’m here for it! As someone who recently started playing, I’ve fallen for its combination of fun, fitness, and socializing.

As more women embrace the sport, the community continues to thrive, with opportunities for women in professional tournaments growing every year. I asked AI to help me find some fun stats to share with you:

40.9% of all U.S. pickleball players are women.
Between 2020–2023, women’s participation grew by 19.5%, outpacing the men’s growth rate of 17.4% during the same period.
The average female player is younger than in previous years, contributing to a broader age shift: most new players are 18–34.
Among casual pickleball players, 43% are women, suggesting strong participation in recreational play.
Anna Leigh Waters, the top-ranked female player (age 18), is the highest-earning professional pickleball player (male or female) with projected annual earnings over $3 million.
Women pros on the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and in Major League Pickleball (MLP) earned an average league salary of around $260,000 per year in 2024. That’s higher than the top Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) salary and more than twice the average in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). This figure excludes endorsement deals, which can boost total earnings significantly.
College campuses are seeing a rise in female-led club pickleball programs, with emerging opportunities for women in coaching and NIL deals. It might even be a hidden gold mine for young college women athletes! 💰

Plus, women are increasingly represented in pickleball leadership roles off the court, including coaches, brand founders, tournament directors, and commentators.

Now for me, in my pickleball superhero era…

As the game grows, so do the tools, including some powered by AI.

💥 Pickleball AI and Tech

New AI tools, designed for pickleball, are available to recreational players and are even cooler than you might think.

Did you know you can record your game on your smartphone and use AI video analysis to provide feedback? Try mobile apps like PB Vision (starting at $15/mo) or SwingVision (free and paid levels) which can turn your game recordings into insights, helping you to pinpoint your strengths and correct your weaknesses.

Smart pickleball paddles are relatively new to the scene (disclaimer: I haven’t tried one yet) and are making serious waves in 2025. Some brands are looking toward introducing paddles with built‑in pressure sensors, accelerometers, and Bluetooth connectivity to track swing speed, spin rate, and impact location in real time. These are expected to sync with apps to deliver AI-driven feedback with the idea of “having a coach inside your paddle.”

🧠 Potenza SMARTx COREx4 Paddle (~$496, pre‑order): promises built-in sensor technology and Bluetooth connectivity designed to deliver AI-powered performance feedback. While it's still in pre-order stage, it signals what’s coming next in smart pickleball tech. But, it will cost you!
🔉 Kill‑Shot Pro Training Tool ($99+) — A training device that attaches to your existing paddle, offering visual and audio feedback at the moment of ball impact. It’s main purpose is to improve hand–eye coordination and consistency. Available as a full paddle system or attachment kit.

Other brands like Selkirk and JOOLA offer high-performance materials and paddles for all levels and price points, but they don’t currently include AI or smart tech (at least not yet).

Some traditionalists think smart paddles will give tech-savvy players an edge, while others see them as a helpful training tool. For women curious about leveling up their game, a smart paddle could help you track your progress, compare performance over time, and even get personalized coaching tips.

🤖 Scorekeeping Made Simple With AI

One of the first things that tripped me up as a new player? The scoring.

So I turned to ChatGPT and asked it to explain the scoring to me like I was in kindergarten. It definitely helped…

🏓 Recreational Games are typically played to 11 points, but you have to win by 2. Only the serving team can score. If the receiving team wins a rally, they don’t get a point but they win the serve.

In doubles play, both teammates get a chance to serve before the serve switches to the other team (this is called a “side out”). The exception to this is at the very start of the game, when only one person on the first serving team gets to serve.
You as the server will always announce the score before serving, which includes three numbers: (your team’s score – their score – server number). So if you say “4–2–1,” that means:
- Your team has 4 points
- The other team has 2 points
- You’re the first server on your team
In singles, scoring is simpler: just two numbers: (Server’s score – Receiver’s score)

💡 Want more help? Try this prompt in ChatGPT’s voice mode:

🎙 “Can you explain how scoring works in doubles pickleball, like I’m brand new?”

You’ll get a quick, spoken answer. No scrolling or Googling needed.

💬 Master the Lingo. Own the Court.

Pickleball has its own language. Before we get into tips according to AI, here’s a cheat sheet to help us sound like we know what we’re doing.

🎯 Dink – A soft, gentle shot just over the net that lands in the kitchen. Strategic, not showy.
🎈 Lob – A high-arching shot that sends your opponent scrambling backward.
🚀 Drive – A fast, low shot with power. Best used to catch opponents off guard.
🎯 Drop Shot – A soft shot from farther back that drops gently into the kitchen, buying you time to move up.
🍳 The Kitchen – The non-volley zone near the net. The core rule is that players cannot volley (hit the ball out of the air) while their feet are in the kitchen. Players can enter the kitchen at any time, as long as they are not volleying. For example, they can enter to play a ball that has bounced on their side of the court.
💥 Erne (pronounced like Ernie) – A flashy sidestep or leap near the net to attack the ball. Pro move energy.

Now we’re ready for a few tips!

🎾 10 Beginner Pickleball Tips (According to ChatGPT)

Start with a light paddle
A lightweight paddle helps you control shots and avoid wrist strain as you're learning. Borrow or demo a few before investing.
Focus on the kitchen
The non-volley zone (aka "the kitchen") is key. Learn the rules and practice “dinking,” which are soft shots just over the net.
Don’t stand too far back
New players often drift toward the baseline. After the serve and return, move up to the kitchen line because it gives you better control.
Master the serve (no need to smash it!)
Keep it simple: a consistent, underhand serve that lands deep in the opposite box is more valuable than power.
Use the ready position
Keep your paddle up, knees slightly bent, and eyes on your opponents. Many beginner mistakes come from being caught off guard.
Watch your feet
Kitchen faults happen fast. Practice staying behind the line unless the ball bounces in. Always reset your position after a volley.
Announce the score before you serve
It helps you get in the rhythm of play and shows good etiquette. (Bonus: it gives you a second to breathe and focus.)
Communicate with your partner
Even simple phrases like “Mine!” or “Yours!” avoid confusion. A little coordination goes a long way.
Play with people better than you
It’s the fastest way to improve, and most players are happy to offer a tip or two.
Have fun and don’t sweat mistakes
Laughter, fun, and movement are part of the game!

Once you’re feeling confident with the basics, here are 10 intermediate-level tips to level up your game.

🏓 10 Intermediate Pickleball Tips to Level-Up

Learn to reset the point
When the pace gets too fast or you’re out of position, a soft drop shot into the kitchen resets the rally and buys you time to recover.
Mix up your shot selection
Don’t be predictable. Blend dinks, lobs, drives, and drop shots to keep your opponents guessing and off balance.
Target your opponent’s backhand
Most players (even strong ones) have a weaker backhand. Direct shots there to force errors and create openings.
Work on third-shot drops
The third shot (after serve and return) is often where games are won. A well-placed drop into the kitchen sets you up to control the net.
Don’t “climb the ladder” too fast
Moving to the kitchen too quickly after your third shot can leave you exposed. Watch your shot and move up only when safe.
Watch your opponent’s paddle face
It gives away their next move. Flat? They’re driving. Open? Likely a dink or drop shot.
Use your non-dominant hand to balance
Keep your off hand up or out when moving. It improves agility and helps avoid rushed, off-balance swings.
Attack floaters but with control
It’s tempting to smash every high ball, but focus on placement just as much as power to avoid unforced errors.
Practice footwork and split steps
Quick, small steps and split-stepping before your opponent hits helps you respond faster and stay centered.
Play smarter, not harder
Efficiency wins games. Set up your shots, stay patient at the kitchen, and use strategy over speed when possible.

📸 Standout Women in Pickleball on Instagram

The pickleball community on Instagram is vibrant and diverse, with women who are not only top competitors but also creators, coaches, and lifestyle influencers.

I asked Perplexity (AI designed for research) to help me find the most interesting women in the pickleball space. Here are a few to follow:

Michele Stroyek, The Pickle Yogi (@thepickleyogi): Michele is an award-winning player, coach, and entrepreneur who owns a high-performance paddle brand. Her feed is filled with instructional content, advice, and gear recommendations for women interested in improving their fitness and skills.
Frankie, Picklebabes (@picklebabes): This 30-year old brings a fun, fashionable, and friendship-focused approach to pickleball. Her Instagram features travel stories, match highlights, and packing tips.
Anna Leigh Waters (@annaleighwaters): As the world’s No. 1 female pickleball player (age 18!) Anna is a must-follow for anyone interested in elite play, training routines, and the latest trends in women’s pickleball. She turned pro at age 12 and is known for her explosive game and engaging social media presence.
Tyra Hurricane Black (@hurricanetblack_): Top Pro Pickleball player who showcases her supreme athletic skills, high fashion style on the court, and is an ambassador for Reebok.
Danea Zeigle (@allthingspickleball): Danea creates a community by sharing tips, drills, and a love for the game, making pickleball accessible to all (plus, she shares loads of humor).
Lindsey Allumbaugh (@lindsbaugh): Pickleball enthusiast and Director of Marketing at Ballers, a brand new pickleball and social club opening in Philly. She’s the mind behind unconventional events like graffiti parties and live DJ nights on the court.

Many are using technology and data-driven approaches, offering practical tips on how women can learn new skills, track progress, stay motivated, and build community. Plus, their grids are full of family, fashion, and friendship.

🎉 Host Your Own Pickleball Meetup: M(AI)VENS-Style!

Pickleball naturally invites conversation, laughter, and easy introductions. Consider hosting a round-robin or casual meet-up as a great excuse to bring women together, especially those who want to expand their circle without the pressure of a formal networking event. Here’s how to make it happen without a lot of planning:

1. Grab a court.
Check your local community center, YMCA, or public parks for available court times. Many even offer free drop-in hours.

2. Text a few women.
Invite friends, neighbors, or coworkers — even if they’ve never played. You can say, “No experience needed, just come ready to have fun!”

3. Add a little flair.
Bring name tags, water bottles, and a light snack (sliced watermelon, anyone?). A portable speaker with a fun playlist makes it feel extra festive.

Pro Tip: For guests who are new to the game, encourage them to try ChatGPT’s voice feature on their phones to provide some direction in advance of showing up.

Open the ChatGPT app, tap the wave bar icon at the bottom, and ask:
🎙 “Can you explain the rules of pickleball to me as a newbie?”
or
🎙 “How does scoring work in doubles pickleball?”

It’s a fun, low-pressure way to break the ice and introduce AI in real life. Whether it’s for fun or for friendship, pickleball gives us a reason to gather, move, and connect as a community. Don’t forget to send me an invitation! 😁

And because I couldn’t resist asking AI for help turning us all into pickleball superheros….

📣 Before You Go

Using AI to improve my pickleball game has been a fun experiment. AI helped me to better understand the game, compile tips to share with you, and find leading women to follow on Instagram. It’s a reminder that AI tools can support all kinds of interests, not just work and productivity stuff. 🤸

So, are you already playing pickleball, or have you been curious about giving it a try? Are you in it for the movement, the social time, or both? Hit reply or leave a comment on the post to share your pickleball experience or tips.

Next week, I’ll be back with more business-focused AI insights. Catch you on the courts!

Cheyenne 💜
Founder, M(AI)VENS

P.S. Let’s connect on LinkedIn. If you send a request, just mention you’re a M(AI)VENS reader so I know you're not spam. 👋

P.P.S. When your to-do list is a mile long, but priorities are priorities.👇

Shared with appreciation for the humor and hustle of @pickleballtrips

M(AI)VENS