Special Episode - PPA Head Statistician Jim Ramsey - The Hard Numbers

 

Stats Guru Reveals Pickleball's Competitive Secrets

Jim Ramsey leverages pro match data to unlock better recreational play

1. 0:15 - Can you give an overview of the types of pickleball statistics you track for the PPA?
   

As the PPA's statistician, Jim tracks many details about pro matches like third shot type, winner percentages, serve returns, errors, ATPs defended, and more. He aims to spotlight objective data that sheds light on what's actually happening in the games to bring more analytical value.

2. 8:41 - What have your stats revealed about the importance of avoiding volleys into the net in determining match winners?

Jim found that in 39 pro gold medal matches he tracked, the team that hit fewer volleys into the net won 72% of those matches. This shows the critical nature of keeping shots out of the net, even at the pro level.

3. 10:39 - What have you seen in your data about the impact of poor dinks on match outcomes?

Jim also tracks dinks into the net or hit wide in pro play. The team with fewer bad dinks won 77% of gold medal matches, showing it's a clear rally killer at the pro level.

4. 11:17 - Can you share the stat you have on combined volleys and dinks into the net?

In 39 pro gold medal matches, the team with fewer total volleys and dinks into the net won 91% of the time - underscoring how vital minimizing net errors is to winning.

5. 13:14 - How do pro players excel in backing up and resetting after lobs compared to rec players?

Pros quickly recognize their positioning and smartly backpedal to brace for the next shot after lobs. But rec players often continue moving forward, highlighting the importance of positioning and movement.

6. 20:35 - Where can players learn more about your pickleball statistics and analysis?

Jim posts stats and articles applying lessons from data to rec play in his Facebook group called Pro Pickleball Stats. He analyzes pro matches to unearth tips that help recreational players improve.

Pickleball statistician Jim Ramsey leverages his in-depth tracking of professional matches to derive data-driven insights that can help recreational players improve. By spotlighting key metrics like volleys and dinks into the net, he reveals the competitive secrets that separate winners and losers based on their measurable on-court habits.