Third Shot Podcast Ep 65- AI + Pickleball

 

 

Bringing High Tech Analytics to Pickleball New system provides unprecedented insights into players' games

Pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in America, is getting a high-tech boost. PB Vision, a Minnesota-based startup, has developed an artificial intelligence powered system that analyzes pickleball match videos and generates detailed performance analytics for players.

1. 14:52, Mike Arney, PB Vision CEO

PB Vision CEO Mike Arney joined the Third Shot podcast to discuss this new system and his journey into pickleball and entrepreneurship. Arney got into pickleball just two years ago after initial resistance. "I heard this story a hundred times from different people but I was visiting my mother down in Arizona and she said oh we should come try this and of course I said oh no that's for old people," he admitted. Now completely hooked, Arney plays 10-15 hours per week.

2. 15:46, How did pickleball find you?

Like many players, Arney discovered pickleball while visiting family. After initially dismissing it as a sport for seniors, he finally gave pickleball a try during a visit back home to Minnesota when some friends invited him. Though skeptical at first, Arney quickly got “hooked” and now plays competitively for 10-15 hours per week. He is now fully immersed in the pickleball community.

3. 17:48, PB Vision

The seed for PB Vision was planted when Arney participated in a bootcamp led by a local coach. He observed the coach manually evaluating players by hand, checking items off a list on his clipboard. Arney saw an opportunity to automate and enhance this kind of evaluation. He consulted with technical experts who confirmed that computer vision technology could indeed analyze video and provide advanced analytics. Excited by the possibilities, Arney launched PB Vision to create software that helps players analyze and improve their games.

4. 20:31, Tech Background

Arney has worked in user interface and user experience design for 15 years. This background enabled him to envision how video analysis software should operate from the user’s perspective. Arney asserts that even the most advanced tech still needs an intuitive, seamless user experience to drive adoption. His design expertise ensures that PB Vision's products will provide great utility without complexity.

5. 21:55, The PB Vision Process

Analyzing video with PB Vision is simple. Players attach their phones to a tripod, frame the court, hit record during play, then upload the video for processing. Within an hour, they receive a link to view analytics enriched video complete with highlights and insights. PB Vision chopps up dead space between rallies and spotlights exciting exchanges. Players can easily share highlight reels with a simple link.

Facilities will also be able integrate PB Vision. Players can book a court and request video analysis in one seamless process. PB Vision does the work behind the scenes without hassle.

6. 23:30, A Sample Match, Analytics

Sample analytics provide a glimpse into what insights players can expect. The system graphs service speed, drive speed, court coverage distance, kitchen arrival frequency, rally length distribution and much more. It also assesses technique with trajectory and placement analysis for serves, returns and ground strokes. Players can filter stats over time as more match data accumulates.

7. 29:41, Coaching, Social Influencer

Beyond the individual player, PB Vision serves a range of users in the pickleball ecosystem. Coaches can leverage analytics and trends to design training programs. Social influencers will appreciate easy highlight generation capabilities.

8. 31:28, Video Files

Behind the scenes, PB Vision does significant video processing with AI and cloud computing. While this takes time, storage, and infrastructure costs, Arney insists the value provided makes it worthwhile for users. Performance insights, smart cutting of dead time between rallies, and sharing conveniences add meaningful utility. (YouTube Channel)

9. 32:37, Using PB Vision to improve your own game?

So how has the PB Vision founder used his own system? Arney has captured over 100 of his matches. He checks depth and placement metrics to target improvements. When playing opponents at different levels, the numbers remind Arney to adjust strategy, not just try harder. They reveal nuances requiring tactical shifts. PB Vision also helps Arney diagnose technical issues like high bouncing balls that enable forceful returns. By cataloging trends, it enables continuous self-assessment.

10. 36:01, Singles, Drill Sessions

PB Vision will soon expand analysis into singles matches and drills. Tracking rallies with only one player simplifies the AI's work. For drills, coaches can get computer-generated assessments of student performance such as consistency and patterns. This allows scaled feedback even when coaches can't watch every drill. PB Vision plans to become a ubiquitous pickleball improvement tool integrated into lessons, practice, social play and tournaments alike.

11. 39:03, Line Calls

An obvious question is whether PB Vision can assist with line call disputes. Unfortunately, Arney believes current smartphone camera and computer vision capabilities lack the accuracy required. "PB Vision can’t outperform the human eye," says Arney, citing inches or less as the determining gap on line calls. Without specialized multi-camera rigs, today's technology remains unreliable for adjudicating such fine margins in real time. He hopes future smartphone advances may enable line assist functionality.

12. 41:37, Ratings

Since its computer vision engine ingests countless labeled examples of different skill levels, PB Vision aims to provide sophisticated player rating assessments using its unique data set. Rating systems that rely solely on game outcomes struggles to pinpoint true skill. By examining metrics like speed, placement and consistency at the rally level, PB Vision ratings derive from granular technical indicators. Quantifying player performance could offer a badly needed ratings upgrade.

13. 43:44, Feedback Highlights - Generation 2 Launch March 15

Thus far, PB Vision remains in a limited beta test phase. However, March 15th marks the official production release of their Generation 2 platform. What users see today provides just a sampling of the capabilities soon to come. Arney and team have focused on honing the algorithms, infrastructure, and features in anticipation of expanded reach in 2023 and beyond. He teases substantial upgrades to nearly all aspects of the system.

14. 45:40, How To Get PB Vision

Interested pickleball players can visit www.pbvision.com to sign up for the newsletter and receive a reminder when the enhanced service launches on March 15th. The website also offers video tips to prepare quality footage for upload. For a limited time upon release, PB Vision analysis will be provided free to early adopters. Signups will ensure pickleball enthusiasts get notified as soon as the platform opens access.

15. 47:15, Uploading Match Video

Arney promises users will not face technical hurdles when migrating to the new PB Vision. While anxious about demand influx, their cloud infrastructure can scale smoothly to handle heavy volumes. Arney feels eager to showcase these capabilities after years building in stealth. He may attend some upcoming national pickleball events to see the reaction firsthand when users get their initial glimpse.

16. 48:30, Outro

As online platforms transform how athletes train and compete, pickleball proves no exception. PB Vision extends the reach of top coaches through automation and coherence of their methods in video analysis. Arney believes virtuous cycles emerge when players receive more frequent and detailed feedback. It incentivizes effort to facilitate improvement -- the greatest driver of enjoyment. PB Vision found an underserved niche and seem poised to revolutionize pickleball improvement through creative application of technology.

Summary:

PB Vision CEO Mike Arney appeared on the Third Shot pickleball podcast to demonstrate the platform. Just two years ago, Arney was initially skeptical about pickleball after resisting his mom's suggestions. But after finally trying it, he rapidly became a hardcore addict himself, playing 10-15 hours weekly.

Intrigued by the possibility of using technology to enhance pickleball instruction, Arney founded PB Vision. His extensive background in user experience design enabled him to envision a system flexible enough for multiple use cases yet simple enough for mainstream adoption.

Here's how it works - players record video of their matches, upload the footage, then receive a link to an analytics dashboard within the hour. PB Vision processes the video to add highlighted clips of the best rallies and graphs of key metrics like speed, placement percentages, kitchen arrival frequency, and more.

The system can chart trends over time as users contribute more videos, building a performance profile. Beyond individual progress tracking, PB Vision aims to provide value to coaches seeking insights about their students and social media influencers creating content.

Eventually, singles matches, drills, and even line call challenges could be integrated. Computer vision remains imperfect, but smartphone cameras and machine learning continue advancing rapidly.

PB Vision has thus far only been tested in a limited beta environment. But March 15th marked its official production release with dramatically upgraded capabilities. The Generation 2 platform demonstrates immense promise to fundamentally transform pickleball training.

As online analytics seep into every sport, pickleball appears well positioned for disruption by data. granular technical quantification allows continuous adjustment in an incentivized feedback loop. Arney believes participatory motivation stems from measurable progress - exactly what emerging performance tracking tools now enable.

PB Vision sits at the vanguard of this transformation as pickleball adopts cutting-edge monitoring that informs training. Computer automated evaluation will hugely augment coaching and instruction. PB Vision adopts this technology for recreational players to pros alike, providing detailed rally diagnostics.

Pickleball has found an influential evangelist in Arney to shepherd adoption of analytics. His unique blend of software expertise with personal passion for the game makes him uniquely suited to deliver this innovation. By marching pickleball onto the main stage of high performance athletic development, PB Vision could propel massive growth. Their launch appears timed perfectly as pickleball soars in popularity amidst booming participation.

Time Code List

14:52 Mike Arney, PB Vision CEO 15:46 How did pickleball find you? 17:48 PB Vision 20:31 Tech Background 21:55 The PB Vision Process 23:30 A Sample Match, Analytics 29:41 Coaching, Social Influencer 31:28 Video Files 32:37 Using PB Vision to improve your own game? 36:01 Singles, Drill Sessions 39:03 Line Calls 41:37 Ratings 43:44 Feedback Highlights - Generation 2 Launch March 15 45:40 How To Get PB Vision 47:15 Uploading Match Video 48:30 Outro

Bringing High Tech Analytics to Pickleball

1. What sport does PB Vision provide analytics for?

a) Tennis b) Badminton c) Pickleball d) Squash

2. Approximately how long has Mike Arney been playing pickleball?

a) 6 months b) 1 year c) 18 months d) 2 years

3. What is Mike Arney's background?

a) Professional pickleball player b) Software engineering c) User experience design d) Business management

4. How does PB Vision analyze pickleball matches?

a) Wearable sensors b) Special cameras on court c) Crowdsourced human tagging d) Computer vision AI

5. What device do players use to record video for PB Vision?

a) GoPro camera b) Smartphone c) 4K video camera d) iPad

6. How long does is take PB Vision to process an uploaded match video?

a) Instant analytics shown live b) 10 minutes c) 1 hour d) 24 hours

7. Which metrics does PB Vision track for players?

a) Speed and placement percentages b) Emotional state and focus c) Height and weight changes d) Equipment durability

8. Who can benefit from PB Vision's analysis?

a) Only professional players b) Only recreational players c) Both professionals and amateurs d) Only coaches

9. True or False: PB Vision can assist with line call disputes

a) True b) False

10. When does advanced Generation 2 of PB Vision launch?

a) January 1 2023 b) February 28 2023 c) March 15 2023 d) April 1 2023

11. What will soon be added to PB Vision's capabilities?

a) Singles match analysis b) Doubles match analysis c) Golf swing analysis d) Hockey game analysis

12. How much does PB Vision analysis cost upon launch?

a) $10 per video b) $25 monthly subscription c) Free initially d) $100 lifetime access fee

13. Where can interested players sign up to get notified about PB Vision?

a) Team USA website b) PBPA newsletter c) PB Vision website d) Leading pickleball retailers

14. Why is PB Vision's launch timing seen as ideal?

a) Winter weather drives indoor play b) Tax refund season brings disposable income c) Aligns with massive pickleball growth d) Capitalizes on post-holiday health kick

15. What underlying motivation does PB Vision analytics tap into?

a) Player obsession with ratings b) Desire for tangible improvement c) Appeal of new wears le technology d) Coach mandatesordering analysis

Answer Key:

1. c
2. d
3. c
4. d
5. b
6. c
7. a
8. c
9. b
10. c
11. a
12. c
13. c
14. c
15. b

PB Vision is on a Mission

PB Vision bringing that new age fixture, With high tech analytics to improve your pickle picture. Dropping dope insights from computerized depictions, Coaches seeking insights to fulfill their predictions.

They got CEO Mike Arney running the show, He resisted pickleball two years ago. But now he's flowing with passion nonstop,
Playing 10-15 hours on top.

It started with a coach and his handy checklist, Arney knew an app could assist. So he shared his Vision and brought the heat, Launching PB Vision to make pickle feats.

Just use your smart phone to record the action, Upload the video for AI traction. In one hour or less, you'll get the satisfaction,
Of metrics and highlights beyond imagination.

On March 15th, Generation 2 is what's poppin, Next level analysis on every ball that's droppin. The future is here, improvements won't stop, With PB Vision, forget just hoping and wishing.

Serve speed, drive speed, consistency degrees, Placement percentages beyond what you can see. Charts over time show progression that excites, Personal profiles that enable big strides.

Forget pencil and paper old-school checking, PB Vision is your new perfecting. Tuning technique with trajectory detector, Gonna have players looking better than ever.

Strap your phone up and give it a try, PB Vision taking pickleball high tech, no lie. Get your game up with statistics live, PB Vision got the flow making dreams thrive.