Hit Record, Get Better: Using Video the Smart Way in Pickleball

Why filming your play might be the fastest way to improve

A few weeks ago Joyce and I went to pickleball camp. Part of the camp involved having video of us hitting a variety of shots. Watching the video it was really easy to see the errors I was making. Before you grab your camera and hit record, we compiled a few tips to help you get the most from it..

Recording and reviewing your gameplay isn’t about catching mistakes to criticize yourself, it’s about seeing your pickleball style clearly, identifying where you can improve, and celebrating the small wins along the way.

Watching video of your own play gives you something you can’t get from memory alone: a truly objective view. You’ll spot patterns, how your paddle drops too low before your volley or how you consistently retreat from the kitchen line when pressured. Seeing these recurring habits on screen helps you understand what’s happening and, more importantly, how to fix it.

Coaches and experienced players often say that progress speeds up when you can “see your performance from the outside.” The visual feedback lets you pinpoint details you might never notice mid-game, the way you shift your weight, follow through on serves, or coordinate with your doubles partner.

You don’t need fancy gear to get started. A smartphone camera and a stable tripod, or a fence mount like the one from Faidue will do the trick, or just prop it up on something stable. Set up your camera at the baseline for a full-court view, or switch angles between the side and corner to capture different aspects of your form and court positioning. Make sure your lighting is steady and the frame includes your entire movement, there’s no use analyzing your serve if it’s cropped at your shoulder.​

Once you’ve recorded a few points or a practice session, start small with analysis. Look through your footage without judgment, just notice your patterns and reactions. On a second viewing, focus on one or two specific skills, such as transitioning to the kitchen or the placement of your third shot drop.

The secret to video analysis is consistency and simplicity. Instead of trying to fix everything at once, choose a single element to work on each week. Maybe you notice that your footwork is flat-footed, or your paddle drops during fast volleys. Write it down, drill it deliberately, and film again later to track your progress. Comparing those clips side by side can be incredibly motivating, you’ll see your technique smoothing out over time.

A steady path forward
Recording your pickleball play isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Each short clip adds clarity to your understanding of the game. Over time, you’ll react quicker, position smarter, and play with more confidence. Think of video not as a mirror reflecting flaws, but as a coach that quietly shows you what’s possible every time you hit “record.”