How to Record Pickleball for AI Analysis: Camera Setup Tips
Short answer: Mount your phone or camera behind the baseline in one corner of the court, at 1.6 metres (5.25 feet) or higher, in landscape mode. Keep the whole court, all four players and the net in frame, avoid zoom, and record 8 to 25 minutes of continuous real points. Then upload the video to DinkMate for a Vision-Based Rating.
Before you start
Charge your phone and clear storage. Up to 25 minutes of video takes more space than you might expect.
Bring a stable mount, such as a tripod, or attach the phone to a fence post or pole. Handheld footage will not work well.
Clean the lens. Court dust and fingerprints soften the image.
Where to place the camera
Put the camera behind the baseline at one end of the court, in one of the corners.
Set it at a height of 1.6 metres (5.25 feet) or higher. A higher angle shows ball height and kitchen play more clearly.
Record in landscape mode only.
Keep the entire court in frame, from baseline to baseline, with all four players and the net clearly visible.
Check that the net line and the far baseline are not at the same height in the picture.
Avoid zooming. If the court does not fit, use the wide-angle lens.
Lighting and conditions
Avoid pointing the camera into the sun or bright windows.
Indoors, check that the far end of the court is not in shadow.
Keep the camera out of the way of play and spectators.
How long to record
Record at least 8 minutes and no more than 25 minutes of continuous play.
Play real points. Drills and warm-ups are not used for rating.
Do not move the camera once play has started.
Upload and get your rating
Sign in to the DinkMate app and select Upload in My Videos.
Keep the tab open until processing is done, then request analysis under the video.
You will get an email when the analysis is ready. Identify yourself from the snapshots to reveal your Vision-Based Rating.
Invite the other players so they can request their own analysis.
If a video fails quality checks, you are not charged for it. For pictures of the ideal setup, see the DinkMate camera setup guide.
FAQ
What is the best camera angle to film pickleball?
From behind the baseline in one corner, raised to at least 1.6 metres, so the whole court and all four players are visible from baseline to baseline.
Can I record pickleball with my phone?
Yes. A smartphone on a tripod or a fence mount is enough. No sensors or special cameras are needed.
How long should I record a pickleball game for AI rating?
DinkMate needs 8 to 25 minutes of continuous real play. Warm-ups and drills are not used.
What happens if my video is not good enough?
If the video fails DinkMate's quality checks, you are not charged. Adjust the camera position and record again.
Can clubs use this setup for all their members?
Yes. Clubs can record games on any court with the same setup and rate up to four players per video. See DinkMate for clubs.
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