Smashville Brings Pickleball to Everyone with Virtual Reality Play

“Accessibility is not a privilege; it’s a right. When we design for everyone, we all win.” — Unknown

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, loved for its fun, social nature and its ability to bring people together across all ages and skill levels. But what if you can’t get to the courts? What if mobility issues, bad weather, or lack of transportation keep you from playing?

That’s exactly the challenge Smashville is tackling by bringing the joy of pickleball into your home with its Virtual Reality Pickleball (VRP).

A Court for Everyone, Everywhere

Smashville’s mission is simple yet powerful: to make the joy of pickleball accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility or resources.

Imagine a world where:

• Any player, even those with limited mobility, can experience the thrill of a rally without leaving home.
• Pickleball lovers can keep practicing on rainy days, through snowstorms, or during extreme heat.
• Those without easy access to a court can still connect to the game they love, 24/7.

With Smashville’s VRP, all you need is a VR headset to step onto a virtual court, warm up with a dink drill, and start playing.

How It Works

Put on your VR headset and instantly find yourself facing a virtual pickleball avatar that’s ready to practice with you. No booking courts, no waiting in line, no pressure!

The app guides you through a skill-building sequence that includes:

• Forehand and backhand volleys for control and accuracy
• Chop volleys to add variety and spin
• Groundstrokes for baseline play
• Drop serves to start points with precision
• Moonballs to challenge your timing and positioning

And the best part? Your virtual practice partner offers encouragement—without judgment—so you can focus on improving your skills at your own pace.

Beyond Just Drills—It’s a Game

Smashville isn’t just about training. It’s about playing. You can step into a match, test your reflexes, and experience the game’s energy without worrying about weather conditions, travel time, or physical limitations.

This isn’t a replacement for on-court play. It’s an extension of it. For many, it will be a bridge to learning the sport. For others, it’s a way to keep their game sharp when getting to the courts isn’t possible.

Seeking Support to Complete the Vision

Smashville’s VR pickleball app is currently in development, and they’re seeking support to bring their vision to life.

By backing this project, you’re helping to create an inclusive pickleball experience that:

• Opens the sport to players with mobility challenges
• Keeps athletes sharp year-round
• Expands the game to new audiences who may not have discovered it otherwise

Watch the prototype in action: Smashville VR Demo

Game Point

Pickleball is more than just a sport. It’s a community. Smashville’s VR pickleball experience is breaking down barriers and ensuring everyone has a place on the court—even if that court exists in a virtual world.

From beginners to seasoned pros, from those recovering from injury to those just curious about the game, Smashville is creating a new way to connect, compete, and enjoy the magic of pickleball.

The future of the sport is here and it fits right on your head.

See you on the (virtual) courts!