Apparatus, method, and system for tracking the game score and service in pickleball

Abstract

A score tracking apparatus for pickleball, wherein the score tracking apparatus is configured to attach to a peripheral edge of the pickleball paddle, thereby affording a method of improving a pickleball paddle as well as a system for enabling one-handed tracking of the score of a pickleball game, whereby players do not have to use their smart phones during a pickleball game.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for tracking score of a pickleball game, the apparatus comprising:
 a frame defining two point tracks, the frame is elongated having a width distance less than sixteen millimeters; and   for each point track, a point slider operatively associated so as to be fixed during play of a pickleball game and selectively slidable along the point track for keeping tracking of points of the pickleball game.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a service track defined by the frame; and   a service slider operatively associated with the service track so as to be fixed during play of the pickleball game and selectively slidable along the service track.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the service track is oriented approximately perpendicular to the two point tracks. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the service track is oriented widthwise of the elongated frame, which has a length distance at least four times the width distance. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the width distance is less than a distance of a peripheral edge of a regulation pickleball paddle. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising an adhesive along a rear surface of the frame opposite the two point tracks. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein each point track defines a T-shape cavity having two opposing pockets, each pocket defined in a part by a flange. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein each point slider has one or more grooves for riding along said opposing flanges. 
     
     
         9 . A method of improving a pickleball paddle, the method comprising:
 adhering the adhesive of the apparatus of  claim 6  along only a peripheral edge of the pickleball paddle; and   selectively sliding at least one of the two point sliders and the service slider during the pickleball game.