Virtual Reality: OPRC debuts PlayReplay electronic line-calling system

Gone are the days of lengthy tussles over line calls at Overland Park Racquet Club. The USTA Premier Facility recently debuted the PlayReplay electronic line-calling system. OPRC was the first Kansas City-area facility to implement PlayReplay on all 14 of its indoor tennis courts.

The system uses tiny cameras to capture even the closest of line calls on the court, ensuring a fair match. It also captures real-time statistics such as shot accuracy and serve speed, which has helped players who were averse to adopting the technology come around.

“There was definitely a hesitancy in adopting the technology. I was the first to say, ‘I don’t think four little cameras mounted on the net post can do this,’” said Elliott McDermed, owner/partner of OPRC. “We didn’t think that a system of this nature could be accurate and consistent. After the demo from PlayReplay, we were completely convinced by its quality and viability.”

A $3,339 Tennis Venue Services grant courtesy of USTA national helped cover the cost of the new equipment. Despite initial hesitancy, McDermed embraced the opportunity to bring this innovative technology to his club. 

“We’re always trying to innovate and create the best playing experience possible for our members and guests,” he said. “So when PlayReplay came along, we jumped on the opportunity.”

PlayReplay was first used during a USTA Level 1 boys 18s event running from late November to early December, then expanded to other tournaments hosted by the club. This winter, the system is being piloted at USTA Heart of America 40 & Over league matches played at OPRC.

Beyond its electronic line-calling capabilities, PlayReplay helps analyze player performance at a granular level. McDermed explained that PlayReplay tracks every shot a player hits and provides feedback on how high over the net and how fast the ball is going as well as where it was hit from and where it lands.

With eye-catching graphics and real-time data, PlayReplay tells the story of a player’s performance and can provide zone-targeting practice for working on accuracy. The system also offers livestreaming, with players and parents able to pay for matches that are easily accessible via the cloud.

“Now that we have had the system up and running for some months, we realize that there are so many applications to help our players and create new and exciting elements to the court experience,” McDermed said. “Our players love the real-time ability to compete on accuracy, serve speed and consistency.”

While “analog” tennis certainly continues to have its place in the world, there are some convincing benefits of using a system such as PlayReplay. McDermed sees the value in the system giving time back to players to focus on their matches and grow their skills on the court.

“Tennis needs this technology in every club in America,” McDermed said. “It allows players to focus on playing rather than on the honesty or accuracy of the opponent’s line calls. It also gives players the ability to improve their games with all the ball-tracking features. Tennis will never be the same once you play with this system.

“I would encourage every player to tell their club management, ‘Get PlayReplay.’ We don’t want to be the only club in (USTA Heart of America) that has this technology. I hope others will invest as well.”

Learn more about the USTA’s investment in PlayReplay by clicking here.