Tennis Ball Machines
If you see yourself as a serious tennis player, and envision taking your game to new levels, practice is crucial. If you are having trouble finding a partner, a tennis ball machine  is probably a wise investment. Nowadays, they can shoot balls from left to right at very high speeds. And new technology allows for these machines to randomize where they shoot the ball at an impressive rate. If you're in the market for stepping up your game, a solution is on the horizon. For a reasonable price, you can run yourself ragged out on that court. |
Things to Consider
As in all tennis matters, your choices depend on your expertise. When it comes to practice, particularly, you'll need to consider what types of shots you need to work on, and what types of shots you expect to work on in the future. Related to this: How long do you plan on using the machine? Where will you use the machine and how often? Your final decision will ultimately come down to a balance between price and variables.
- How the Balls Are Shot
- Speed Control: Ranging between 25 kilometers per hour and upwards of 150 kilometers per hour for some models
- Spin Control: Put top or backspin on the ball.
- Feed Rate: How often the balls are shot.
- Where the Balls Are Shot
- Elevation: Controls the trajectory of the ball. Many models require this be done manually, but others have electronic controls.
- Lob Height: Maximum height the ball may reach out of the machine on a standard shot.
- Oscillator: Controls where ball is shot, left or right, forecourt or backcourt on gadgety models, fixed location on basic ones.
- Program Oscillator: Allows the user to pre-program the direction of a series of balls into the machine.
- How Convenient Your Machine Is:
- Remote Control: A luxury feature that allows you to change settings from across the court. Some remotes have other options as well. This is typically only available on more expensive models.
- Portability: Some machines are built to be carried around easily. Others are built to stay put.
- How Long You Can Play
- Lower-end battery-powered models last around two hours while more expensive machines can last as many as five.
- Some machines offer removable second batteries for extended play.
- Many models allow you to plug the machine into an AC outlet, drastically increasing the time you can enjoy the machine.
- How Much You'll Pay
- Machines can range in price from $500 to $6000+. Decide which options are important to you, and which you won't use.
Major Manufacturers
Related Products
