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Tennis ball machines are one of the most effective ways that you can improve your tennis skills.
Most come with customizable features that allow you to practice whatever drills you want without the help of a partner.
Below are some of the best tennis machines on the market today which vary in costs, customization and skill levels. We’ve also included a guide to explain different features that you should consider before purchasing a machine.
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5 Best Tennis Ball Machine
Best Beginner Machine – Sports Tutor Tennis Cube Ball Machine
Although Sports Tutor has a wide variety of tennis ball machines on offer, the Tennis Cube is definitely the best for beginners, and even most intermediate players. If you’re at the beginning of your tennis journey, this machine is a great way to improve your skills without forking out a lot of money on lessons.
If you’re a parent coaching your child, this is a great machine for junior tennis players. However, you cannot control the spin, and it has a top speed of just 50 mph, so this machine isn’t recommended for more advanced players.
This is a great lightweight and portable ball machine which can vary the height, direction and frequency in which the balls are fed. All round it’s a great and affordable tennis ball machine for beginners.
Features and Specifications:
Skill Level: Beginner – low-level intermediate
Ball Capacity: 70
Oscillation: Randomized horizontal and vertical
Speed: 10-50 mph (16-80 km/h)
Spin: No spin control
Feed Frequency: 2 to 10 seconds
Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 13 inches, 24 lbs
Control: Panel on the machine itself
Power: Rechargeable battery which lasts up to 2 hours
Pros:
- Affordable
- Can customize feed rate and elevation
- Random oscillation, so will feed the ball to different areas of the court
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Not suitable for advanced players
- Can’t customize drills
- 70 ball capacity is lower than most ball machines (125 is average)
- FEATURES: Speeds from 10-50 MPH. Ball Feed Rate adjustable from every 2 seconds to every 10 seconds....
- RANDOM OSCILLATOR - Delivers shots randomly across the court for hitting on the run.
- EASY-TO-USE KNOB CONTROLS - No programming required. (see Control Panel picture).
- RECHARGEABLE BATTERY – Built-in battery provides up to two hours of playing time per charge....
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top Speed – Lobster Sports Elite 2 Portable Ball Machine
If you want to improve your fitness, and practice moving all around the court, then this is the perfect machine for you. The Lobster Sports Elite 2 can feed balls at a variety of speeds, spins and elevations – which is perfect if you want to practice for real game play.
With a 150 ball capacity, this machine tops the list as the fastest machine as it has the capability of firing balls as fast as 80 miles per hour – which is ideal for the more advanced players out there.
On the other hand, if you’re a beginner this machine also has a minimum speed of 10 miles per hour.
This machine will feed balls with random oscillation, meaning it will vary between vertical and horizontal. This will allow you to work on a variety of shots all around the court, so if you’re up for a workout, be sure to set the machine to both random horizontal and vertical.
Unfortunately, you cannot customize your own drills, however, if you want to focus on one shot in repetition you can turn off the random setting. You can also control it via a remote control, but you will have to purchase that separately.
Features and Specifications:
Skill Level: Beginner – advanced
Ball Capacity: 150
Oscillation: Random horizontal and vertical
Speed: 10-80 mph (15-128 km/h)
Spin: Topspin and backspin
Feed Frequency: 2-12 seconds
Dimensions: 21 x 29 x 15.5 inches (collapsable), 44 lbs
Control: Panel on machine. Can be controlled by remote control but needs to be purchased separately.
Power: Rechargeable battery with charger, but a fast charger is available to purchase separately. Has a 4-8 hour battery life.
Pros:
- Top speed of 80 mph – perfect for more advanced players
- Wide range of spins and speeds for all skill levels
- Feeds balls both side to side and short and deep
- Adjustable height to work on both high and low shots
- Easily maneuverable as it has a handle and wheels
Cons:
- Can’t customise drills
- Remote control is sold separately
- TRIPLE OSCILLATION: The Lobster Sports elite two tennis ball machine is built with unique triple...
- DURABLE YET LIGHTWEIGHT: This tennis ball machine was designed to hold up against frequent use....
- FOUR TO EIGHT HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE: Lobster Sports has designed the elite two with a long-lasting,...
- IMPROVE YOUR GAME: The elite two tennis ball machine has multiple features for helping tennis...
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Intermediate Machine – Spinshot Plus Tennis Ball Machine
This is a great all round machine for those who want to improve any area of their game. The various oscillation modes and speeds can help you practice a variety of shots from groundstrokes and volleys to overheads.
This machine comes with a pretty decent ball capacity of 120, and has a top speed of 68 miles per hour. However, with a minimum speed of 19 miles per hour, it might not be the best machine for those just starting out.
The Spinshot Plus comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 2-3 hours, but it also comes with an AC adapter so you can play for hours on end without worrying about the battery running out.
Although there is a control panel on the machine, there is also an app you can download so you can control the machine directly from your phone
Features and Specifications:
Skill Level: Beginner – advanced, but most recommended for intermediate players
Ball Capacity: 120+
Oscillation: 5 different oscillation modes
Speed: 19-68 mph (30-110 km/h)
Spin: Topspin and backspin
Feed Frequency: 2-10 seconds
Dimensions: 21 x 29 x 14 inches, 46 lbs with battery
Control: Controlled via panel on machine or with an iPhone/Android app
Power: Rechargeable battery included but shipped separately, 2-3 hours battery life. AC adapter available.
- Only Tennis Ball Machine not Made of Plastics
- Make Quick Oscillation Mode Programmable by Control Panel or Free Phone Remote App
- Only Tennis Ball Machine with Patented De-Jam Design
- The Tennis Ball Machine with Flexible Power Options Available
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Most Affordable – Match Mate Rookie Tennis Ball Machine
For one of the cheapest options on this list, the Match Mate Rookie is actually a pretty solid beginner tennis ball machine. This machine boasts a lightweight design, and has a long lasting battery which has up to 5 hours of charge.
However, with a top speed of just 30 miles per hour, and no way to change the oscillation, we don’t recommend this machine for anyone above a beginner level.
If you’re just starting out as a tennis player, this is a great (and affordable) machine for beginners to use.
Features and Specifications:
Skill Level: Beginner
Ball Capacity: 70
Oscillation: None
Speed: 10-30 mph (16-48 km/h)
Spin: Topspin (but only at higher speeds)
Feed Frequency: 2-12 seconds
Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 11 inches, 22 lbs
Control: Panel on machine itself
Battery: Rechargeable battery with up to 5 hours battery life
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Inexpensive
- Long battery life
- Simple and easy to use – great for beginners
Cons:
- Top speed of 30 mph (not great for intermediate or above)
- No programmable drills
- Can’t change oscillation levels
- No wheel so can be tricky to move around
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Overall – Spinshot Player Tennis Machine
The Spinshot Player is the top selling portable tennis ball machine on the market. From beginners to advanced players, this machine allows you to create a fully customisable experience.
With a ball capacity of over 120 balls, and the ability to feed balls from 19 to 68 miles per hour, this machine is certainly fit for players of all abilities.
The Spinshot Player machine allows you to program your own drills, varying spin, speed and the direction of the ball from shot to shot.
Whether you’re an advanced player who wants to practice paced volleys, or a beginner just getting to grips with your backhand, this machine has a feed frequency ranging from 2 to 10 seconds.
One of the best features of this machine, however, is the downloadable mobile app. You simply download the app onto your phone, and from there you are able to customize drills depending on what areas of the game you want to practice.
The app allows you to create and save up to 12 preset drills with up 6 shots per drill.
Features and Specifications:
Skill Level: Beginner-Advanced
Ball Capacity: 120+
Oscillation: Horizontal and vertical
Speed: 19-68 mph (30-110 km/h)
Spin: Topspin and backspin
Feed Frequency: 2-10 seconds
Dimensions: 24 x 24 x 17.75 inches, 41.89 lbs (46 lbs with battery)
Control: Android/iPhone app, can also use Apple Watch to press start and pause
Power: Rechargeable battery included, however it ships separately, lasts around 2-3 hours
Pros :
- Has features that cater to all skill levels
- Mobile app allows you to create and save up to 12 custom preset drills
- Ability to adjust spin, speed, direction and feed rate
Cons:
- Max speed is 68 mph which is not ideal for some advanced players
- A little on the expensive side
- Use Phone to Program each Shot for Speed, Spin, Height, Angle and Feed Rate.. No additional Cost for...
- Any Type of Oscillation Can be Easily Made By the Player Model.
- Charger Provided. Battery Sold separately.
- You Can Program the Machine to Make your Own Drills.
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buyer’s Guide
Tennis ball machines don’t come cheap, so before you purchase one there are several factors you’ll want to consider. This guide will help you navigate these factors so you can purchase the perfect machine for you.
Your Skill Level
Choosing the right machine depends a lot on what your skill level as a tennis player is.
Beginner
As a beginner, you don’t need as many of the features as more advanced players will need. When starting out, your focus will be on hitting more forehands and backhands from the baseline. This will help improve your groundstrokes.
Typically, tennis ball machines created for beginners will feed the ball at a slower pace. Beginner machines don’t really have any variety to the way they feed balls either, so you won’t have to worry about the ball spinning.
As a beginner, you’ll want to get a less expensive machine. Work on hitting backhands and forehands to build your skills.
Intermediate
As an intermediate player, you’ll be looking to take your game to the next level, so we recommend purchasing a machine that will work for advanced players too.
At first you may not use all the features, but as you build upon your skills, you’ll be able to push yourself to do more advanced tennis drills.
Advanced
As an advanced player, you need to be able to return a variety of shots with different pace, spin and heights. With that being said, you’ll want to get a machine that has a variety of features.
These machines are on the pricier side, however, they provide a completely customizable experience allowing you to create custom drills.
Budget
As mentioned previously, tennis ball machines don’t come cheap, however, it’s an investment that pays for itself over time. Firstly, consider how often you’ll use the machine to help you figure out how long it’ll take before you break even.
On average, a private tennis lesson costs around $60, and a tennis ball machine costs around $1500. If you take two private lessons a week, it will take about three months before you start saving money!
If you’re still unsure about parting with a lot of money at once, consider splitting the costs of the machine with a friend. This could be a doubles partner, or even just a friend from the courts.
How Often You Will Use the Machine
Another important factor to consider before purchasing a tennis ball machine, is how much time you’ll actually spend using it. As previously mentioned, if you plan on using the machine regularly, it will pay for itself after a couple of months.
However, if it’s just going to sit around in your garage gathering dust, it may not be such a good idea to invest in a tennis ball machine.
If you’re serious about tennis, and want to actively work on improving your skills, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get yourself a machine.
Owning a tennis ball machine means you won’t have to go through the hassle of trying to find someone to practice hitting with. It also means you won’t have to fork out hundreds or thousands of dollars on private lessons.
Tennis Ball Machine Features
Not every tennis ball machine is created equal. The cheaper, lower-end machines won’t have some of the cool and customizable features that the more expensive machines have.
Below is a list of some of the most important features of a tennis ball machine and what they mean.
Tennis Ball Capacity
This one is fairly obvious as it refers to how many tennis balls a machine can hold before you have to refill it.
Feed Rate
This refers to how much time you have between shots. This is a feature you need to pay close attention to as more advanced players will want a machine that can feed balls quickly.
However, beginners will want a machine that has a longer feed time which allows for more time between each shot.
Ball Speed and Spin
Don’t confuse ball speed/spin with feed rate, as this refers to how fast the ball will feed each individual tennis ball. If you are an advanced player, you will need a machine that feeds the balls faster/harder, as it is more likely to mimic the pace/intensity of real match play.
Spin refers to the spin on the ball. Look out for a machine that can hit both topspin balls and slice shots.
Oscillation
This movement can occur in two different directions.
Horizontal oscillation refers to the machine’s ability to feed balls to both sides of the tennis court. Some of the cheaper machines will only be able to feed the ball in one direction, but the more advanced machines can feed to both the backhand and forehand side.
Vertical oscillation refers to the height at which the ball is being fed. If you want to be able to practice overheads and low volleys, then you need to pick a machine that can provide different vertical oscillation on each shot.
This is particularly useful for drilling, as it can mimic the variety of shots performed during a real match.
Custom Drills
Having the ability to create custom tennis drills is a great feature for those who are serious about wanting to improve their tennis skills.
If you can customise your own program, you can customise how the ball comes out of the machine to allow you to practice a variety of shots.
For example, you could hit a topspin forehand, followed by a short backhand and finish off with a high forehand volley. You can program your drill however you want, and it can help you work on moving around the court.
Power
Tennis ball machines need a power source. Some of them will have a cable, so you’ll need access to a power outlet, but others will come with a rechargeable battery.
For battery-powered machines pay close attention as to whether or not the battery comes with it, as you may have to purchase it separately.
Size/Weight
If you’re going to transport your machine frequently, make sure you purchase one that you can fit into your car.
How the Machine is Controlled
One feature that shouldn’t be overlooked is how to control your tennis ball machine. Most machines come with some sort of remote control, however, others can be controlled by an app on your phone.
In other cases, machines can only be controlled by a panel on the machine itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
This varies from machine to machine. Most come with rechargeable batteries. On average the battery life of a tennis ball machine is around 3-4 hours.
Again this varies depending on the machine. The average capacity is 125 balls, more than that is definitely a bonus. If it’s less than that, it’s probably a low-end machine.
On cheaper, beginner-level machines, what you can customize (speed, feed rate, oscillation etc) will be rather limited. However, on the more high-end machines there’ll be higher speeds, and a greater variety of controls.
Some machines, like the Spinshot Player, will have an app which will allow you to set and save custom preset drills.
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