Best Tennis Ball Machines

If you play tennis and dream of going pro then you probably already know that you’re going to need to invest a lot of time and effort into your budding career. You will have to hire a professional coach who can train you and work on your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also need to look into finding different partners to play/practice with. But even after you do all this, there will still be certain. Schedules will clash and your coach will only be able to give you limited time. There is a simple solution to this problem and that is in the form of a tennis ball machine. Tennis ball machines are an excellent investment for budding tennis players as they allow you to fit in extra practice time on your own terms. For that purpose, we’ve listed down five of the best tennis ball machines for you.

5 Best Tennis Ball Machines in 2021

Spinshot-Player Tennis Ball Machine

[amazon box=”B016UYMFS4″]

The Spinshot is one of the most advanced battery-operated tennis ball machine. The design means you can customize your drills to program height, direction, spin, speed for each of 6 sequential shots and then save these into your personalized drill. You control the machine with your mobile phones! It comes with a free mobile app and an example of this use is that you can make vertical oscillation with combined horizontal oscillation, or whatever oscillation mode you want to play with and all of which can be made on your phone and saved into the machine.

A key feature is that it comes with 12 fully preprogrammed drills giving you a large variety of shots and allows you to adjust each of these drills to suit your own playing level or create your own drills. Spinshot Player can deliver balls up to 110kmph and with topspin, this can be adjusted right down to 30kmph to mimic all kinds of shots. It has a ball capacity of 120 balls and the battery life can go up to 2 to 3 hours of playtime. It is electronically adjustable for different degrees of back and topspin.

Pros

Provides the highest ball capacity as opposed to other competitors
Allows for various playing styles
Doesn’t take too long to recharge
Easy to Transfer and store
Easy to operate

Cons

Comparatively more expensive than other options
More appropriate for professional players

OnCourt OffCourt Pickleball Tutor Spin Machine – (125 Ball Capacity)

[amazon box=”B07QP82KLC”]

This tennis ball machine comes with a 125 ball capacity which in itself is a key feature. Other features include the adjustable sidespin that varies from no spin at all to sideways movement which goes up to several feet. The versatile ball speed goes from a gentle toss for beginners to higher speeds up to 60mph for more experienced players. The random oscillator features allow the players to be on their toes, not expecting where the ball will go. The time delay also allows the players to get into their preferred position before the balls are shot out. The feed rate is variable from one ball every second (for quick-reaction volleys) to one ball every 10 seconds.

Pros

Various speeds make it useful for players at all levels
125 ball capacity is higher than most competitors
Allows practice of various styles of play
Comes with a free portable cart
OnCourt OffCourt is offering 25 free Penn 40 Outdoor Pickleballs with the purchase of a Pickleball Tutor Spin.

Cons

60mph speed is less than other competitors
Only one person can use the machine at a time
Does not come with a remote control

Practice Partner Butterfly Table Tennis Robot

[amazon box=”B07CQ73KKH”]

The Practice Partner is a great pick for ping pong and table tennis players. It’s quick and easy to assemble and can be fitted on top of the table very easily. The ball feeding unit is made of alloy with resistant rubber which stabilizes the ball direction and placement. It has various settings for top, back, and sidespin and serves 2 bounces and returns 1 bounce. It allows a wide speed range from 1 to 9 and produces 25 to 80 balls per minute. The oscillation can be set to approximately the following: ¼ table, ½ table, ¾ table or full table and you can adjust the trajectory to high return or low serve. It can also hold up to 200 balls. The pause button allows players to take a minute and catch their breath.

Pros

Easy to set up and use
Only weighs 15 pounds
Comes with one year warranty
Various oscillation speeds

Cons

More appropriate for beginners

OnCourtOffCourt Pickleball Tutor Plus

[amazon box=”B07RFNG39K”]

Another popular option with more than satisfactory features. It comes with an adjustable ball feed option from every one second to every ten seconds. If you opt for the plus version, it will include a spin option to include backspin and topspin practice shots. It will also increase the speed to up to 65mph. Similar to the Wilson, this comes with a 110 ball capacity. It also has an electric elevation panel which means the ball trajectory can be controlled a simple electronic switch on the control panel rather than the manual knob system.

A key feature for this machine is the two-line oscillator which allows two players to practice at the same time and allows players to practice their forehand and backhand alternatively. There is also a startup time delay which allows the players to get into position before the balls are shot out of the machine.

Pros

Two-line oscillator allows diverse style practice
Can be used by two people at the same time
The spin setting also allows diverse style practice
Easy to operate electronic control panel
The time delay allows players to get into position comfortably
OnCourt OffCourt is offering 25 free Penn 40 Outdoor Pickleballs with the purchase of a Pickleball Tutor Spin.

Cons

Not suitable if you’re looking for something more budget friendly

Wilson Portable Tennis Ball Machine Standard

[amazon box=”B07QPBHCFQ”]

The Wilson Machine is one of the top picks and for good reason too. This machine comes with a wide speed range starting at 10 and going up to 75 mph and a feed interval of 1.5 to 10 seconds. Similarly, the ball capacity is set up at 110. Its spin control varies as well from heavy underspin to heavy topspin and the ball trajectory can be electronically adjusted. It is easy to operate with a button set up the control panel.

A key feature of the Wilson Portable is the random oscillation feature which means that the balls are shot out randomly making the player run to get the shot. The rechargeable battery life of this machine is similar to that of its competitors which is the standard 3 to 4 hours depending on the use. However, if you wish to spend more time on the court you can buy an external battery pack as well. Similarly, you can also buy a separate remote control which will allow you to adjust the oscillation easily.

Pros

Well-known brand
Random oscillation is embedded
The charger has overcharging protection
8 different spin levels and one flat shot possibility
Includes 3-year parts and labor warranty
Lightweight and compact has inbuilt towing wheels and handle

Cons

Have to pay extra for remote control
Two-line oscillation feature has additional fees
110 ball capacity is less than competitors
No programmed drills available

Factors to consider when buying a tennis ball machine:

Your budget: How much are you willing to spend? This will help narrow down which brand you want as well as whether you’re looking into A/C or battery power machines.
Speed: Your improvement as a player and your style of play are heavily linked to the speed you play at. Faster speeds are essential for advanced players and players practicing quick volleys and groundstrokes.
Oscillation: is also important to improve play. You’ll want to look into horizontal or vertical oscillation features. Advanced players will need to look into programmable oscillation options.

FAQS:

How do ball machines work?

There are two major ways a machine works. One is through counter-rotating wheels which spin at high speeds to throw the ball out. The second is one that basically works as a vacuum cleaning acting in reverse. The pressure builds up inside the chamber and pushes the ball out.

Can all machines spin the ball?

No. If the machine works with counter-rotating wheels it will create spin otherwise it will not.

What is the random oscillation?

This is when your machine does not follow a pattern as to where the ball goes rather throws the ball at random directions.

Conclusion:

Sports require a lot of commitment and dedication as well as investment. If you want to go pro as a tennis player you will need to make an effort other than what your coach makes you do. You can never get enough practice. And to serve this purpose you have to pick one of our 5 best tennis ball machines. These machines will improve your speed, diversify your playing styles and increase your stamina. You will not regret this investment.

Best Tennis Ball Machines