The journey to becoming a great tennis player is demanding, and as such, you have to be both passionate and dedicated to the game. Part of this dedication and passion involves regularly practicing your strokes and swings consistently without fail. The only other way through which this can be achieved if you do not have someone to spur/practice with is with a great tennis ball machine. The tennis ball machine comes in handy for such circumstances as you will not have an excuse not to work out or train continuously. The market is saturated with tons of tennis ball machines, and if you intend to get to the level of players like Rodger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams or even Naomi Osaka, you need the best of the best as far as tennis ball machines go. After tons and tons of research, we have compiled a list of the best tennis ball machines you should consider purchasing.
Table of Contents
Spinshot-Player Tennis Ball Machine
Intro
Touted as a machine that helps you “improve your game” the Spinshot machine is an enhanced tennis ball machine that allows users to customize and manage drills that are suited to them. This machine enables limitless training as you can control the angle, speed, height, and spin of every single ball launched by the machine. The balls launched by this device travel at between 18 to 68 miles per hour depending on the kind of drill you are interested in as a user. Additionally, it has an impressive ball feed rate of between two and ten seconds for every shot launched. This machine is ideal for individuals of all skill levels as it is easy to use and has a user-friendly app (DrillMaker) which offers 12 programmable drills that help you improve on different aspects of your game.
Pros
- It is among the few machines that are solely made of metal which makes it durable and sturdy.
- It had a de-jam design that ensures balls do not get stuck in the machine when it is in use.
- The machine is easily programmable and even easier to set up.
- It has an extendable hopper that allows for easy transportation.
- The compact design of this machine makes it easy to store.
- It can be remotely controlled from a user’s phone or with its watch remote.
Cons
- It is not compatible with Windows phones.
Lobster Sports – Elite Grand Five
Intro
Weighing about 44 pounds, the Lobster Sports Elite Grand Five is a larger-than-life tennis machine that brags an excellent oscillating system and a 150-ball capacity. This machine which is battery operated features custom drills that have been programmed to suit a user’s preference. This means that the ball location, spin, feed rate, and speed vary to simulate real-life situations that tennis players experience regardless of their skill level. This machine’s capability is truly impressive as users can practice random left to right sweep patterns, as well as deep and short shots.
Pros
- The wheels on this device make it easy to move around, and its small size means that it occupies a small space.
- It is easy to set up and even deconstruct the machine if need be.
- The machine can last for anything between four to eight hours on a single charge which is a pretty decent duration.
- Users can customize their own drills
Cons
- Some users may find the machines cost to be rather steep.
- The machine’s optional accessories only further increase its total cost.
Match Mate Rookie Tennis Ball Machine
Intro
If you are tennis novice with a desire to develop some serious tennis skills someday, then look no further that the Match Mate Rookie machine. This machine which has a five-hour battery capacity offers ample practice for rookies as its ball speeds range from a slow 10-foot toss up to 28 miles per hour. Weighing at only 10 kilos, this machine is easily portable and can be used for daily training since carrying it to a court will not pose much of a challenge. Its adjustable ball speed, height, and delivery time help individuals improve their technique since it can be customized to suit one’s drills.
Pros
- The machine is compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to port and move around.
- It is amazingly affordable as it is reasonably priced.
- It is ideal for beginners
Cons
- The machine does not have customizable spin and oscillation settings.
- Even though it can be used for beginners, it is not ideal for children.
SpinShot Lite Tennis Training machine
Intro
From junior beginners to returning players, the Spinshot Lite is an entry-level tennis ball machine intended for individuals looking to practice and perfect specific shot techniques. With a maximum speed of 60 kph, this 50-ball machine features embedded topspin capabilities, smartwatch remote option, control knobs, horizontal oscillation, feed speed &intervals, adjustable height, and variable power option.
Pros
- It is compact, lightweight, and easy to move around, making it suitable even for kids.
- It is ideal for individuals looking to engage repetitively in shot practice to develop their technique.
- Players can practice with this machine continuously for up to 7 hours on a single charge thanks to its impressive battery.
- The machine is highly reliable, easy to use, and it is also quite affordable.
- It is well constructed, and its powder-coated metal makes it resistant to damage.
Cons
- The machine lacks programmable drills or oscillations.
- It is not equipped with a remote control
Isam Extended Tennis Ball Machine
Intro
The Isam tennis machine is among the most versatile and dependable tennis practice devices we have come across. It brags a 300 ball capacity is a user-friendly machine that offers users five elevation control levels allowing you to modify the pace of your shots to range between 15 and 65 miles per hour. The device provides exceptional spin control and ball delivery which means users can expect amazing top and under spins from the machine. The battery-powered machine can last for up to 7 hours on a single charge, has a feed rate of 2 to 7 balls and weighs roughly 25 pounds. This machine by Match mate is perfect for tennis players of all skill levels.
Pros
- The machine is extremely affordable.
- Because its lightweight, a player can easily move it around.
- The machine is user-friendly and can be easily programmed by all individuals regardless of their skill level.
- It has a large ball capacity in comparison to some of its competitors.
- It is well constructed, durable, and extremely sturdy.
Cons
- We did not come across any disadvantages with this machine.
Lobster Sports – Elite Liberty Tennis Ball Machine
Intro
This is arguably one of the most popular tennis ball machines in the market. This is because not only is it priced within reason, but users also receive free shipping on amazon upon purchase. Weighing at only 35 pounds, it is a compact machine that is easily portable, and which means users can take it anywhere they want. The Lobster Sports Elite Liberty can regulate spins which means that is has a maximum speed and spin that is much improved in comparison to its counterpart the Elite Freedom. Its spin setting is adjustable to -/+ 4, and it also offers a flat feed. With a speed that ranges between 20 and 80 miles per hour, users will have a great time developing their technique and footwork when using the Elite Liberty machine. In addition, users get random horizontal oscillation, however, it is impossible to adjust how far left, or right the ball will be shot. Nevertheless, the Elite Liberty is an excellent machine for building and individuals agility, briskness and stamina.
Pros
- Unlike some of its competitors, this machine has both backspin and topspin capabilities.
- It is one of the most durable, efficient, and highly reliable machines you can opt for.
- It has a decent ball capacity.
Cons
- The machine’s carrying handle is weak and could use some improvement.
- It has a poor battery backup.
The Bottom Line
The machines discussed above are some of the best tennis ball machines you can opt for. However, the worthiness of these machines is solely dependent on a user’s needs and whether it is capable of meeting those needs. When choosing a machine, some of the considerations that you must make to determine which one is right for you include;
The price: a tennis ball machine is a long-term investment, and since a user’s budget is what guides them on the type of machine they should buy, it is essential that they pick up the perfect one.
Its propulsion capabilities: different machines have different propulsion capabilities, and everyone has a unique need as far as propulsion goes.
Oscillation and speed: it is crucial that you choose a machine with a suitable speed range as well as an oscillation feature so that you can simulate real-life situations.
Ball hopper capacity: a good tennis ball machine should be capable of holding a good number of balls which enables users to practice continuously before needing to refill the hopper.
We hope that this article is insightful and of great help in your search for an ideal tennis ball machine.