The Mercedes of tennis ball machines, Playmate machines are unmatchable in their design versatility and human simulation. Their first machine debuted in 1973, but was quickly upgraded by Playmate owner, Alfred Yarur, who has a background in robotics and artificial intelligence.
“After two years of prototypes and all-night sessions, he had accomplished a major feat. He had created a robotic ball machine that was any player’s wish come true.” – Playmate website.
The first Playmate Genie design came out in 1975 and it has been upgraded five times, since then. It is a machine that can feed a few ground strokes, a volley and then and approach shot all in one program. The Genie can also be programmed to delay the feeding of certain shots, simulating more accurately real-life returns. The Genie’s control panel is interchangeable with other Playmate machines.
The purchase of a Playmate Smash is an investment in your game. Beginning players will gain invaluable experience from the machine’s limited training options, but they will never outgrow this machine. As players advance and require more training variations, the machine will morph with upgrade parts and optional equipment into one of Playmate’s more dynamic ball machines, the Genie or the Deuce.
Playmate’s Portable Series is a lighter weight, battery powered brother to the Playmate Smash. The portable series is fully upgradeable and just as easy to use as the Smash.
The Playmate Ace is a highly user friendly tennis ball machine great for club rentals. It is not upgradeable, as with the Smash, but is compatible with the Playmate Serve Lift. This four-function machine comes with a two-function remote.
The Playmate Serve Lift turns most Playmate ball machines into more than a server. As tennis opponents sometimes return the ball with a high stroke, so will the Serve Lift. Raising your Playmate ball machine off the ground will bring more of that artificial intelligence into your practice sessions.
The Playmate ball mower is the best-selling ball mower on the market. Scuffs and abrasions won’t affect the operation of this on court tool, its aircraft aluminum frame is manufactured to withstand and operate around the toughest on-court obstacles. Pickup time is quick and enjoyable as tennis balls disappear into the mower and reappear in the convenient collection basket.
Tennis ball machines allow players to advance at their pace and practice on their schedule, practice makes perfect and the unlimited hours of practice with a precision training machine will have you winning in no time.
