Tennis ball machines are not the only way to improve your game, but with the ease of portability and new user-friendly programming features, ball machines have quickly become the favorite training method of teaching pros around the world.
Do It Tennis currently carries three brands of tennis ball machines including Playmate, Tennis Tutor, and Lobster; all of which have great customer service departments and whose machines are protected by manufacturer’s warrantees.
What to Look For
When purchasing a tennis ball machine, pay particular attention to the machine`s tennis ball capacity, and player level accommodation.
Tennis Ball Capacity
Ball capacity varies by machine from 18 balls, in child friendly models, to over 300 balls with three line feeds for adults. Selecting a machine with too little ball capacity could interrupt an intense practice session and too large of a ball capacity could result in wasted space or tennis balls that sit too long in the machine and become less buoyant. Tennis ball capacity is listed on all product description pages for easy identification.
Player Level
Player level is perhaps the most important factor when selecting a tennis ball machine, and although most machines have speed and interval variations, some do not.
Choosing a ball machine that is too advanced for your current level of play may be frustrating and overwhelming; especially if you are a new player. Choosing a machine that is too basic for your current level of play will leave you bored and unmotivated. Start with a tennis ball machine that matches your current skill level and upgrade your machine as you progress. Many manufacturers now offer upgrades so that your tennis ball machine will continue to challenge you, at the right level, as your skills improve. This type of product will increase the value of your investment.
Brands
Playmate tennis ball machines are known by retailers as the Mercedes-Benz of tennis ball machines. They have been manufacturing ball machines since 1973 and have consistently continued to upgrade and improve upon their design year after year. Playmate Serve-Lift, which is compatible with most Playmate tennis ball machines, lifts the machine to serve at a level that a live opponent would, providing a more natural interaction with your machine. The aircraft aluminum outer shell of Playmate machines makes them durable for transport.
Tennis Tutor tennis ball machines, recognized as the best-selling ball machines in the world, are utilized by the teaching pros at the ATP Training Center in Florida. Manufactured in the USA by Sports Tutor, their Tennis Tutor portable model is also a star as the number one seller in the US. Sports Tutor also designs a line of tennis ball machines made specifically for the home court owner, with all the features of their pro models, but designed for the comfort and ease of usability a home court setting requires.
Lobster tennis ball machines, manufactured since 1970, are high quality, cutting edge machines well known for their advanced programming options and LED screens. Consider a Lobster ball machine if you are looking for a machine that will match you skill for skill or if you simply desire a great workout with an ‘opponent’ that will help you improve your game. Lobster has the Elite Freedom, economy model, for beginners and a progression of machines leading up to their Elite Grandslam V Limited edition, which is a powerhouse of a machine full of shot locations and preprogrammed drills.
