Tennis Ball Machines: Make Every Practice Shot Count
Tennis Ball Machine
Tennis can be a frustrating game to master. In order to improve, we need to learn proper technique and then develop the ability to apply that technique automatically on the tennis court. This can only be achieved through effective practice.Tennis ball machines are an excellent way to get that practice and to ensure that it works. Building muscle memory is the key to proper practice, which requires repetition. Human partners lack the ability to deliver practice shots consistently enough to build that muscle memory quicklly. A tennis ball machine, however, is a terrific practice partner that never tires and can turn your practice time into time well spent.
Many machines also allow multiple
shots to be programmed alternately which can greatly help with
footwork. You can set the machine to deliver blistering serves, fast
moving ground strokes, drop shots or lobs. In any case, the ability to
repeat this action over and over is what sets tennis ball machines
apart as truly effective practice partners.
The reason is that any athletic motion relies in part on muscle memory in order to properly execute the same action time after time. Kinesiologists have long identified the relationship between an unconscious command to perform an action with the body's ability to obey. It's like learning to walk or ride a bike: we need to repeat the correct action multiple times in order to fine tune the movement to the extent that it becomes practically automatic. This is the foundation of learning any activity and isn't news to anybody.
But, the old adage "practice makes perfect" has often been revised
as "perfect practice makes perfect". This principle lies at the heart
of the benefits of using a tennis ball machine as a practice partner.
The reason is that the mechanical ability of the machine to repeatedly
deliver the same shot multiple times is how perfect practice is
achieved. A human partner is simply not capable of that type of
consistency. Maybe if you are lucky enough to have a very patient and
proficient tennis player as a teacher/partner, would it be possible to
experience similar results, but there is absolutely no substitute for a
mechanical device that will never tire, never waver, never deviate from
giving you exactly the shot you want to practice, every time.
Perfect practice. Owning a tennis ball machine can get you there faster
than any other method. Good luck!
Buying a tennis ball machine can be a simple exercise if you are prepared and know what you want. There are many different factors to consider so it's important to narrow your choices to only the ones that make sense for you.
In my opinion, the most important criteria to consider is whether you need a portable machine or not. This choice is simply dictated by where you will be using your tennis ball machine. If you have a tennis court in your back yard, you can get a large AC powered (plugs into a wall socket) machine. Size is not not an issue. Obviously this choice applies to clubs as well who have the luxury of a dedicated court where equipment can be stored.
But if you're like most people who don't have their private tennis court in the back 40, you'll benefit from the amazing variety of portable tennis ball machines that are available. Many of these can be fit into a hatchback car or SUV, are powered by batteries, are lightweight and easy to move around on wheels and tend to be on the less expensive end of the price spectrum. The drawback is that they typically lack some of the more powerful features that the big machines offer.
The portable machines do offer many awesome features that are perfectly adequate for the majority of applications. You can spend a few hundred dollars on a machine or invest as much as $30,000 on a monster of a machine that can mimic Pete Sampras as your practice partner!
In the final analysis, you will see that tennis ball machines offer a wide variety of features at a wide variety of prices. Things like ball speed and adjustability, spin rates, spin direction, weight, size, power source, battery life, type of controller, interval programming, oscillation, trajectory, ability to hit lobs, ability to hit serves, ball capacity, control panel functions, remote control etc.
As you can see, this represents a great many variables to choose from which can seem like a bewildering minefield of information to the consumer. the good news is that, in upcoming posts, we will discuss each of these variables and thoroughly evaluate their relative merits. The hope is that this will make your buying experience as easy and as effective as possible.
There is no substitute for practice when trying to develop your tennis game. We believe that the best way to maximize your practice sessions is by using a quality tennis ball machine. The purpose of this site is to help you navigate the myriad different options and choices available. Good luck!
Buying a tennis ball machine represents a significant investment.
Here are some important things to look for in shopping for one:
1. Portability. The number one feature to look for in a portable tennis ball machine is how portable it actually is. While the actual weight of the machine is important (you want to purchase a machine that weighs around 38 to 42 pounds), you absolutely must make sure that the one you buy includes a built in handle and towing wheels to enhance portability.
2. Trajectory Control. You want to practice more than one stroke, right? If so, you need a machine that is variable from ground stroke to lob to enable you to practice all the shots, including overheads.
3. Speed Controls. You want your machine to be adjustable from around 10 MPH to 70-90 MPH. That way you can increase the speeds as you improve your game.
4. Interval Control. You want a machine that allows you to change the time between ball throws. A good variance is between 1.5 second to ten seconds per ball. That will permit you to practice rapid volleys at the net as well as ground strokes from behind the baseline.
5. Spin Control. This feature is often overlooked. Don't make that mistake! An ideal machine allows you to adjust the spin on the tennis balls from flat shots to varying degrees of topspin or backspin.
6. Built in Oscillator. This feature allows tennis balls to be delivered to either one position, or randomly across the court so you can practice hitting on the run.
7. Battery Life. You need your tennis ball machine's battery to last three to four hours per charge. Nothing less will be enough as your tennis skills progress.
8. Ball Capacity. There is nothing worse than hitting a few tennis balls, finally get into a grove, only to have to start picking up the balls a few shots later. A large ball capacity is the key to overcoming this problem. A good portable tennis ball machine will have a capacity of approximately 100 or more tennis balls.
9. All-in One Control Panel. Finally, you want all of the functions to be controlled by a single electronic control panel. This control panel should include a battery charge indicator, as well as an automatic time delay so you can walk to your playing position after start up.
By carefully evaluating the different choices you have, you will be able to get the right machine for your needs at the best price. The single most important consideration is where the machine will be used. Does it need to be portable or not? Once that is decided, it is simply a matter of comparing features and benefits on the different models and manufacturers.
There is no substitute, however, for being able to practice with a tennis ball machine. New technology and lower costs have put this ability within reach of anyone wanting to improve their tennis skills as efficiently and as effectively as possible. Good luck!!
When deciding on a tennis ball machine, consider the different accessories available for each particular model. All too often, this is overlooked as buyers focus on the design features of the machine itself. Equally important are the accessories that make the machine easier to use.
Quite a few manufacturers are offering remote controls with their machines. These range from simple devices that basically turn the machine on and off to fully programmable hand held computers which add many levels of functionality to using the machine. Important to note is the fact that some manufacturers offer the ability to upgrade after the fact to making their machines compatible with remote controls.
Another important accessory for your tennis ball machine is an external battery pack. If your machine is battery powered, the duration of your practice session will be limited by the battery. Having an external battery pack can extend your practice session by several hours, making this a valuable accessory.
Battery chargers also come in a variety of configurations. Some machine owners might benefit from having a fast charger that allows a full recharge of the battery in as little as three hours and prevents overcharging of the battery cells as well. Many units offer dual function as both fast chargers and trickle chargers. A battery charger may also come with a strap to make carrying easier as well as a canvas or vinyl bag.
Finally, you should protect your tennis ball machine when not in use by using a good heavy cover. These are like barbeque covers and are form fitting as well as weather proof. Sure a tarp or plastic sheet might work to an extent, but why skimp on this important accessory when it's so important to the health of your machine?
Every manufacturer offers different accessories. Pick the ones that make sense as add-ons for your particular machine and get the most possible out of your practice sessions with a properly functioning tennis ball machine, totally customized to your preference and requirements.