Do you want to practice your backhand on the court, but can’t because your friends are using it to practice their smashes? If so, a tennis ball machine is the answer. Tennis ball machines are stationary machines that throw tennis balls at you so you can practice your backhand, forehand, volleys, and even smashes. They’re perfect for practicing alone, and you can target specific shots like a backhand or volleys by adjusting the machine’s settings. We researched the best tennis ball machines currently on the market by testing a variety of machines, and our top pick is the iStrike Tennis Ball Machine.
Read on for our full list of the best tennis ball machines.
Our Editor’s Best Tennis Ball Machines Reviews
- ADJUSTABLE BALL SPEED & SPIN CONTROL: Fine-tune your practice sessions with adjustable ball speeds ranging from 10 to 80 MPH. Simulate gentle volleys to high-speed ground strokes while adding heavy topspin or backspin for competitive game situations.
- HORIZONTAL OSCILLATION: Master winning forehand and backhand strokes at random positions on the court. Launch tennis balls from left, right, center, or at random. Practice solo or bring a friend to maximize team gameplay!
- ELECTRONIC ELEVATION CONTROL: Deliver low, medium, or high soaring lobs up to 60-degrees. Perfect your overhead smash high-arc baseline returns, or pin-point net play with a flip of a switch
- LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE & EASY TO TRANSPORT: Weighing only 42 LBS, the Lobster Sports Elite One inverting hopper and folding handle allows for easy transport in any small car or SUV. The 8-inch all-terrain wheels can easily glide with ease over any surface and onto the court.
- EXTENDED LONG BATTERY LIFE: The battery-operated Elite One tennis machine has a rechargeable battery that offers 4 to 6 hours of gameplay and includes a Lobster Sports standard battery charger.
- Only Tennis Ball Machine not Made of Plastics
- Tennis Ball Machine with All Features Knob Controlable and Easy to Use Even for Children
- Tennis Ball Machine with Flexible Power Options Available
- Battery charger is included ;Actual Battery is shipped separately and not included in the ball machine box
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND SMALL: Designed for maximum durability, this tennis ball machine has been manufactured to hold up against constant use. The 26-pound ergonomic design makes it lightweight, and it is just as large as a basketball.
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: The Nisplay tennis ball machine is easy to transport in your car. Its oversized wheels and 3-foot ergonomic folding handle allow for easy transportation over grass, gravel, and curbs.
- VERSATILE TENNIS BALL MACHINE: This tennis ball machine offers manual oscillation, ball speed up to 68 mph, and an elevation from 0 to 50 degrees, while its small, lightweight external Lithium battery is easy to transport, charge and can operate 4+ hours.
- DUAL MOTOR AND POWERFUL: A dual motor design can easily shoot the ball from end to end on the court at every 1 - 9 seconds. And it allows you to practice in various modes including flat, topspin and backspin, no matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.
- SPIN-CONTROL FEATURE INCLUDED: The Nisplay N1 ball machine also offers unequaled spin control for a machine at this price point. The ball spin can be adjusted for both topspin and backspin and at different levels.
- Stable Performance with Triangular Iron Base: This tennis ball machine is designed with a sturdy triangular iron base, ensuring maximum stability during use. (Tennis ball are not included)
- Adjustable Speed for Versatile Training: Easily adjust the machine's speed from low to high (L to H) to suit various training needs. Perfect for all levels of players
- Automatic Up & Down Swing Launch Port: The machine features an automatic up&down swing launch port. With just a button press, you can control the launch port to stay at any desired angle
- Dual Power Options for Convenience: Powered by both batteries and an AC adapter, this machine offers versatile power options. You can train without worrying about the power source, making it convenient for both indoor and outdoor use
- Portable with Carrying Bag: The 3807BH tennis ball machine comes with a portable carrying bag, making it easy to transport. Whether at the court or on the go, this machine ensures training can happen anywhere with ease
- Ball Capacity: The foldable ball hopper holds over 120 balls
- Use Phone to Program each Shot for Speed, Spin, Height, Angle and Feed Rate; No additional Cost for Phone Remote Upgrade
- Any Type of Oscillation Can be Easily Made By the Player Model
- Charger Provided; Battery Sold separately
- Use Phone to Program each Shot for Speed, Spin, Height, Angle and Feed Rate.. No additional Cost for Phone Remote Upgrade.
- Any Type of Oscillation Can be Easily Made By the Player Model.
- Charger Provided. Battery Sold separately.
- You Can Program the Machine to Make your Own Drills.
- Only Ball Machine Machine not made of Plastic.
- 📱【Smartphone-Controlled Versatility】: Adjust speed: 12-75 mph(20 - 120km/h), spin, and frequency with the user-friendly app. Ideal for tailored solo and group training sessions. 🔄
- 🎾【Multi-Mode Training Innovations】: Can hold up to 100 balls,With 20 smart landing spots, the PTsmart is more than a tennis ball batting training machine. It's a versatile training aid for all skill levels, from beginners using tennis training equipment for the first time to professional players. 🎯
- 🔑【Pre-Set and Custom Modes at Your Fingertips】: Choose from 12 pre-set ball delivery modes or create your own. This feature-rich tennis trainer device is perfect for both enthusiasts and professionals. ⚙️
- 🔋【High Capacity Meets Portability】: Equipped with a large imported lithium battery, the PTsmart offers 4-6 hours of play, making it an ideal portable tennis practice machine for various training environments. 🚀
- 🌐【Precision Training with Adjustable Angles】: Offering adjustable vertical and horizontal angles, the PTsmart enhances training effectiveness, making it suitable for both beginner tennis training and advanced professional training equipment. 🎯
- Adaptability for All Skill Levels: ADIBO T500 tennis ball machine suits all tennis lovers. Beginners start easy with slow, low-spin balls. As they improve, dual motors' adjustable settings aid growth. Intermediates practice complex shots, and pros exploit high-speed, 60-degree extreme angle balls. Ideal for refining overhead smashes, baseline returns, and net shots.
- Internal Oscillation Advantage: ADIBO T500 tennis ball machine internal oscillation revolutionizes launch accuracy. It precisely controls force and direction. Unlike external oscillation, it resists wind and surface vibrations. This ensures stable, accurate launches. Players rely on it to boost reaction, skills, and muscle memory for peak court performance.
- Cost-Effective: Unlike other machines that charge extra for additional features, the ADIBO T500 offers a full suite of functionalities without any hidden costs. By choosing the ADIBO tennis machine, you save $500 compared to other models with similar capabilities.
- Advanced App Features: The accompanying app provides a range of training modes including slice serves, flat drives, topspin and backspin balls, fixed-point drills, combination drills, random modes, and even challenges based on famous tennis stars. You can also create custom drills and save an unlimited number of training programs.
- Convenient Placement Options: The app allows you to select the placement of the machine (baseline & center line), making it easier to set up and start your practice sessions. This feature ensures that you get the most out of your training by tailoring it to your specific needs on the court.
- Safe Toss Machine: Designed for kids and beginners, it gently tosses balls vertically between 3 to 5 feet with a soft launch force—perfect for baseball or tennis training without the risks of high-speed throws
- Versatile Machine: Fully adjustable for toss speed. Uses tennis balls or special dimpled balls from our brand store (do not use regular baseballs)
- Power Supply: Operates on 4 D batteries (not included) or the provided 6V AC adapter. Portable and versatile (remove batteries when using AC power)
- Extendable Ball Tracks: This machine allows for additional ball tracks to hold more tennis balls
- For Kids and Beginner Training: This machine is designed for kids and beginner players, helping to enhance their tennis skills
- Adjustable Settings: Offers full adjustment from speed (continuously) to angle, ideal for practicing forehand, backhand, flat, slice, and volleys
- Power Supply: Runs on 8 D batteries (not included) or the provided 12V AC adapter. Portable and versatile. (Remove batteries when using AC power. 12V/18000mAh lithium-ion battery also compatible)
- Consistent Strikes: High-end motor delivers strikes every 3 to 6 seconds based on the preset interval
- Expandable Chutes: Spiral ball chutes are available at our Amazon brand store, reducing the need for frequent refills
- For All Level Training: This machine is designed for all level's tennnis practice, take your skill to the next level
Best Tennis Ball Machines Buying Guide
Before choosing the best tennis ball machine you should consider following options:
1. Speed: A tennis ball machine can shoot up to 70 balls per minute. If you’re looking for a machine to improve your stroke, you’ll need one that is capable of shooting balls at this speed.
2. Discharging options: Some tennis ball machines have a detachable bin, where the balls are collected. Others have a continuous belt where the balls roll into a built-in storage area.
If you’re looking for a machine to train on your own, you’ll probably want a machine with a detachable bin. If you’re looking to use the machine in a group setting, you’ll probably want a machine with a continuous belt.
3. Battery powered: Some machines are electric, while others are battery powered. If space is an issue for you, you’ll want a battery powered model that can easily be stored away.
4. Durability: Tennis ball machines are typically pretty rugged, but you’ll want to make sure that the one you’re looking at is made from high quality materials.
5. Price: Tennis ball machines come at all different price points. You can get a decent one for around $350, or you can spend thousands of dollars on the latest and greatest technology.
6. Features: Some machines do more than others. Some will measure how many balls you’ve hit, while others offer a wide range of different settings.
If you’re looking for a machine that offers more than just a feed of balls, you may be willing to spend a little more. If you’re looking for the bare minimum, you’ll probably be able to find a decent model for a lower price.
7. Ease of use: Tennis ball machines are typically pretty easy to use, but you’ll want to make sure that the one you’re looking at has an intuitive design.
8. Warranty: Tennis ball machines typically have warranties that range from 1 to 5 years. Obviously the longer the warranty, the higher the price of the machine will be.
9. Customer service: You’ll want to make sure that the company you’re buying from has a good customer service department in case you have any issues with your machine.
10. Return policy: Some tennis ball machines are very heavy, which makes them difficult to transport. You’ll want to make sure that you can return the machine if you find it’s too much of a hassle to use.
Now that you know what to look for, you can start comparing different tennis ball machine models and make the best choice for your needs.
What else you should know about tennis ball machines
1. What are some of the best tennis ball machines?
Some of the best tennis ball machines are the Lobster Elite 2, the Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor, and the Playmate Ball Machine.
2. How do tennis ball machines work?
A tennis ball machine is a device that automatically throws tennis balls for the purpose of practicing one’s tennis stroke.
3. What are the benefits of using a tennis ball machine?
Some benefits of using a tennis ball machine are that it can help improve your tennis skills, as well as providing a good workout. It can also be used as a training tool for other athletes.
4. How do I choose a tennis ball machine?
There are a few things you should consider when choosing a tennis ball machine:
1. The type of machine: There are two main types of tennis ball machines – gravity fed and electric. Gravity fed machines are cheaper and require no power, but they are also slower and have a limited supply of balls. Electric machines are more expensive but they are faster and can hold more balls.
2. The size of the machine: Tennis ball machines come in different sizes. Some are small enough to fit in the trunk of a car, while others are larger and require a trailer or truck to transport. Choose a size that is appropriate for your needs.
3. The features of the machine: Tennis ball machines come with different features. Some have adjustable ball speed, while others have a random ball delivery feature. Choose a machine that has the features you want.
5. How do I use a tennis ball machine?
There are a few different ways to use a tennis ball machine. The most common way is to set it up so that it shoots balls over the net into your hitting zone. You can also set it up to shoot balls directly at you so that you can practice your groundstrokes or volleys. Some people also like to set the machine up to shoot balls in a figure eight pattern so that they can practice their footwork.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best tennis ball machines. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best tennis ball machines will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.