A tennis ball machine is a perfect way to improve your game. Not only can you practice as and when you like, but you can also play without a human opponent. When it comes to choosing a machine, there are various types to pick from.

If you’re an intermediate to advanced tennis athlete, you’ll want something fast and powerful that provides a realistic on-court experience. In this article, we explore some of the fastest tennis ball machines to help you decide which is best.

Playmate iGenie – Fastest

Specs

• Oscillation: random
• Speed: 12-105 mph
• Feed rate: 1-60 seconds
• Elevation: 15-55 degrees
• Ball capacity: 300
• Power: AC mains
• Weight: 37 kg

The Playmate iGenie is the fastest tennis ball machine on the list. The powerful launcher has a ball speed of between 12 and 105 mph, making it popular amongst players of all sorts.

The ball thrower comes with a state-of-the-art control panel and provides 10 different shots to simulate real game situations. Whether you’re practicing independently or in a group, the iGenie allows you to practice drills that include approach shots, lobs to 2 lines, and groundstrokes.

If you want to perfect a certain shot, set the launcher to that. If you want to mix things up, that’s possible too! Whatever combination you can think of, you can set the iGenie to do it.

The ball machine also comes with Playmate Tennis for iPhone and iPad support. This handy little app enables you to plan ahead and create drills, track your workouts, and compare results with others.

The downside is that as well as being the fastest, it is also the most expensive!

Lobster Sports Elite Two

Specs

• Oscillation: Random horizontal and vertical
• Speed: 10-80 mph
• Feed rate: 2-12 seconds
• Elevation: 0-60 degrees
• Ball capacity: 150
• Power: AC mains
• Weight: 42 lbs

The first pick on the list is the Lobster Sports Elite Two. This stationery tennis ball machine provides everything you need to improve your game. Powered by AC, you can practice for as long as you like, without needing to recharge the battery.

This tennis launcher features a 150-ball hopper, allowing you to practice for longer without needing to refill. It’s customizable and can shoot balls at a speed of 10-80 mph, making it one of the fastest machines on the market.

Weighing 42 pounds, this Lobster ball machine is light enough to transport to and from the court. If you need to lift the launcher in and out of your trunk, you won’t have a problem with this machine. However, if you do have a private court, it’s hardwearing enough to stay put throughout the seasons.

Like most of the Lobster launchers, the Sports Elite 2 boasts a selection of pre-programmed drills. These simulate popular playing styles like grinder and power baseliner, helping you get to grips with more complicated shots. If you want to mix things up, the drills can be adapted to have a level of speed, spin, and trajectory that suits your needs.

Spinshot Pro

Specs

• Oscillation: Random horizontal and vertical
• Speed: 18-68 mph
• Feed rate: 2-10 seconds
• Elevation: Groundstroke to lob
• Ball capacity: 120
• Power: Battery or AC mains
• Use time: 2-3 hours

Thanks to the braided aluminum construction, the Spinshot Pro is lightweight and durable. The ball launcher is battery operated and comes with a handy remote control and portable charger.

The launcher offers random oscillation and a fast ball speed of between 18 and 68 mph. The speed can be altered in steps, with 2 steps being circa 5 mph. This allows you to adjust the Pro to suit your playing requirements.

While the machine only has one oscillation mode, it can be set to shoot balls from side to side to provide a range of shots. Like all Spinshot launchers, the Pro features a 120-ball hopper. While this is smaller than other machines on the market, it provides ample playing time while keeping the launcher lightweight for ease of transport.

The feed rate can be programmed between 2 and 10 seconds and is altered in steps via the control panel. The ball thrower has 6 different levels of top and backspin, allowing you to try out a range of different shots. The height can also be changed via the user-friendly control panel on the side of the machine.

Spinshot Player

Specs

• Oscillation: Fully customizable
• Speed: 18-68 mph
• Feed rate: 2-10 seconds
• Elevation: Adjustable
• Ball capacity: 120
• Power: Battery or AC mains
• Use time: 2-3 hours
• Weight: 42 lbs

The Spinshot Player is one of the most advanced ball machines on the market. Offering almost every type of oscillation made by a real player, the launcher provides a realistic on-court experience.

The ball thrower is available in two models: AC or battery powered. The battery and charger are included with the battery-powered unit, and a rechargeable power pack and be bought separately for the AC model.

A big selling point of the Player is the ability to pair it with your smartphone. Replacing the traditional remote, your mobile can be used to set the speed, feed rate, angle, and height of the ball. As the thrower comes with custom programming, you can also plug in your customized drills.

With the battery, the Spinshot Player weights 42 pounds. This lightweight makes it easy to lift it in and out of your trunk and move around the tennis court. If you’ve got a private court or playing area, you may prefer the AC model. This way, you can play for as long as you like without needing to recharge the battery.

Playmate Deuce

Specs

• Oscillation: random
• Speed: 12 to 80 mph
• Feed rate: 1-17 seconds
• Elevation: 5-15 degrees
• Ball capacity: 300
• Power: AC mains
• Weight: 46 kg

If you want to practice quick, two-shot combinations, look no further than the Playmate Deuce. Unlike other ball launchers, the Deuce provides two distinct programmable shots, each with its own speed, spin, delay, and elevation. Whether you want to move from a topspin into a backspin or follow a volley with a lob, this thrower has got you covered.

The machine’s control panel makes setting up the shots simple. You can electronically adjust the speed, feed rate height, and topspin or backspin, and also make use of the seven-position direction. With a speed range of between 12 and 80 mph, the Playmate Deuce is one of the fastest tennis ball machines on the market.

Another great thing about this model is that it’s a Chameleon Series tennis ball machine. Compatible with the iGenie, iSmash, and PC control units, this tennis launcher can grow with you and be upgraded as and when you need it.

Playmate iSmash

Specs

• Oscillation: random
• Speed: 12-80 mph
• Feed rate: 1-60 seconds
• Elevation: 15-55 degrees
• Ball capacity: 300
• Power: AC mains
• Weight: 37 kg

The iSmash is Playmate’s base Chameleon Series model. Upgradable to the iGenie, the machine is ideal for players looking to start with the basics and work up. The Chameleon design means you can purchase the launcher now and buy upgrades later to make it into a top-line model.

While the iSmash is the base model, it doesn’t skimp on features. The tennis ball thrower is one of the fastest in production and offers ball speeds of between 12 and 80 mph. It also comes with tons of features to keep you on your toes. The machine features a 300-ball hopper, variable topspin and backspin, and a 7-position programmable electronic direction.

This tennis ball machine is also compatible with the Playmate Serve Lift, allowing you to enjoy the speed of the iSmash from an elevated position.

Playmate Ace

Specs

• Oscillation: 3 Line
• Speed: 12-80 mph
• Feed rate: 1-17 seconds
• Elevation: 15-55 degrees
• Ball capacity: 200
• Power: AC mains
• Weight: 37 kg

Boasting several innovative features, the Playmate Ace is suitable for a club rental, private court owner, or even a training school. Compatible with the Playmate Serve and Lift, the launcher can imitate a human’s serve to provide a realistic on-court experience.

The standard model comes with a hand remote for ON/OFF function and can be upgraded with the Freedom Kit upgrade. Featuring an electronic control panel, you can control the topspin, backspin, speed, and oscillation from anywhere on the court.

With a speed range of between 12 and 80 mph, the Playmate Ace is another super-fast tennis ball machine. The thrower comes with a 200-ball hopper, a view controller, and an electronic direction to 1, 2 or 3 lines.

Unfortunately, this ball launcher isn’t a Chameleon model. This means it can’t be upgraded to become the iSmash, Deuce, iGenie or iSlam. This isn’t necessarily a negative, but it’s worth keeping in mind when choosing your tennis ball thrower.

Spinfire Pro 2

Specs

• Oscillation: Vertical and horizontal
• Speed: 20-80 mph
• Feed rate: 2-15 seconds
• Elevation: Groundstroke to lob
• Ball capacity: 200
• Power: Battery
• Use time: 2-5 hours
• Weight: 52 lbs

The Spinfire Pro 2 is a refined version of the original Spinfire Pro. The launcher boasts a range of new features and is popular amongst budding tennis athletes.

One of the Pro 2’s best features is the internal oscillation. Typically seen on more expensive launchers, this allows the Pro to move fast and make shots less predictable.

Weighing just 52 pounds, the ball thrower is light enough to move around the court. Despite being compact for portability and storage, the tennis machine features a 200-ball hopper. This allows you to practice for longer before needing to refill. When necessary, the hopper can be reversed to cover the machine for protection during transport and storage.

The Spinfire Pro 2 also provides a 2-line drill with 3 settings, LCD, extreme spin, and a membrane touch panel. It’s one of the fastest tennis ball machines on the market, with an adjustable speed of between 20 and 80 mph. The ball interval can also be altered and set between 2 and 15 seconds.

So, there you have it – the fastest tennis ball machines. If you’re an avid tennis player looking to improve your game, invest in one of the super-fast ball throwers above.

There’s no doubt about it, the game of tennis is an enjoyable pastime. While the game has many positives, getting started can be a steep learning curve for many players.

Playmate Ace Review

Last, but certainly not least, is the Playmate Ace.

Boasting a number of great features, this machine is suitable for a private court owner, a club rental, or even a school.

Compatible with the Playmate Serve and Lift, the Ace can imitate a human’s serve to provide a realistic game environment.

The standard model comes with a remote control for ON/OFF function and has the power to be controlled remotely with the Freedom Kit upgrade. Featuring an electronic control panel, players can control backspin, topspin, and oscillation with ease.

The Ace also comes with a 200-ball hopper, a view controller, and electronic direction to 1, 2, or 3 lines. As the machine isn’t a Chameleon model, it can’t be upgraded to become the Deuce, Smash, Genie, or Slam. While that’s not necessarily a negative, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing your tennis ball machine.

Specs

• Oscillation: 3 Line
• Speed: 12-80 mph
• Feed rate: 1-17 seconds
• Elevation: 15-55 degrees
• Ball capacity: 200
• Power: AC mains
• Weight: 37 kg

Our rating: 

How to Choose a Playmate Tennis Ball Machine

So now you know what a tennis ball machine is, but how do you choose one? With so many Playmate models out there, it can be difficult to decide. Thankfully, we’re here to help.

With thousands of tennis ball machines on the market, there is something to suit players of all sorts. To choose the right one, you’ll need to consider your budget, expectations and what you’re looking to get from the machine. While basic machines are often cheaper, top of the line options provide more power, speed, and customisability.

There are two main types of tennis ball launcher: those that use compressed air and those that use a rotating wheel. As each type has pros and cons, it’s definitely something to consider when choosing your machine. Typically, compressed air machines are more affordable, and the air isn’t too hard on the balls during use. However, compressed air machines can be noisy and inaccurate when using different types of balls. While rotating wheel machines are more expensive, they don’t make as much noise and they’re more consistent than compressed air launchers.

Ultimately, the best type of tennis ball machine will depend on your budget, skill level, and what you’re looking for. If you’re serious about improving your game, investing in a good-quality rotating wheel machine is probably your best bet.

 

Like other products on the market today, there is no lack of variety when it comes to tennis ball machines. You can get machines that are top of the line options costing thousands of dollars or you can simply opt for the more simple and basic route. What you choose is up to your budget, expectations, and what you are really looking for. If there is a specific feature you require, start by looking for a machine that satisfies that need.

There are a variety of brands and tech that is available in tennis ball machines. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to choose a ball machine based on what works for you.

There are different kinds of tennis ball machines that can use either compressed air or rotating wheel, with each ball machine offering their own pros and cons.

Compressed Air:

• + Compressed air isn’t as hard on the tennis balls during use.
• + A less expensive option than the rotating wheel.
• – Compressed air tennis ball machines can be noisy.
• – Not accurate when using different types of balls.

Rotating Wheel:

• + More consistent compared to the compressed air models.
• + Doesn’t make as much noise.
• – The tennis balls will wear out sooner with a rotating wheel.
• – More expensive than other options.

Types of Spin Offered

Different tennis ball machines offer different topspin and backspin shot features. They are a good addition if you require them, as you can learn to get better at different kinds of swings and swerves.

Different Oscillations

Some tennis ball machines let you shoot directly at yourself; while other machines will shoot the ball from side to side.

Speed

Being able to set the speed the ball is fired at is important as it allows you to practice different types of shots, from baseline returns to shots close to the net. Being able to program different speeds also means you can create a drill that will be as close to real play as possible. Most tennis ball machines allow you to control these.

The functionality of the Machine

Some tennis ball machines encourage the user to get a workout in between the shots, which is done by dodging side to side. There are other workout settings that can be programmed in the shooter’s onboard computer, which could be helpful during long workout sessions.

Remote Control

All the models have a built in control panel but it can be hard to control the function of your ball machine when you are on the other side of the court, which is why some of the premium models come with their own remote controls, so you can adjust the setting without having to walk over to the control panel on the machine.

Portability of the Machine

Smaller tennis ball machines can be easier to transport between locations, which is especially important if you plan on taking it to multiple locations.

FAQ

Which Ball Firing Option Is Better?

Like all products on the market, different tennis ball machines have their strengths and weaknesses and it all really depends on what you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay.

High-speed tennis ball machines required more power to use as is the case with pneumatic machines. These types of machines cannot be operated on batteries alone, which could be seen as a significant disadvantage as you will need access to an external AC power outlet if you want to use a pneumatic machine.

The strengths of pneumatic tennis ball machines, however, is that they do not wear the tennis balls out as fast as the counter-rotating wheel option, so they could be a cheaper option overall.

Do any of the models deliver serves?

None of these emulate serves, if you want that try the Ace Attack.

Tennis Ball Machine Power Types

Battery

Tennis ball machines that are operated by batteries are generally smaller, as well as being easier to move around. The drawback to battery-operated tennis ball machines is that they often lack some of the essential features of their AC powered variants.

Battery life for machines can be between two and eight hours depending on the model. The portable models use lead-acid batteries.

A typical charge for a battery-powered ball machine should last between 10 and 12 hours. You just need to plug the battery-operated machine into an AC outlet to charge, which should take you anywhere between three and nine hours.

AC Power

AC powered tennis ball machines are the ones you typically see used at a sports center have their own AC outlets. They offer more features than a battery-operated tennis ball machine and come without the difficulties of recharging.

AC powered machines are generally larger and heavier in nature, and as such, they cannot be easily relocated.

AC powered machines can only use outlet powers and do not support batteries.

The key advantage to an AC powered machine is that the user can use for them for as long as they want without fears of running out of charge. You do not need to buy batteries with these models.

Advantages of using a tennis ball machine

There are quite a few different ways to benefit from using a tennis ball machine, depending on the skill or technique you are trying to learn. They are a very convenient way of practising when you don’t have a partner to play with.

Tennis coaches and those who provide instruction to younger or inexperienced players will usually know of several practice sequences or drills that can be employed to work on particular areas of a person’s game. The best machines will have the following advantages:

+ Improving consistency

For newer players and even some more experienced ones, striking the ball consistently can be a challenge. Setting up a tennis ball machine to target exactly the same position on the court each time means that players can practice any shot over and over again until it becomes second nature.

+ Test your reactions

Settings that involve shots being fired towards different areas of the court at different speeds (and spinning) can provide the kind of challenge players who are looking to improve their reaction times will benefit from. Many tennis ball machines can be set so that they shoot tennis balls with different spin ratings, directions and heights, meaning anybody using it must react quickly to the unpredictable combination of shots coming their way.

+ Alternate between shot styles

Though some budget models and homemade devices will not have this kind of setting, for intermediate and professional players, setting a tennis ball machine to fire tennis balls that need to be served either forehand or backhand, for example, will mean that you can practice combinations of shot styles, just like you would need to employ in a match against a real opponent.

+ Improve movement and agility

Using a setting that allows the tennis ball machine to osculate means that you can serve tennis balls to different areas of the court relatively quickly.

This means players will need to factor in their movements between balls, so for example, if a shot is served to the back of the court, they will need to move quickly to get to the right spot in time before playing their shot. This is especially great for intermediate to advanced players. For anybody who wants a good cardio workout while also improving their tennis game, this setting can be a fun and intense way to work up a sweat.