Tip to train with ball machine

[hugo-tennis]

Recently, I gain interests in using ball machine.
Last week, I tried twice, 2 hour each with around 400 balls load each to practice baseline drills and net volley.
I found it is quite interesting and useful.

Anyone can share some tips on how to use ball machine to more efficiently train?

I am a 4.0 player. Baseline are solid. Want to improve net skill and footwork.

Currently I use fuzzy yellow ball video and some youtube videos to guide me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwzURDFo02o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ghPTq0lBU

 

[LeeD]

Your biggest weakness seems to be when you're forced to run wide. You hit the ball up the middle almost every time, not exactly every. Go CC or DTL, but hit closer to the sidelines.
Your game will improve, but you need to practice the randomness of countering passing shots from net position, not knowing exactly where the ball is going. This, you need a live partner.
Also you need to practice volleys from just inside the service line, not only from atop the net. That deeper volley position is more reality on the first volley, and includes low and half volleys, shots which you need to embrace if you plan to play net position tennis.
Overheads, work on them from just behind the service line, not atop the net. Set the machine to hit deeper.
Easy shots are easy, it's the reality shots that keep us at 4.0.
Looks like you're gonna improve.

 

[Jay_The_Nomad]

Recently, I gain interests in using ball machine.
Last week, I tried twice, 2 hour each with around 400 balls load each to practice baseline drills and net volley.
I found it is quite interesting and useful.

Anyone can share some tips on how to use ball machine to more efficiently train?

I am a 4.0 player. Baseline are solid. Want to improve net skill and footwork.

Currently I use fuzzy yellow ball video and some youtube videos to guide me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwzURDFo02o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1ghPTq0lBU

I don't own a ball machine but use one from time to time.

It is a great tool even when it's spitting consistent balls down the middle to you for a baseline stroke as it allows you to groove your timing especially when you're off the court for a few weeks or if you have a game in a few hours.

But I usually use the ball machine for smashes, volleys and transition shots.

Choose a programme that allows you to hit a few from side to side on the baseline and then a short ball for you to come to the net and then followed by a few volleys. There's absolutely no way any hitting partner is going to want to feed me balls to do this unless I'm paying them so ball machine is the way to go to drill in finishing points off.

 

[Nellie]

If you want to get better, I feel you need to recreate game conditions. So, I don't like to see people standing in a spot waiting for a ball - set the ball machine to oscillate so you have to move to the ball. If your machine does not have this feature, add some movement. For example, put your bag (or a cone) on the court and return to the far side of the bag on every shot

Secondly, hit a small number of shots (10) at high intensity and take breather (not 400 balls in a slow sequence).

I also like to set up targets to aim at (I place my targets about 3 feet inside the baseline and sidelines).

Also, be warned that you can get hurt by hitting too many volleys with the ball machine if you crank up the speed. It is hard on the elbow

 

[oble]

Your biggest weakness seems to be when you're forced to run wide. You hit the ball up the middle almost every time, not exactly every. Go CC or DTL, but hit closer to the sidelines.
Your game will improve, but you need to practice the randomness of countering passing shots from net position, not knowing exactly where the ball is going. This, you need a live partner.
Also you need to practice volleys from just inside the service line, not only from atop the net. That deeper volley position is more reality on the first volley, and includes low and half volleys, shots which you need to embrace if you plan to play net position tennis.
Overheads, work on them from just behind the service line, not atop the net. Set the machine to hit deeper.
Easy shots are easy, it's the reality shots that keep us at 4.0.
Looks like you're gonna improve.

I don't think it's the OP in the videos.

 

[sundaypunch]

Some outstanding ball machine drills on Heath Waters webpage. One of the best I have seen is the "Golden Drill" where you play a set against the ball machine-

Ball Machine Drills

 

[BMC9670]

Some outstanding ball machine drills on Heath Waters webpage. One of the best I have seen is the "Golden Drill" where you play a set against the ball machine-

Ball Machine Drills

Good stuff, but jeez, this guy needs to talk less and show more... too long winded and slow.