Tennis Ball Machines Have Shot High and Come a Long way

in Tennis Equipment

Tennis ball machines are one of the best ways to practice on an individual basis. Many players are quite skeptical of these devices because they seem to cost a lot.

They can be priceless for anyone that wants to work on shot technique, however. Practicing with an actual human instructor can be extremely expensive, and practicing with friends or family of different skill levels can become frustrating. By using a tennis ball machine, one can always have a partner ready for practice.

Some devices can provide plenty of variety, and these are great for amateurs or advanced players that want to experiment with various realistic game-like experiences.

Variable angles and speeds should provide more than enough diversity for most players. Of course, those that want to invest in a particularly classy tennis ball machine will certainly reap the benefits of the added bells and whistles.

Some mechanisms can oscillate and even throw balls in excess of 65 miles per hour.

Coaches provide another ready market for tennis ball machines. Many teams need multiple units for practice. Coaches often like the fact that these devices can provide consistent delivery for players that need to work on some specific aspect of their game.

The great battery life of some models, like the Lobster Elite 2, can challenge even the most experienced teams. That one can easily last between four and eight hours.

Modern fans should be pleased with just how far the industry has come. Baseball pitching machines predate tennis throwers, and early versions were primitive and dangerous.

The first baseball-pitching machine was developed in 1897, and ran on gunpowder. Regardless of the danger of such a device, Princeton University’s baseball team reportedly tried it out. The University of Minnesota apparently used the machine later on.

Jean René Lacoste developed a successful hand-crank tennis ball machine. Lacoste is perhaps more famous for being the inspiration for the crocodile emblem on tennis polo shirts. After several decades passed, Bob McClure married electricity to the concept and gave players the modern electric tennis ball machines they know and love.

The hand-cranked units of yesteryear are far removed from the Lobster Elite series of advanced tennis ball machines. Today’s devices are safe, fun and a great investment. If these futuristic designs don’t suggest modernity, perhaps the blocky Tennis Tutor Tennis Cube will. The Cube is extremely economical, and a great choice for beginners that want a small and durable package.

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End Date: Friday May-18-2012 10:47:24 PDT
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US $600.00 (0 Bid)
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US $600.00 (0 Bid)
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US $700.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday May-14-2012 8:03:44 PDT
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US $700.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday May-14-2012 8:03:42 PDT
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US $550.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Monday May-14-2012 8:03:36 PDT
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End Date: Thursday May-17-2012 18:31:50 PDT
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US $535.00 (16 Bids)
End Date: Wednesday May-16-2012 11:52:06 PDT
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US $500.00 (0 Bid)
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US $450.00 (0 Bid)
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US $699.00
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End Date: Monday Jun-04-2012 14:28:27 PDT
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US $55.00 (3 Bids)
End Date: Saturday May-12-2012 9:11:52 PDT
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US $675.00
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End Date: Friday May-11-2012 14:45:04 PDT
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Friendly Arguments can Shape the Shape of Tennis Racquets

in Tennis Racket

Tennis racquets are one of those things that people tend to have friendly arguments about back and forth. Each player tends to have their own preferences when it comes down to what they want to use. Size is a major debate.

Most people consider racquets that measure around 21-26″ to be junior designs. Many of those same players will call a 27″ racquet an adult model. However, these size definitions aren’t necessarily set in stone. If people never broke tradition, John McEnroe wouldn’t have fielded a Dunlop Max200G. As an early graphite user, McEnroe was bucking the system.

Regardless of the particular racquet that one buys, every amateur player should focus on hitting each shot. When they focus solely on making each shot the best they can, players can get on the fast track to improving their game.

Each strike with a racquet should be fun. This method of training can also be a great way to reduce stress, since it doesn’t place as much emphasis on the game itself. Some commentators have suggested that this might be compared to meditation. The comparison might not actually be very strong at all, but it isn’t hard to see how tennis can become a contemplative sport.

Many people believe that a larger head gives players a larger sweet spot. Sweet spots are usually more forgiving when a hit is taken off-center. That being said, one sacrifices precision when they go for a head size like this.

Small head sizes usually offer very precise control over the shots. With practice, this control can become a lethal weapon in a tennis player’s arsenal. However, beginners might still want to experiment with tennis racquets that have oversize heads.

Oversized surface areas usually run somewhere between 105 and 130 square inches. The giant sweet spots on these racquets aren’t the only thing to look forward to, however. Many players like to use oversized racquets to add extra spin to the ball and transfer greater power into their shots. While these might not work for everyone, players that want some extra power might want to have a look.

It is important to remember that there has never been a one size fits all solution. People that play with an uncomfortable design can actually injure themselves doing so. This is hardly an ideal turn of events for anyone.

Each individual needs to know their own limits and preferences when going out to look for tennis racquets.

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Is Rod “Rocket” Laver the Greatest Player to Have Ever Lived?

April 8, 2012

Had Rod Laver started during the professional era of modern tennis, he would have broken every record and enjoyed a position at the 98th percentile. However, as it stands, he rates only in the top five in many tennis rankings. More recent players often receive the coveted top spots. This really is rather strange for [...]

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January 1, 2012

Since the Australian Open is held in the middle of summer, matches will sometimes be canceled due to extreme heat. That has not stopped fans from attending, however, since the 2010 tournament had an attendance that was over 650,000. This is certainly a world away from the humble early 20th century origins that the event [...]

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The French Open: Tennis’ Crowning Achievement

December 3, 2011

Historians believe that tennis originated in France, so it only makes sense that the French Open has the widest coverage among tennis events. It is considered to be one of the finest events in the entire sport, and few would question the superiority of the event when it comes to other clay court tournaments. Formally [...]

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Youtek Rackets: Brings Out the Best in You!

November 26, 2011

Youtek rackets use the latest advances in technology and the solid construction of Head brand rackets to bring out your best game! Head YouTek Speed Pro 98 4 3/8 Tennis Racquet US $109.99 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 9:37:22 PDT Add to watch list USED Head Youtek Speed Lite 4 3/8 Pre-Strung Adult Tennis Racquet Racket [...]

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Yonex Racquets: Rule the Courts

November 25, 2011

Are you ready to rule the courts? If so, then check out these Yonex tennis rackets to help you command the courts! YONEX Ezone Rally Tennis Racket US $51.70 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 9:20:54 PDT Add to watch list Vintage Yamaha Secret Tennis Racket Cover Bag & Yonex RQ-180 Tennis Racket Cover US $4.99 (0 [...]

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Wimbeldon: Tennis and Tradition Together as One

November 19, 2011

Anything with a formal name like “The Championships, Wimbledon” is bound to be steeped in equally formal traditions. Indeed, listing each little ritual that Wimbledon goes through each year would fill several volumes. Take, for example, the fact that fans are fed a steady diet of strawberries and cream while competitors are bound to dress [...]

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Wilson Tennis Rackets

November 15, 2011

Check out these Wilson Tennis Rackets to help take your game to the next level 2012 Wilson Surge BLX 4 3/8 Pre-Strung Adult Tennis Racquet Racket US $115.00 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 12:46:02 PDT Add to watch list USED Wilson Blade 98 BLX 4 3/8 Pre-Strung Adult Tennis Racquet Racket US $110.00 End Date: Sunday [...]

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The Importance of Smart Practice and a good Tennis Attitude

November 5, 2011

It takes a great deal of practice to be a skilled tennis star. The world’s top players have dedicated their lives to the game, and they clearly have a lot to show for it. However, the way in which practice and play is carried out is equally important. Though it might sound like a didactic [...]

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