The Sportbot is not the first tennis ball machine I have reviewed but it is the first one developed by my fellow countryman Toni Ulčar and it is the first ball machine that can move around!
The Sportbot Tennis Machine also stands out by offering advanced features like random ball delivery, customizable drills, and even mobility.
In this article, I'll share my hands-on experience with the Sportbot Tennis Machine, including its setup, functionality, and app capabilities, to see how it measures up.
Disclaimer: If you decide to invest into the Sportbot machine through the links in this article, I receive a small commission.
About The Sportbot Tennis Ball Machine
The Sportbot ball machine was developed by my fellow countryman Toni Ulčar, an avid tennis player and engineer.
With Toni, Sportbot's inventor.
Toni came up with the idea during the COVID-19 lockdown when he struggled to find playing partners.
Though he initially turned to a traditional tennis ball machine, he realized it lacked the ability to mimic real match scenarios.
Determined to fill the gap, Toni developed the Sportbot, a machine capable of delivering randomized balls with varying:
- Height
- Direction
- Spin
This unique randomness helps players simulate real-game conditions, enhancing their alertness and reaction times.
Additionally, the machine can create complex patterns and drills via its dedicated phone app, which I’ll dive into later.
Setting Up The Sportbot Tennis Ball Machine
The Sportbot Tennis Machine is designed with convenience in mind. It's about the size of a carry-on suitcase, with a foldable ball basket to save space.
A built-in handle makes it easy to transport.
- Setup Process:
- Place the machine on the court.
- Load up to 80 tennis balls into the basket.
- Switch it on.
- Control via App:
Most functions are managed through the app, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Setting up the Sportbot is quick and easy.
Testing the Sportbot Tennis Machine
1. Warming Up with Groundstrokes
Traditional ball machines often deliver shots in the same direction repeatedly, forcing players to adjust their position to match. The Sportbot, however, offers directional variation.
I programmed the machine to alternate between two balls to my left and two to my right. This setup allowed me to practice forehands and backhands naturally, simulating real match conditions.
2. Practicing Random Shots
Next, I tested the machine’s ability to deliver truly random balls. Unlike pre-programmed drills, this mode keeps players on their toes, as you can’t predict where the next ball will land.
The Sportbot performed flawlessly, sending balls at varying angles, speeds, and spins. This unpredictability felt like playing against a real opponent, sharpening both my reaction time and anticipation skills.
The Sportbot is able to feed similar ball types, with directional changes.
3. Customizing Ball Speed, Spin, and Height
To fully explore the Sportbot’s capabilities, I programmed a sequence alternating between:
- High topspin forehand shots.
- Low slice backhand shots.
The machine randomized the speed, spin, and height within these parameters. For example, some topspin shots reached chest level, while others were closer to my chin.
This variety not only tested my strokes but also improved my footwork.
Alternating high forehand and low slice balls, with variations in spin, speed, and height
4. Creating a Custom Drill
One standout feature of the Sportbot is its ability to move itself during drills. I created a custom sequence featuring:
- A deep baseline shot.
- A short approach shot near the net.
- A volley.
The machine moved positions after every sequence, delivering balls from different angles and locations. This dynamic feature is a game-changer for practicing footwork, strokes, and court coverage.
The Sportbot ball machine offers you all the variations you will ever need in your practice sessions.
The Sportbot App: Your Coaching Assistant
While the Sportbot Tennis Ball Machine performs exceptionally well, the true magic lies in its programming, particularly in the dedicated phone app. Through this app, you gain complete control over the ball machine’s functions.
Sportbot tennis ball machine app.
You can use the app to practice in five ways:
- Warm-Up:
- Select machine position, court surface, difficulty, and number of balls.
- The machine sends a range of balls to help you warm up.
- Practice a Shot:
- Focus on one type of shot.
- Customize ball height, spin, landing spot, and delivery speed.
- Pre-Set Drills:
- Choose from drills like forehand pivot, rally, approach shots, and volleys.
- Developed with input from professional coaches.
- Custom Drills:
- Build your own drill from scratch.
- Control every aspect, from ball type to delivery timing.
- Play a Match (Coming Soon):
- This upcoming feature aims to simulate playing against an opponent.
Final Thoughts
The Sportbot Tennis Machine exceeded my expectations with its advanced features, portability, and ease of use. I am also very proud that it was developed by my fellow countryman Toni Ulčar and he is still passionately improving it all the time.
Sportbot is the most versatile ball machine I reviewed so far.
Its ability to randomize ball delivery and simulate match scenarios sets it apart from traditional machines.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, the Sportbot offers a versatile training experience that can significantly improve your game.
If you're serious about tennis, the Sportbot might just be the ultimate practice partner.
