How I Train With My SlingerBag (Portable Tennis Ball Machine)

[@vlesmeries]

Wow. Slinger should pay you. This is better than anything they've published .

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@santiagosport]

Agreed!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for watching! Let me know if there is anything in particular you‘d like to see on here and I’ll see what I can do!

[@ACEYOU]

I got exhausted just watching you warm up! Thanks for the tips.

[@TheTennisMentor]

ACEYOU haha, it’s good to get a little sweat on during your warm up!

[@josephpollone]

Ah, me too with the thanks for the warm-up tips. I appreciate you including those in the video. I'll jot down the sequence and stuff the card in my bag, but I'll try to get used to them by doing them at home first. BTW I bought the slinger bag first and then started watching the videos about it, which is a little backwards. I have a 20-year-old Prince ball machine that I lugged around a few times during this COVID season, but it is a little tough to rip out of the car and drag to the court. I was overly excited when I saw the Slinger since I'm lucky enough to have a lot of courts to choose from in the morning. So happy I can practice overheads with this machine but isn't that serve ball feeder awesome? Brilliant!

[@TheTennisMentor]

I’m pleased you found the warm up sequence useful. Enjoy the slinger, you’ll have hours of fun with endless possibilities! 🎾💨

[@lipoktv3081]

because of this video i bought my Slinger ball machine ,just weather in Ireland at the moment is not cooperating..many thanks for this inspiring videos..awesome!!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for letting me know Robert, fingers crossed for better weather for you so that you can get out there with it!!💥🎾

[@waailabusin8752]

Loved it, can you please share the slingerbag settings on each drill?

[@royc5974]

You have amazing strokes. I found myself mesmerized by your play.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Roy 😊

[@yyz7436]

Beautiful Wimbledon type courts

[@zedearl5181]

The best tennis instruction video I’ve seen. I’m definitely going to purchase the Slinger. Happy to subscribe and pay a subscription if necessary. 👏🏾

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thank you so much for the kind comment, I’m really pleased you like it! Subscribing is free!! 😁 Thanks again Zed!🙏

[@akio2730]

Thank you for the video. I would appreciate if you told me which settings you put on the Slinger for the various exercises .

[@TheTennisMentor]

Here you go… drive.google.com/file/d/1pJzVOQHQuE2TBs1sid320MGHkVt4aq-l/view

[@Icacer]

@the tennis mentor hey! I was inspired to try out the slinger bag after I saw your video. I just got it yesterday! Super excited to start the drills. May I ask what your settings are for the different drills you are doing? Thanks in advanced!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Nice work, you’ll love it! drive.google.com/file/d/1pJzVOQHQuE2TBs1sid320MGHkVt4aq-l/view?usp=sharing

[@Icacer]

The Tennis Mentor oh my goodness, this is amazing! Thank you for your hard work and great videos!! Keep up the great stuff!

[@CoachAdrian]

Great workout! Still waiting for my Slingerbag to be shipped out. Can't wait to use it! Nice courts you have there...I've never played on grass before. Seems like you really have to stay low for every shot

[@TheTennisMentor]

You’ll love it! Yes you do, I’ll be honest, my gamestyle suits the clay courts, although there’s nothing better than hitting on the grass on a nice summers evening!

[@marietenis]

Great video

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks a lot Mario!

[@frankg846]

Excellent video! Hey, somebody reviewing the slinger had said it doesnt have a backspin for that reason you can't be able to practice your slices, but I could see you practicing your slices.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks! They’re right that it doesn’t produce slice, the ball will only come out with topspin... but that doesn’t stop you from practicing your slice!

[@frankg846]

@@TheTennisMentor thank you! How about flat balls, can the machine produce flats shots?

[@TheTennisMentor]

@@frankg846 no, just topspin. You can adjust the ball speed, frequency and height, but not spin. At the slower settings the ball will have less topspin, but it won’t be flat.

[@frankg846]

@@TheTennisMentor I guess that's good enough, not having a back spin should not be a deal break, I was thinking of ordering this machine tommorrow.

[@TheTennisMentor]

@@frankg846 how exciting... you’ll love it!! I’ve made a few more videos with drills and settings on my channel... check them out once it arrives!

[@FloridaMenendezTeam]

Can you tell us the machine setting for all the exercises you show on the video. I just bought one and I spend more time setting up the machine that practicing. Thank for any help you can give me.

[@royc5974]

Question, why do you like the slinger on the same side of the court with you rather than the other side of the net? Wouldn’t it be closer to someone hitting to you if it were on the other side? Thank you.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Hi Roy, good question, you’re right, it would be. However, the slinger produces quite a bit of topspin making the ball speed up considerably after the bounce when coming from a bigger distance. Bringing the machine closer allows me to use a slower speed, minimising the spin and allowing me to practice strokes with more time on the ball. I often start this way and then increase the distance and speed to make more challenging and to put myself under more time pressure. Thanks for watching!

[@royc5974]

@@TheTennisMentor thank you!

[@frankvet1]

Well, just seems like the top speed is lacking. I like the looping topspin ball, but sometimes like to have a flatter, faster ball to hit.

[@Javi-gk6zs]

Hi. I’ve been investigating, and i think slinger bags are amazong. I think there are 4 types of them, or four packs. Am i correct? Which one of these is yours?

[@TheTennisMentor]

Hey Javi, I believe that the SlingerBag itself is the same in every package. The more expensive packages just come with extra accessories like the oscillator, ball tube and balls etc. I hope that answers your question? Thanks for watching!

[@Javi-gk6zs]

Ok, perfect. It does answer my question. Thanks!

[@danielmannix8777]

Great post very informative I’m lucky enough to get one can you advise on the speed , elevation and feed rates for theses drills so I can try theses start on the bat 👍

[@TheTennisMentor]

Here you go, enjoy! drive.google.com/file/d/1pJzVOQHQuE2TBs1sid320MGHkVt4aq-l/view

[@danielmannix8777]

Thanks top man 👍

[@kakaak0]

what is the rubbery rope with two handles you are using to stretch?

[@tonyta7823]

Does the balls ever got jammed in the machine? That's the common problem for many ball machines.

[@TheTennisMentor]

The balls drop into the feeder through a rotational wheel... occasionally, a ball will miss the hole resulting in a longer pause before the next ball comes out (usually when there aren’t many balls left). I’ve not had a jam yet!

[@conciviabraila4921]

Can you tell us what the settings are for each exercise?

[@TheTennisMentor]

Of course, here you go … drive.google.com/file/d/1pJzVOQHQuE2TBs1sid320MGHkVt4aq-l/view

[@ColeyK]

What are your settings

[@TheLEGITstuff]

awesome video.. i am looking into getting a slinger bag, however, i am not sure to get the basic package or the one that includes the ball tube, oscillator, etc. Do you find youself needing the oscillator? or is the plain bag itself fine... not sure if the extra 125USD is worth all the extra stuff when i wouldnt mind using my ball hopper to pick up balls or move the bag myself to focus on different shots.

[@TheTennisMentor]

I guess it depends how you prefer to train. The benefit of the oscillator is giving you a more random feed so that you can work on your anticipation and movement. Without it, you can still get a great workout (just point the machine at an angle, turn the interval speed down so that you have time to recover to a position before moving out to the next ball). You can also point to the centre and alternate your movement between fh and bh!

[@spinnerfok]

Do you mind to repeat which club you are head coach at? Thanks

[@TheTennisMentor]

The Avenue Lawn Tennis Club (Havant, UK)

[@udai83]

Thanks for this..great video of how to practice..just bought a slinger last month and its just amazing ! Will go and do this seasion this week 🙂

[@brigittecook5283]

Do you change the setting for the different shots? Or like in you one setting video do you keep it on the same setting though out the work out but just move the machine? I just received my Slinger and want to create some routines and just wondering how often you adjust the settings during a working out?

[@TheTennisMentor]

I try not to change the setting to often, I like to get into a rhythm. I’ll use one setting for 2 or 3 rounds and then change if I want to work on receiving a different height or speed. Generally I’ll use a slow setting to groove my strokes. A faster setting half way through the session and then ball boy mode for serves to finish. I have made another video with 11 drills using one setting that may help you!

[@brigittecook5283]

@@TheTennisMentor Thank you, I did watch the the video with the 11 drills with one setting and it was great. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheTennisMentor]

@@brigittecook5283 no problem, thanks for watching! Enjoy your slinger!

[@WenoTreXo]

Is there a setting where you can change the speed of the ball coming out? It looks to fast for me haha

[@TheTennisMentor]

Weno TreXo yes, you can change the ball speed and interval timings! Thanks for watching!

[@WenoTreXo]

Actually i am looking on my slinger bag (arrived last Friday!) And i just see speed and feed. Where is the setting for the intervals timing?

[@TheTennisMentor]

Weno TreXo the ‘Feed’ setting is for the intervals!

[@youngsuit]

Why do you place the machine on the same side of the court rather than over the net

[@TheTennisMentor]

Young Suit I like this set up for getting lighter repetition in... placing the machine at the other end of the court with a higher speed is good for working on dealing with a heavier ball as it kicks out a lot of topspin! You can set it up for whatever you feel like working on

[@youngsuit]

@@TheTennisMentor I'm definitely going to get a lot of stroke refinement in, but my weaknesses right now are return of serve and the first ball after hitting a a big serve (if you know what I mean), so might be a little tough getting those in with the machine. Will be excited to work on my approach shots and volleys with it though.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Young Suit yes, would be difficult to replicate serve trajectory. For working on ‘ball 3’ you could try setting it up at your end like I did in this video, and catch the first ball, hit a serve and then play the next ball as ball 3 into the open court and then alternate between serve and ground stroke. You’ll need to play around with the interval speed to get the timings right but I reckon it could work!

[@youngsuit]

@@TheTennisMentor Yeah, ideally I'd play more matches, but alas, not always possible

[@ripmamba2424]

How long does the bag take to arrive after an order?

[@TheTennisMentor]

jimmy parmar I’m not sure at the moment, mine took 2 years as I backed it on Kickstarter 😅 You’re best off dropping slingerbag a message themselves.

[@ruemorg7]

Order before 3pm in the UK and the Slinger will be with you next business day at the moment. If it's out of stock then next available date is on the UK website. Use The Tennis Mentor's link to Framework Sports (UK Distributor for Slinger) website in the video description. For USA and other markets checkout Slingerbag.com

[@ripmamba2424]

Mark Jarvis I ordered mine and it took a month to ship. I am in the US

[@PulseTrip]

no setting details?? lol

[@adamromero]

I can almost always tell when someone is gonna have a British accent.

[@TheTennisMentor]

😂 What gave it away?!

[@johngonzales]

Can I know the settings you use for your slingbag thanks

[@michaelcolosi6885]

Just got my Slinger on Tuesday and have been looking for a workout to use with it. I'll be doing this tonight and will report back. Thanks!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Yeahhh! Enjoy! Let me know how you get on🎾💨

[@victorgarcia99]

Thanks for the video. Can you share the settings for each exercise? Thanks!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Of course... drive.google.com/file/d/1pJzVOQHQuE2TBs1sid320MGHkVt4aq-l/view

[@coachrast5620]

Great video coach! Liked the complete training all by yourself. Here is an idea for a video. I noticed you have videos on grass and clay courts. Would you be able to do a video describing the main difference with each surface? Here in the US we have primary hard courts so all my experience is on that surface. Keep up the great videos.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thank you! That is a really good idea, I will definitely add that to my list. I grew up playing on indoor hard courts so have always played best on those... clay and grass are both great fun, with different challenges. Keep your eyes peeled for a video soon 👀

[@natestenniscomeback1486]

I tried to replicate your overhead drill with my slingerbag. I tried to add some more footwork. Check it out!

[@SuperPondlife]

thank you, great video I purchased the machine because of your review. Great tips..I appreciated..

[@TheTennisMentor]

No worries... you’ll love it!! Let me know how you get on!🎾💨

[@TheTennisMentor]

@@rafking75 no you can’t, the ball comes out with top spin. If you increase the speed, you’ll naturally increase the spin. If you want less spin you can use on a slow setting with the machine closer to you.

[@inhausfitness]

Wow! Great video. My favorite endorsement and review of the Slingerbag to date. Now I’m anxious to get out there and try these drills/settings on my Slingerbag. Huge thumbs up!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for watching Paul, glad you found it useful! Enjoy your hit!🎾💨

[@anthonydodge]

Nice, I’m using my slinger bag tomorrow for the first time. Will copy your routine :)

[@TheTennisMentor]

You’ll love it!! Enjoy 💥🎾💪

[@mcgcssa]

Thank you for the great video. I decided to go ahead ordering one after watching it.

[@TheTennisMentor]

You’ll love it!

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

The poor fella is moving his feet so fast, but barely moving in warm ups. Just joking my dude. Great job on the video.

[@leob4645]

For the ball feeding from the Slinger machine to not get stuck I applied the "Professional-Grade Moldable Plastic Pellets by Polly Plastics" from amazon. I applied it on top of the rotating cross panel. I shaped the mold to have four vertically crossed mold then placed it on top of the crossed panel and have placed a glue to adhere permanently. This will help fix the issue of the ball sometimes not launching and instead will keep a regular steady feed flow. On the dial section for adjusting the ball height from the launch pad I applied a white "Fine Paint Marker for Rock Painting-Stone, Ceramic, Metal, Glass, Wood,Set of 6 Paint Pens High Volume Ink High Volume Ink for DIY Craft" from Amazon. I applied the white marker on the etched black line marker for better visibility, even from a distance. On the opening of the bag from the top entrance to place the racket I placed an elastic fiber string crosswise (made two holes on each side with a heated pointy metal) and that is where I hang my towel. There's more but this is enough for now. Thanks for letting me share.

[@kubivasak]

Hey dude, what settings and angle is the Slinger on? Keep up the good work!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Kubi Vasak here you go: drive.google.com/file/d/1pJzVOQHQuE2TBs1sid320MGHkVt4aq-l/view?usp=sharing

[@kubivasak]

@@TheTennisMentor Thanks dude! Much appreciated

[@PhilippedeHerte]

How many balls in the machine and what balls are you using?

[@TheTennisMentor]

I tend to use around 100, although it can hold more (I’m not sure I’d last any longer 😅). I’m using Wilson trinity, but any pressureless ball is good for a ball machine.

[@PhilippedeHerte]

@@TheTennisMentor Why do you use Triniti balls? I know that they have less pressure in them but why is that a good thing? Is it only a question of them lasting a bit longer? Why not use green dot balls then? They're cheaper than Triniti.

[@benlim865]

thanks for sharing. Great video and great motivation for me to work on my basics again! Nice grass too!

[@michaelp9061]

Why did they have to put the control knobs and connections in front ? Easier to be hit by balls ?

[@blaketriathlon1]

could you please give the slingerbag settings??

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for watching! For the baseline work it was on the slowest speed with medium intervals and a low trajectory. I like this for easy repetitions. I increased the speed for the volleys and overheads to medium (obviously cranking up the trajectory for overheads). For serving, I had everything at the lowest. Do you have one?

[@jaekn]

At the club where I practice, that pre-practice warm up would cost me like $40 lol

[@melaleucatree]

LOVE IT! This is my dream setup!

[@constable144]

I have a very basic ball machine called Tennis Twist. I have not been able to work out a way to practice overheads. Is there any thing you could suggest suggest like mounting the machine on some sort of stand?

[@TheTennisMentor]

Sorry Chris, I haven’t tried the Tennis Twist so cant advise on that. If you want to practice the overhead on your own, try hitting against a wall. You can hit the ball down into the ground in front of the wall for a high rebound for overhead repetitions!

[@Nanas82]

This is the life !

[@PlayTennisPracticeYoga]

Sweet slinger vid! I especially like the dynamic warm-up & bands :)

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thank you! I use the bands quite a lot. I get a touch of golfers elbow and tendinitis in the wrist, so warming up is crucial!

[@GeriLeveri]

Great complete training M8, congrats. Just one observation, i recommend to use continental grip if you do overheads. (instead eastern g)

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Geri, and good tip! 👌 It may not look like it but I’m actually more continental than eastern... although, my ‘pre throw’ position isn’t great (this may be giving the impression that my grip is further around). I guess it’s a good thing that I usually stay firmly behind the baseline 🤣🤣 Thanks for watching and for your comment!😊

[@iancauston752]

Incredible content! Your boy Ben Reeves put me onto your channel, good lookin out, man!

[@TheTennisMentor]

Big thanks mate... Ben Reeves is the boy!💥🎾

[@JnRGaming]

I usually set up my slinger from across the court for heavier spin. I like ur approach tho. very good stuff as always

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks! Yes, the way you set it up definitely makes the feed more challenging... great for practicing early preparation! I also like to use the oscillator when it’s on the other side of the net!

[@JnRGaming]

@@TheTennisMentor well said

[@rebeccacampbell650]

I have an 11 year old just starting out with tennis and I'm considering this machine. I understand there's a significant top spin with the SlingerBag. How do you manage or limit the spin?

[@TheTennisMentor]

If you turn the speed down to slow and place the slinger on the same side of the court as you, then it sends an easier (less spinny) ball, more suitable for juniors. If your 11 year old is just getting started, Speak to their coach for recommendations. It can be a great tool for junior’s training, but only once technically proficient and with a good understanding of what they need to practice, as you want to make sure you’re repeating the right techniques!

[@rebeccacampbell650]

@@TheTennisMentor That's very helpful. Thanks for getting back with me so quickly.

[@hueyelee617]

I love my Slinger, I'm about to give it a personal name! My workouts get to the point where I'm so tired, I zone out and just focus on my muscle memory form and technique

[@TheTennisMentor]

What name are you going for? I had a serving session with it yesterday... who knew that you could get a cardio workout with serves?! 😅

[@SA-wo8jc]

@@TheTennisMentor He's still thinkin' about it.

[@tenniscoachcodyinphoenix]

it looks like personal assistance!

[@TheTennisMentor]

It’s great, I can’t think of another hitting partner more consistent!

[@larswiedemann]

Brilliant idea to use the Slinger for serves as well 👌🎾

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks Lars, I’d like to say it was my idea, but it was actually a function designed by slingerbag!

[@tonyta7823]

nice warmup routines. Will copy some of that.

[@TheTennisMentor]

Glad you liked them, give them a go!

[@rsproductions4343]

Hey man great video! Quick question, what power and angle did you use for the drill. Thanks!

[@TheTennisMentor]

RS Productions thanks for watching, glad you liked it! For the baseline work it was on the slowest speed with medium intervals and a low trajectory. I like this for easy repetitions. I increased the speed for the volleys and overheads to medium (obviously cranking up the trajectory for overheads). For serving, I had everything at the lowest. Do you have one?

[@rsproductions4343]

The Tennis Mentor thank you so much! Yes, I was a backer on Kickstarter and have enjoyed it a lot.

[@TheTennisMentor]

RS Productions me too... it was worth the wait!

[@ccooper816]

Great Music!! Yo also have the most complete warm up I’ve ever seen.

[@kevin43able]

Hi, just wondering how the machine reacts to damp balls. I play outdoor on a tiger turf pro surface and would mainly practice in the morning around 10am. Obviously I wouldn’t use the machine if it was raining but at that time of the morning in say January or February there still would be some dew on the surface which would result in balls getting slightly damp. Would this affect the machine? Have you had any experience with this? Thanks. Great video by the way👍🏻

[@yungsuit]

did you get it on the kickstarter or more recently?

[@TheTennisMentor]

Through Kickstarter

[@b33fm00]

Where are these grass courts?

[@TheTennisMentor]

These are at The Avenue Tennis Club in Hampshire, UK!😁🌱🎾

[@petert9465]

I just watched this video because I'm buying a machine and have watched a lot of videos. I think this is one of the very best, not because it tells you much about the Slinger Bag but because it tells you how to use it properly and how to follow a great sequence of drills which will make you a better player, many thanks.

[@arsenyburekhin8462]

Hi Tennis Mentor. Great video. Could you tell the diff between backhand slice and backhand volley? besides the position, you're staying. thanks

[@marktace1]

It would be nice to be able to see some backspin on the feeds on grass. Depending on what you are trying to do, it looks like you may have a bit too much swing on the volleys.

[@ghadarahil8889]

Hello, what set up for the slinger and speed level did you use for this video training?

[@editmixandgroove]

Hey great video with the Slingerbag! What were your settings for the drills you did?

[@TheTennisMentor]

Thanks for watching! For the baseline work it was on the slowest speed with medium intervals and a low trajectory. I like this for easy repetitions. I increased the speed for the volleys and overheads to medium (obviously cranking up the trajectory for overheads). For serving, I had everything at the lowest. Do you have one?

[@editmixandgroove]

The Tennis Mentor That’s a great help thanks! Yes I got one just before the battle of the brits started as they sponsored the event and before the orders went crazy. The settings I’ve used for the improving adult when I’ve been coaching is speed at 12 o clock and the interval at 10 or 11 and placement at the orange baseline. Hope that helps too!

[@TheTennisMentor]

editmixandgroove thanks, I’ll try that out! I’ve not used it much for coaching yet, I like to hit in with my players... I guess it could come in handy towards the end of a long day! 😅

[@editmixandgroove]

The Tennis Mentor no worries! I use it more as a warm up or technique focus as the feed is more or less consistent. But definitely useful when you have a long coaching day in these times.

[@tennisparisbrothers8001]

@@editmixandgroove he's great help we also got help from tennis mentor for settings😂

[@janinehogendoorn4679]

Great video! Is it possible to explain how you entered the feed, speed and degrees positioning for each drill on the slinger? Thanks

[@TheTennisMentor]

Janine Hogendoorn Here you go: drive.google.com/file/d/1pJzVOQHQuE2TBs1sid320MGHkVt4aq-l/view?usp=sharing