Tennis Ball Machine Drills For Improving Your Play (Plus Slinger Bag Review)

Have you ever wondered what drills you should do when using a tennis ball machine? I'm going to show you some simple tennis ball machine drills that will have a huge impact on your play.
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[@haroldho19]

My neighbor purchased one a few months back. I saw that on You tube and decided to buy one for myself. Instead I asked him If I can be a co owner. I paid him half and he agreed. I can't wait for your up coming video using the Slinger bag. Thanks.

[@TotalTennisDomination]

Yeah, that super smart and I think that you will enjoy it.

[@michaelm4021]

I just started playing tennis again, after a four-year hiatus. Over the past few days, I've been watching some of his videos, and this young man is really terrific.

[@joyceharris3040]

I would love it if you would do videos of drills using the Slinger. You are a great teacher and I have improved my game with your instruction.

[@scoogsy]

Yay! More slinger bag content. I’ve been watching this product for a while, loving something like this coming to the retail market.

[@TotalTennisDomination]

I totally agree! thanks

[@kenzone]

I agree fully. Initially I was a bit hesitant to purchase it, fearing it would end up a white elephant in my backyard, but just after 3 months with this, I can say I simply love it, it was a real value-for-money buy for me and I’m already seeing my game improve significantly. The machine is so well built and designed, and does everything it is supposed to do well, I really look forward to my sessions with it. Of course it cannot replace gameplay, but if you’re looking for something to take your game to the next level or work on changing something in your stroke, then it’s a no- brainer to get this. By the way, I got the oscillator and it helps with variety, movement and footwork.

[@SlingerBag]

Great video, Kevin! Thanks for the solid tips and great review :)

[@claude7473]

Very fair review, I own one and you have said exactly what I experienced. Great deal, I got the oscillator and works fine also. Very easy to learn and use ball machine.

[@photographybya7602]

Thank you, Kevin. Best review of the Slinger bag that I’ve watched.

[@RobBlanzy]

Thanks Kevin. I have been looking at ball machines and your video helped me decide. I have one on order! Looking forward to more drill videos.

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

Nice shot coach you hit the machine my dude. I love your channel my friend. I use a hula hoop and try to hit in between the hula hoop’s! I’ll hit five down line and hit 5 Cross Court I’ll hit five down the line on my back hand and then I’ll repeat the process. The hula hoops, help with accuracy.

[@miketrotman9720]

Beginner here. I've had a Slinger bag now for 2 months. Love it. In combination with Kevin's video, this bag is really helping me. He's right about the topspin, though. Even at slow speeds, this thing really kicks.

[@stevebyfield1595]

Excellent coaching and advice session thank you

[@IIIRAYDENIII]

Great review, Thank you!

[@mohorizon]

Thanks for this really good video and fair review. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

I just bought my first machine (Lobster) and I’m very glad I found this video. My first time hitting with it, after four years of not playing, I just wanted to go out and ‘figure things out,’ but your philosophies and strategies about repetition and consistency make a lot of sense. When I go out tomorrow, it will be with your type of program/plan in mind. Thank you. I’ve just subscribed.

[@lukasvoesenek5642]

Great video - thanks!

[@pointfire94]

Purchased this product in Canada. Must compliment the customer service from Slinger Bag. Had an issue with the feeding mechanism. Followed the trouble shooting but unable to rectify. Slinger Bag replaced the unit in three business days. The company followed up with instructions to re register the replacement in order to continue the warranty.

[@johnschroeder2710]

Great review!

[@torig.5864]

This is good information. Thank you!!

[@cjfarran]

Just got my Slinger! Would love to see some videos on drills with this machine.

[@hunterances2656]

This is such a good video

[@Techvues]

I received my slinger bag last week. It is really an great product! I do love it!

[@TotalTennisDomination]

Great to hear! I'm really enjoying it too!

[@atennisjourney2279]

I have had my Slinger for two months, love it. The top spin is a bit much if you turn it up high, but manageable if you keep around half way, lower if you are a beginner. For me, the top spin is s plus because most of the players I play against hit a lot of top spin.

[@LiamApilado]

I've not yet seen these newer versions with the extra handles. Amazing to see how often they are improving the bag!

[@akio2730]

Yes I am envious of this new model. Mine has not that useful handles

[@vlesmeries]

What new useful handles are you folks referring to? I had the crowdfunded model which broke, so I got a new warranty replacement 2 months ago. The new bag is a little slimmer and slightly lighter but I think they are cutting costs too. The new wheels feels different and cheaper. The luggage handle too feels less stiff. I hope my warranty replacement isn’t a lemon because the ball pickup tube I got was worse than the crowdfunded one so I shipped that one back (new one had cheaper glue so it broke the week I had it). Still, the most accessible ball machine in existence as it’s cheaper but still very useful.

[@TotalTennisDomination]

Good to hear that they are still making changes. Hopefully it will last. Thanks

[@coachangelap.wilson824]

Excellent, knowing what to do but not doing it enough to build it as your second nature brings the bad habits back or building them because of lack of proper prep and owning the shot and second no planning it.

[@miguelfarolan1407]

Thanks Kevin. Practical advice when using a ball machine even a year later!

[@JamezGrimm]

Hey Kevin! Thanks for the recommendation gonna get the slinger for sure. I was wondering do you have a video on how to play against players who attack the net?

[@hypersailor]

Very honest review, it's so awesome to look at Kevin's 2014 videos, he was right then, even more confident now. My buddy bought a Tennis Tutor, I visited the factory in Burbank, great guys, but ...$2500. It's smaller, very powerful and a year later it rules the court. Cons are: doesn't beep when it's out of balls, pitiful handle for transport, but great service. The remote probably cost $5.00 but they charge $200, and it goes through the laundry easily! Anyone thinking they can 'beat' the machine is gonna find out, you oscillate for 15 mins, game over dude! Please expand on drills for one AND two players, as I find standing with the ball machine and returning gives my partner: more balls to hit, and real world returns. A year later we need creative drilling ideas! We video and it's so humbling.

[@TotalTennisDomination]

Thanks for watching. I'll put it on the list John!

[@saxbb4]

Hi Kevin, great video! Just curious, do you recall the settings you used for those drills?

[@sunshine2222ful]

Thanks for the review of the slinger bag. I’m thinking of buying one. Would you recommend buying the oscillator too? Thank you

[@stepmartialarts8421]

The machine helps you gain that confidence with your ground strokes and volley. I welcome the heavy top spin to help me cope with balls that come in hot when I play. As for the other types of balls I would just have to get the work done somewhere else. Happy with my purchase and not really fussed about just having the top spin. I could however buy another machine for the other function. 😂 Bottomline is I’m happy and would recommend getting one for yourself at this price point it is totally worth it!

[@daveoneill4065]

Hi Kevin. I love your videos. Great content and very well presented. I recently got a slinger bag and am very happy with it. I look forward to your training videos. Please include the settings and angle you will be using. For the Cons: Con1. It’s big….but, It holds about 140 balls. Con2: There is a lot of topspin….To get less topspin, turn down the speed and have the ball machine on your side of the court. Con3. It takes about 20 seconds to fire a ball…I use this time to practice a serve or 2. I would recommend getting the oscillator.

[@TotalTennisDomination]

Here are the setting that used in the video and most of the time. Thanks totaltennisdomination.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screen-Shot-2021-10-26-at-6.31.12-AM.png

[@jindong2355]

@@TotalTennisDomination Thank you. May I ask the what's the degree of ball elevation used?

[@twinwankel]

Great review. At my club we have a ball machine and you are right, it takes some time to setup. The problem with machines in general is that there's not much variety in the balls. I would like to see a ball machine that gives you flat, slice and topspin and varies the spin from shot to shot. This will mimic match play better. Feeding me the same ball over and over doesn't really help me improve my overall game. In real life, you will see many different types of ball. Anyway, thanks for that honest review.

[@akio2730]

You are right if you already master the right technique of the strokes. If not repetitions are fundamental.

[@shakeemrobinson2948]

Love my Slinger! You should have got the oscillator too... I've been really impressed with it's value and quality for the money 💵. Great tips as always on drills coach!

[@TotalTennisDomination]

Thanks Shakeem

[@lex2400]

Do you have to pick up balls manually?

[@shakeemrobinson2948]

Yes. Depending on the package you purchase you get a ball tube to pick the balls up. Personally, I bought a ball basket to help me speed up the process.

[@lex2400]

@@shakeemrobinson2948 got it. And I think I will do what you recommend and get the oscillator. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@FrostyTheBeerMan]

Looking at the front design, ( 2 blue long bars of material ) you are using the Slinger Version 2.0 ... I wonder if the remote still is slow.... many people complaining that the remote takes forever to start the machine tossing balls, up to 45 seconds on start up. Also lack of any type of spin expect topspin and lack of power.... Are you still using this machine ? Love your videos. I bought the racket in your video last year after you told me what model it was

[@vlesmeries]

I’m a believer too. Consistency was always my issue (and I’ve never had a tennis lesson before) . This was the perfect tool for the covid times as I was able to hit around without violating covid protocols. If you move the bag to your side of the net and lower the speed, you can get pretty spin neutral shots. I wouldn’t recommend the oscillator, it’s easier to just move the bag as the ball output is too random. The ball pickup tube is pretty good (until the cheap glue inside breaks). My game has never been better thanks to repetitions with the slinger (plus my muscles get a workout too lifting this heavy bag in and out of the trunk :)).

[@couchprincess698]

Use a wall. Or just hand drop on a court.

[@jeantrudel292]

My game has made huge improvements just using the slinger for the last four months... consistency, variety and confidence. Sure it has a lot of top spin if you have it cranked up to the max, but their are easy ways around this... I haven't used my oscillator yet but will be doing so soon!

[@haroldho19]

Thanks

[@vlesmeries]

I used my oscillator maybe 5 times since I received the unit a year ago. I think it’s unnecessary if you just want to focus on specific shots (since the way the slinger spits out balls is pretty random/dependent on when the ball gets into the chute).

[@coachangelap.wilson824]

That's great, if you don't do enough repetitions of what you know, you lose the ability of hitting clean effective strokes or strike the ball right timed. Overall great ball machine.

[@paddlepower888]

I’d have bought the Slinger if I’d known about it two years ago. The lowest level Lobster ball machine I bought has oscillation and now costs $1029. The remote costs an extra $185 (I wired in a $20 remote kit from Amazon). I have to force myself to dial up topspin. If you can hit against the Slinger’s topspin it’s easier to adjust for flat balls than the other way around. The Slinger also weighs less-one reason: it has lithium battery vs. a sealed lead acid in the Lobster. (I just replaced it with a lithium) The Lobster can do backspin-I don’t use it. Its ball hopper flips over the machine so it can fit in my car. The Slinger full package also includes a ball grabbing tube that can hold 20 (?) balls-my Tourna hopper with wheels can pick up and hold 60+ balls. Maybe easier to load the balls into the car separately from the machine ~38#.

[@raquelrich7920]

What speed should you start with when you get a machine if your a 2.5 player?

[@jondarling]

Hi everyone. Where are you using your Slinger by the way? Public courts in NYC don’t allow them. Are you booking time at private clubs an hour at a time?

[@Javi_C]

👍

[@user-op5kg7ht1y]

Good stuff, you are a real ball machine , better than machine, also, your mouth is better than speaking machine, good luck,

[@gibranrehman3854]

Is it durable?

[@40luv84]

Does it hit flat or backspin? How do you replace the battery when it gets old? Does it have an electric power outlet alternative if you want to plug in for more power?

[@vlesmeries]

Topspin only, the speed setting increases the rotation (max is what I imagine being on the receiving end of one of Rafa’s forehands on clay). However, you learn pretty quickly that if you lower the speed setting and move the bag closer to you like how a coach would feed you balls, you can get relatively flat easy balls to hit. This isn’t the tennis machine for you if you want to simulate advanced game situations - those machines cost double or more.

[@g00glechr0me8]

Can someone do me a favor...I'm contacting the company because they forgot to include the charger with the slinger machine, but in the meantime I want to buy a charger from Walmart (if available) to use the machine...could you please give me the specs off of the label on the charger so i know what volts/amp I would need to buy an aftermarket charger? Thank you so much.

[@SushantGargya]

Hi Kevin. Interested in bootcamp style private lesson for 1-2 weeks. I’ve messaged you through your website but never heard back. I’ve got a few students interested in getting bootcamp style coaching. Please reach out to me with your availability & rates. Thanks.

[@minimalistviolinist3238]

Coach. What racket are you using in this video?

[@Sinisterg60]

Looks like a radical MP

[@702bigron]

How do you feel about the balls? They want you to use the Wilson trinity balls

[@aaronfast2788]

I’ve had my slinger for well over a year. I recommend the trinity balls, or other pressure less balls. I’ve put regular used balls in (ones after a play session) and at higher speeds, they tend to warp as they are launched and don’t come out as smooth as the trinitys. The trinitys just hold up better. I bought them directly from Wilson website about a year ago. And figure I’ll buy a box about every year to two to replace the older ones. The felt wears out before the bounce does.

[@vlesmeries]

Trinity’s are expensive but worth it in the long run. Just get the largest case. My ball container has a mix of different balls to get used to weird bounces when I’m drilling. Normal balls will go flat pretty quickly whereas the Trinity’s have been lasting me and still bounce consistently.

[@TotalTennisDomination]

So far I've been using normal Pen balls because that's what we had on hand. I hit with the trinity balls and didn't like them because I felt that they hurt my shoulder a little. I'm still searching for a long term solution. thanks

[@rikh78]

it's a LOT more expensive in the UK!

[@chorhanglam]

How does a ball machine compare with hitting against the wall?

[@aaronfast2788]

You don’t look quite as dumb cussing at a machine as you do cussing at a wall.

[@vlesmeries]

They have different uses. Seeing your ball go over the net exactly where you want to put it also gives a much better feedback.

[@wegtennis8740]

I'd suggest your viewers also look at Silent Partner machines, which address all your "cons": notably more compact, built in oscillation, no delay on start up (this assumes you buy a model that includes a remote control), completely adjustable topspin and underspin. Plus it will fire a much faster ball, should you wish. Only downside I've seen is that even dinky parts carry a twenty dollar shipping charge from Canada, and you'll pay a little more for all the features I've described (Star model), a cost well worth it to me.

[@wegtennis8740]

Oh yeah, forgot to mention the Silent Partner telescoping handle is flimsy.

[@beyondfirstclass]

45mph max put me off

[@pierob.s8237]

;)

[@MiS-jy4gm]

the only benefit of this video advertisement is not what is says in title - "drills you should do when using a tennis ball machine" because there is NONE. The benefit is AI part of YT that suggested some good contents and real drills . Do not waste time watching this video in full - has nothing to do with drills

[@zenpanda100]

That ball machine won't last a year. Just buy a playmate ball machine. They are industrial grade

[@speedymr]

Man why don't you mention about balls... That's why I don't like ball machines. Pressurized balls last only 3 hrs so it will cost you tons of money to replace them. Pressureless balls are like brick and not good for your game. So ball machines are actually not good. FInd a partner and hit with them....

[@akio2730]

The partner doesn’t mean the pressurized balls will last more then 3 hrs: so you still have to buy the balls. The non pressurized balls if you hit them just to improve your technic, so without ask the machine to set the maximum speed are more then ok.

[@TotalTennisDomination]

So far I haven't had the ball machine long enough to the see what the ball use is going to be like. So far so good. thanks