Why structured drills beat "hitting balls"
In short: Technique comes from deliberate repetition, not from volume. A ball machine is unbeatable here because it patiently delivers identical balls – something no training partner can sustain. Set a goal per session, define a target zone and count hits. That turns hitting into measurable training.
For the big picture of device types and selection, see the tennis ball machine guide. The following twelve drills build on each other: first consistency, then variation, then match-like situations. You do not have to do them all in one day – pick two or three per session and raise the demand over the weeks.
1. Forehand consistency (crosscourt depth)
Set a medium speed, moderate topspin and an interval of 4–6 seconds. Hit 100+ balls deliberately crosscourt with depth and the same contact point. The goal is not pace but repeatability: the same clean shot, again and again. With a court marker as a target zone, your progress becomes visible immediately.
2. Backhand consistency
The same principle for the backhand – which is not the strong side for most amateurs. Same settings, same target zone. If you play two-handed, focus on a stable stance; if one-handed, on early preparation. A high repetition count is doubly valuable here, because the backhand is often the weaker link in a match.
3. Forehand/backhand switch (footwork)
Set the machine to spread (or alternate into both corners). Now it is about footwork: split step, lateral push-off, recovering position. Keep the interval a little longer so you can run back cleanly. This drill combines stroke technique with fitness – and mercilessly reveals where your legs tire.
4. Slice backhand (backspin)
Lower the height and deliberately practise the underspin: a low, drawn-through shot that stays flat over the net. The slice is gold in a match – as defence, as a change of pace, as an approach to the net. A dual-wheel machine feeds you the right flat balls for it.
5. Topspin depth and height over the net
Increase the topspin and deliberately play with safety height over the net – a metre and more. The goal is deep, heavy topspin that bounces at the back of the court. This drill trains the modern groundstroke: lots of net clearance, lots of rotation, high safety with good pace at the same time.
6. Volley reaction (net attack)
Set a short interval and a flat trajectory and stand at the net. Now reaction counts: short preparation, firm wrist angle, step into the ball. Start slowly and increase the pace. Volleys are pure repetition technique – exactly what the machine is made for.
7. Serve-return position
Have fast, flat balls fed from the opponent's serving direction and practise the return from a realistic position. Focus: early split step, compact swing, block or counter. The return is the second most important shot in tennis and is almost never trained in isolation in normal sessions.
8. Moonball and defence
Set high, deep balls and practise coming back into the rally from defence: a high, deep counter that buys you time. This underrated skill decides close rallies. Alternate between defence and an aggressive escape shot.
9. Approaching short balls (drop-shot reaction)
Set short, flat balls that pull you forward. Practise the sprint, the controlled shot on the move and the subsequent net position. This drill combines sprinting, precision and decision – very match-like and demanding on fitness.
10. Conditioning drill (short interval)
Shorten the interval markedly and play into both corners. Now it is about endurance under hitting load: how clean do you stay when your legs burn? Limit the drill to short, intense blocks with breaks. On battery power this works on courts without a socket too – more on that in the spoke .
11. Target-zone training (with court markers)
Place court markers in defined zones and count hits per 20 balls. This drill makes every shot measurable: you see in black and white whether you are improving. Switch zones (down the line, crosscourt, short, deep) to control your spread.
12. Match simulation (Pro: Smart Match Mode)
The supreme discipline: variable balls that mimic a real game. With Tenniix Pro, Smart Match Mode handles this – the device recognises your position, deliberately targets your weaknesses and simulates a learning opponent. So you do not train a single detail but the whole rally.
These drills come pre-installed
In short: You do not have to program the drills yourself. Tenniix ships with 1,000+ pro drills that adapt dynamically to your level; the Pro variant simulates a learning opponent in Smart Match Mode and analyses your landing spots. You choose the goal and level, the device does the rest.
That is the practical difference between a plain ball machine and a training partner that thinks along: instead of fiddling with settings, you start a drill sequence and concentrate on playing. For more on building a complete training plan even without a partner, read the spoke .
How we assess this
We play the drills described here with real devices from our rental fleet (as of June 2026). The setting recommendations (speed, spin, interval) are deliberately phrased as guide values – every machine and level needs fine-tuning. The drill logic itself is training-science standard: consistency before variation, volume before pace.
Frequently asked questions
What drills can I do with a ball machine?
Practically any repetition drill: forehand and backhand consistency, slice, topspin control, volleys at the net, footwork switches, return position, drop-shot reaction and conditioning drills. An AI ball machine adds target-zone training and match simulation. The key is to set a clear goal per session rather than just hitting balls.
How do I improve my forehand with the ball machine?
Set a medium speed, moderate topspin and an interval of 4–6 seconds and hit 100+ balls deliberately crosscourt with depth. First consistency (same contact point, same depth), then pace. With court markers you define a target zone and make progress measurable.
How many repetitions do I need to improve?
Technique comes from volume: plan several hundred deliberate repetitions per shot per week. This is exactly where the ball machine is unbeatable – it patiently feeds you identical balls, which no partner can sustain. Quality over pace: 200 clean balls beat 500 hectic ones.
Does Tenniix adapt to my level?
Yes. Tenniix ships with 1,000+ pro drills that adapt dynamically to your level; the Pro variant simulates a learning opponent in Smart Match Mode and analyses your landing spots. So you do not have to program the drills yourself – you choose the goal and level, the device takes over.