Pickleball machines give you the ability to practice your game on your own or with the assistance of a coach. Pickleball machines can serve pickleballs with spin or fire side shots over the net to keep you guessing.
This random distribution of balls means you can practice your returns, dinks, and your ability to combat strong opponents play with counter-punch shots that will help you score more points during match play.
If you are a serious pickleball player or a pickleball trainer looking for the best pickleball machine, you’re in the right place. Here at PickyPickleball, we compare all of the best pickleball equipment on the market, from pickleball paddles through the best court accessories.
That’s why we have examined the latest and best pickleball machines on the market so that you can make the right choice when you make your next machine purchase.
First, check out our list of the top pickleball machines. We then take you through our pickleball machine buying guide so that you can learn everything there is to know about pickleball machines before you make this important investment.
Top 3 Pickleball Machines
If you’re looking for the best pickleball machines out there, you’ve come to the right place. Our top pickleball machine list shows you the best machines on the market and advises on what you should look out for when you’re making your next investment.
All of our guides here at PickyPickleball.com constantly evolve and update, so check back whenever you are in the market for your next piece of pickleball equipment.
1. OnCourt OffCourt Pickleball Tutor Spin Machine
Our current pick as the best pickleball machine out there is the OnCourt OffCourt Pickleball Tutor Spin. This small and mighty pickleball machine is a revolutionary machine that has helped countless pickleball players improve their game through dedicated and continued practice.
If you want to maintain or gain your edge on the court, the Pickleball Tutor Spin is a great investment.
The Tutor Spin is one of the smallest pickleball machines out there, but it still packs a big punch. Expertly built, the Tutor Spin can fire balls across the net at speeds up to 60mph, applying left and right spin to ensure you can practice returning the most difficult serves. The Tutor Spin can hold a massive 125 pickleballs and there are different shot settings which mean you can choose between a serve, high lob, dinks, short dink, or quick shots anywhere on-court.
These features mean you can practice every aspect of your pickleball game, honing your skills so that you are capable of dealing with any opponent, playing indoors or on an outdoor pickleball court.
In terms of specifications, the Tutor Spin pickleball machine measures 12” x 18” and is 20” deep. The machine weighs 29 lbs and comes complete with a convenient towable cart. That means if you’re a coach who wants an easy pickleball machine to transport around, you will love the Tutor Spin. Alternatively, if you are someone who wants an easy machine to bring with you to court, the Tutor Spin also works.
Like the best tennis ball machines, the Pickleball Tutor Spin is available with two different power sources, either battery power, or AC/Electric. Likewise, there are two different specs available, oscillating and non-oscillating.
The non-oscillating option features everything mentioned above however the oscillating version comes complete with a 2-line oscillating option that can fire pickleball balls into two pre-set locations on court. That means if you are a doubles pairing who wants to practice groundstrokes together, or you want to alternative backhand and forehand you can do.
Finally, you can also add an electronic elevation feature to the machine. This gives you a convenient remote that can control the ball feed and ball trajectory of the machine instead of using the manual controls built into the machine. This is a great option for anyone who wants the convenience of quickly changing between shot configurations.
We love the power and might packed into the OnCourt OffCourt Pickleball Tutor Spin. This really is a brilliant pickleball machine that is convenient and perfect for practicing any shot out there. If you are hesitating on your investment, remain confident that the Tutor Spin will enhance your game.
Standout Features
- Small Pickleball Machine that packs a big punch
- Fires Pickleball Balls at speeds up to 60mph
- Holds 125 Pickleball ball capacity, available with battery power or AC/Electric
- Remote control add-on available for extra convenience
- Consistent feed rate that allows you to practice groundstrokes, forehand, backhand, dinks, and backspin
2. OnCourt OffCourt Pickleball Tutor Plus
If you’re happy making the additional investment, then the OnCourt OffCourt Pickleball Tutor Plus is another brilliant pickleball machine that has added functionality beyond the Tutor Spin. With built-in random-oscillation and new topspin/backspin capability, you can practice even more shot variations than ever.
The Pickleball Tutor Spin is the more advanced version of the Tutor Spin. As such, you will get more functionality packed into this machine. This includes a 65mph speed capacity (the fastest currently on the market), as well as a ball feed interval that can be alternated between a leisurely pace of ball deliveries or a 1-second interval that is great for improving your cardiovascular endurance.
The Pickleball Tutor Plus weighs more than the Tutor Spin at 34 lbs and is larger, measuring 26” x 16” x 26”. However, the Tutor Plus does have a convenient 3” wheel which makes transporting the machine around the pickleball court super-easy.
Like the sports Tutor Spin, you can choose between a battery-powered or AC/Electric option and can add 2-Line Oscillation. This allows you to pre-set two locations on the court to fire pickleball balls into so that you can alternate between your forehand and backhand groundstrokes, or practice as a pair. It’s also possible to add the electronic elevation feature, as well as the wireless 2-Function Remote. This makes it the perfect pitching machine for pickleball players.
We place the Tutor Spin above the Tutor Plus simply because of its price-point and convenience for a wider range of players. However, the Tutor Plus is another amazing pickleball machine that is perfect for serious pickleball players, or clubs/community centers that don’t need to transport the machine regularly.
Standout Features
- Faster ball speed with the possibility to fire pickleballs over the net at 65 mph
- Perfect practice partner for doubles or singles looking to improve groundstrokes
- 3-wheel pickleball ball machine that is easy to transport around the pickleball court
- AC Power or battery-powered options available
- Remote control panel add-on available, alter ball trajectory remotely
3. Lobster Pickleball Machine
Next on our best pickleball machine list is the Lobster Pickleball Machine. The Lobster Pickleball Machine fires pickleball balls across the net at up to 60mph, holds an impressive 135 pickleballs, and contains 8” wheels which make it easy to move around and transport.
The great thing about the Lobster Pickleball Machine is that it is convenient to move around, and has some great features. Beyond the Lobster Sport’s capacity to hold 135 pickleballs, firing them over the net at 60mph, you can also set the feed-rate of the machine between 2-12 seconds, as well as having the ability to adjust elevation and placement to practice various shots.
Like the Tutor Plus and Tutor Spin, you can also bolt on a host of additional pieces of technology. Firstly, there is the option to enhance the standard versions 4-hour battery life with a fast charger, external battery packs, or external A/C Power. The external battery pack will give you an additional 4-8 hours of battery life, while the A/C Power supply allows you to play for as long as you wish.
Side to the extended battery life, you can also add an Elite Remote Control which allows you to adjust the ball feed and sweep of the machine remotely. This is a great feature if you like the convenience of quickly altering the machine to feed pickleballs across the net in a different way.
The Lobster Pickleball Machine is another great option for pickleball players who want to purchase a new pickleball machine. We’d say that the Lobster Pickleball Machine is the most convenient when it comes to quick transport. It can also hold more balls than the other machines and is a super-fast charger.
Standout Features
- 60mph ball speeds with the ability to vary ball feed-rate between 2-12 seconds
- Available with A/C power or fast charger external battery
- Option to add on Elite Remote Control panel for convenience when coaching or playing alone
- 135 ball capacity, ability to sweep balls over the net to practice varying groundstrokes and dinks
Pickleball Machine Buying Guide 2020
When it comes to buying your next pickleball machine, there is a lot to weigh up and consider. After all, pickleball machines are not the cheapest piece of pickleball equipment out there. The purpose of our buying guide is to walk you through everything you need to know before you buy your next machine. That includes everything from ease of transportation, to feed rates and ball capacity. Whatever your pickleball needs, we’ve got you covered.
What is a Pickleball Machine?
Pickleball machines mimic your opponent by automatically feeding balls over the net in the same way an opponent would do during a match. Pickleball machines can be set up to serve lobs, dinks, speed shots and alternating shots at varying speeds. That means you can easily practice any type of pickleball shot so that you improve your overall gameplay. The best pickleball machines allow you to pre-set the machine to deliver balls into various places on-court so that you can practice alternating shots quickly. Likewise, it’s important that you pick a pickleball machine that allows you to alter the feed rate so that you can get to grips with faster and slower opponent play.
What does a Pickleball Machine do?
Pickleball machines fire pickleball balls over the net based on pre-determined or random settings. For example, you might want to practice alternating forehands and backhands without the need for a coach or partner. With the use of a pickleball machine, you can serve balls at varying speeds and feed rates to both sides of the court so that you can Sharpen your skills for as long as you need to. Good pickleball machines allow you to practice speed shots, dinks, lobs, and more.
Is it worth investing in a Pickleball Machine?
If you are serious about your pickleball or coach pickleball, then yes it is a worthwhile investment. Pickleball machines can be easily transported to your pickleball court so that you can simulate match play to improve your game. It’s not always easy or affordable to practice pickleball on your own. Coaches can be expensive, while friends and playing partners will have their own objectives. Pickleball machines give you the option to independently work on your game, whatever your needs are.
Will Pickleball Machines improve my game?
Yes! If you use pickleball machines regularly then you can greatly enhance your game. Like anything in life, nothing beats consistency and hard work. By investing in a pickleball machine, you don’t need to rely on anyone else and can focus on improving your game whenever it suits you.
