Discover the Future of Tennis Training with the AI Tennis Ball Machine: PongBot Pace S Pro

After more than two decades of regularly using tennis ball machines in my training, I recently encountered the PongBot Pace S Pro – an AI tennis ball machine that genuinely impressed me.
This isn’t just another ball feeder; it’s the world’s first smart ball machine that tracks your movement on the court and adapts its feeds in real time.
Imagine training with a partner who watches your every step and adjusts the ball placement accordingly.

In this article, I’ll walk you through my three favorite features of the PongBot Pace S Pro: Custom Drills, Recovery Trigger, and Adaptive Rally.

Custom Drills: Tailor Your Practice to Your Goals

One of the most exciting capabilities of the PongBot Pace S Pro is the ability to create custom drills. Whether you’re a player, coach, or tennis parent, this feature allows you to design drills that align perfectly with your training objectives.

What makes this feature remarkable is that you can program up to 45 balls in one sequence. For instance, you might want to practice a combination of baseline strokes, approach shots, volleys, and overheads all in one fluid drill. The machine can deliver this complex sequence seamlessly, making your practice session both varied and dynamic.

Using the accompanying app, setting up these drills is intuitive and fun. You can customize every ball’s spin (topspin, slice, or no spin), speed, height, and placement on the court. This level of control means you can replicate specific match scenarios or focus on particular shots that need improvement.

To illustrate, I programmed an 11-ball drill involving my daughter Bianca, which included baseline forehands and backhands, short balls to bring her forward, volleys, and lobs (watch the video above). The machine fed balls in a pattern that mimicked a real match, allowing me to coach her live while the machine managed the ball feeds. This hands-free approach lets coaches focus on instruction without interrupting the flow of practice.

Additionally, the app offers over 300 pre-programmed drills designed by professionals, which you can use directly or modify to fit your needs. This extensive library ensures that players of all levels have access to high-quality training routines at their fingertips.

Recovery Trigger: Training at Your Own Pace

The Recovery Trigger feature is a game-changer for anyone looking to simulate realistic match conditions while controlling the pace of their training. This function allows you to designate a “recovery spot” on the court, such as behind the baseline, at the service line, or closer to the net, using the app.

The AI tennis ball machine then waits to feed the next ball until you return to this recovery spot after hitting your shot. This means the machine adapts to your speed and stamina. If you recover quickly, the machine speeds up the ball feed; if you take your time, it waits patiently.

This feature is especially useful for coaches because it allows them to pause the drill to give feedback or instructions without the ball machine continuing to feed balls relentlessly. For players, it means you can manage your energy levels and focus on quality shots rather than rushing to keep up with a preset tempo.

The technology behind this is impressive: the machine uses two sensors placed on the net and a wearable tag on the player (attached to clothing or a visor) to track the player’s position on the court. This setup enables the machine to know precisely when you’ve returned to the designated recovery spot.

During a demonstration with Bianca, we set the recovery spot behind the baseline. As she hit each shot, the machine only fed the next ball once she returned to the spot. When she slowed down, the machine waited, and when she sped up, the ball feeds came quicker (see the video above).
This personalized pacing makes workouts more effective and less exhausting.

Adaptive Rally: Intelligent Ball Feeding Based on Your Position

The third feature I’m excited to share is the Adaptive Rally. This function allows the AI tennis ball machine to track your position on the court and feed balls accordingly.
Instead of a fixed ball placement, the machine adjusts in real time based on where you move.

For example, if you hit a ball and then move several steps to the right, the next ball will be fed to that new position, helping you work on your footwork and shot preparation without feeling rushed.

This feature is particularly beneficial for beginner players who need extra time to get into position without the pressure of a constant ball feed. It encourages proper footwork and positioning, which are foundational skills for tennis improvement.

Using the same sensor and tag system as the Recovery Trigger, the machine continuously monitors your location. Whether you’re at the baseline or the net, you can customize drills to match your position and training focus.

In practice, I had Bianca wear the tag while the machine tracked her movement. As she shifted around the court, the machine adapted, ensuring the next ball was fed exactly where she was standing.
This flexibility makes practice sessions feel more dynamic and less robotic.

Additional Features and Final Thoughts

Beyond these three standout features, the PongBot Pace S Pro comes loaded with other impressive capabilities:

• Smart match simulation: Mimics real match scenarios to prepare players mentally and physically.
• NTRP-based ball feeds: Customize speed and difficulty based on your National Tennis Rating Program level.
• Remote and app control: Operate the machine easily from your remote, or smartphone.

While this AI tennis ball machine won’t replace a coach or hitting partner – because nothing can replace human feedback and interaction – it offers a unique, challenging, and fun way to enhance your training whenever you want. It’s perfect for players looking to improve independently, or coaches seeking an efficient way to run drills.

One minor downside? You can’t claim to have beaten a robot! But the benefits far outweigh that small drawback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes the PongBot Pace S Pro different from other ball machines?

The PongBot Pace S Pro is the world’s first AI tennis ball machine that tracks your movement on the court and adapts its ball feeds in real time, offering features like custom drills, recovery trigger, and adaptive rally that simulate realistic match play.

Can I customize drills on the PongBot Pace S Pro?

Yes! You can create drills with up to 45 balls per sequence, customizing spin, speed, height, and placement. The app also includes over 300 pre-programmed professional drills.

How does the Recovery Trigger feature work?

You set a recovery spot on the court, and the machine waits to feed the next ball until you return to that spot. This allows you to train at your own pace and gives coaches time to provide feedback during drills.

Is the PongBot Pace S Pro suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The Adaptive Rally feature is especially helpful for beginners, as it feeds balls based on your position, allowing you to focus on footwork without feeling rushed.

How do I control the machine during practice?

The Pace S Pro can be controlled via a lightweight remote, or a smartphone app, giving you flexibility and convenience during training sessions.

Where can I buy the PongBot Pace S Pro?

You can purchase it online through authorized dealers. Using the discount code CTT5 will save you 5% at checkout.