Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran looking to get just a little bit better, there are a handful of tech gadgets you should check out. These gadgets can track and analyze your swing, keep track of the score, and measure the speed of your serves, among other things.
1. Sony Smart Tennis Sensor
There are many tennis apps out there that let you take the game anywhere you go, but there are also gadgets that you can use on the court to improve your game. One such piece of technology is the Sony Smart Tennis Sensor.
Sony created this device for players at any level that want to improve their game. By using the sensor, you can record your shots in real-time and review them on your smartphone or tablet. Metrics that the device can capture include shot count, ball impact spot, swing speed, ball speed, and ball spin. The sensor can also detect swing types such as topspin forehand, slice backhand, and others.
The smart sensor attaches to the bottom of any racket and weighs only eight grams, which should minimize the impact on performance while playing. It’s IP65 waterproof and has been approved by the International Tennis Federation for use during competition.
2. Zepp Tennis Swing Analyzer
The Zepp Tennis Swing Analyzer shares many of the features of the Sony Smart Tennis Sensor but takes things to a new level with the integration of its tennis app.
The device tracks metrics such as stroke type, ball speed, ball spin, sweet spot, and more. Using the compatible smartphone app, you can use the data collected to break down your strokes by type and the spin type. Moreover, you can see a performance report that shows you where you need to improve. Zepp also tracks which swing types result in you hitting the ball in the sweet spot or not, helping you understand where you need to practice more.
In addition, by recording your performance on your smartphone, the Zepp app generates individual clips of every shot and selects the best shot, such as your fastest forehand during the match, for you to review and share.
Installation is easy. The Zepp device hardware attaches to the bottom of any tennis racket, while video capturing is done using your smartphone.
3. Babolat Pop Tennis Wristband
The Babolat Pop Tennis Wristband differs from other tennis trackers by being a wrist-mounted device, rather than a racket-mounted one. Like other trackers, the hardware includes motion tracking sensors and connects wirelessly to your smartphone, which does the heavy analytical lifting. Simply download the app and once the device is charged, throw it on your dominant arm and start playing.
While playing, the device will track and record every forehand, backhand, overhead, smash, volley, and serve. It also provides a breakdown of how many of each swing you used during the match, as well as the amount of spin you put on each shot.
Other features of the Babolat system include being able to challenge and interact with friends via social and gaming features. For example, you can rank your activity score against all other Babolat Pop users across the globe to see how you stack up or challenge your friends to beat your PIQ score. This is a proprietary score determined by the app after each match that is based on your motion, speed, spin, and style.
4. Ball Coach Pocket Radar
The Ball Coach Pocket Radar is what it sounds like: A pocket-sized device that you can use to track the ball speed using radar technology.
Using this device lets you track ball speed in real time, which—in turn—allows you to identify and correct mistakes in your serve. By being better able to control your tennis serve speed, you can increase your chances of winning more serve points.
By pairing the pocket radar with the companion app, and by connecting a pair of wireless earbuds to your smartphone, you can receive audible results of each service directly into your ear, meaning you can hammer out reps without having to stop and look at your phone.
4. Hit Zone Air Suspension Tee
The Hit Zone Air Suspension Tee can be used for beginner ball players in several sports, including baseball to tennis. The device works by blowing a stream of air upward and levitating a ball in the ideal hit zone allowing you to practice hitting balls.
As a teaching aid, the machine allows you to develop a proper stance, spatial awareness to the contact point, and practice proper swing paths before practicing against a real opponent. You can adjust the height of the ball by changing the speed of the fan—and you can even use actual tennis balls instead of the foam balls that come with the device.
6. Scoreband Play Wristband
The Scoreband Play wristband is a simple device that lets you keep track of the score during a match and can be used for tennis, pickleball, or racquetball. In tennis mode, the device allows you to track the game and set scores, view the in-match current score, and adjust the score easily in the event of an error.
Of course, if you own a Fitbit, there’s the TennisTrkr app that you can download serveing the same purpose. If you own an Apple Watch, there are apps like Tennis that you might want to check out.
Choosing the Right Tennis Gadget
If you’re a beginner and need help developing a consistent swing, perhaps you need to check out the Hit Zone Air Suspension System until you can consistently hit balls over the net.
If you’re a more intermediate player and want to understand which swing types you need to work on the most, consider checking out one of the many swing trackers. And if you’re an advanced-level player looking to add heat to your serves, consider a radar device to give you the feedback you need to burn aces into the court.
