Billie Jean King's Eye Coach Junior Tennis Simulator, Tennis Training Aid, Runs Only 100 Square Feet, For Players Under 4'2", Yellow and Black

like it

I’m just getting back into tennis and I wanted something to practice strokes. I tried the things where you fill it with water and hit a ball attached by elastic, but they don’t really work on lawns. This, however, is pretty good. It allows you to see if you’re getting spin on the ball. It is a slightly weird concept in that you hit it and then let it swing a few times before hitting it again, but it works if you suspend your disbelief. I think I’ll get use out of this, whether as a warm up or just practice. It’s also a good way of getting a workout in. If you put some effort into it.

The Eye Coach is good for beginning players who need to learn how to hit the ball with a good contact point and spacing. The device has limitations. The height adjustment is limited, so you don't get to practice hitting higher or lower balls that you will encounter in a game. Also, because the device is configured, it only works if you hit flat or topspin. If you try to hit a slice groundstroke or volley, the bottom of your racquet will contact the arm of the device instead of the ball. Finally, because the ball is on stationary base, you don't get to practice tracking a ball that is moving rapidly from one side of the court towards your half of the court. That said, if it's a rainy day and you want to work on your tennis indoors, you can start a distance from the Eye Coach, sidestep or jog to the device, and practice getting the right spacing and contact point as you hit. You can also get a bit of a workout if you are persistent.

We are really enjoying hitting with this at home and it definitely helps the eye. (I would describe myself and son as fairly advanced players, having played for many years) The bad thing is the covers over the screws on either side of the ball are not well made enough and one has already split, as it’s inevitable that when you go for your shots you will occasionally make contact with these on your strings.

Arrived early - was a gift for birthday party so glad came early. Will see how works for recipient.