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What is a Tennis Ball Hopper?

Ken Black
Ken Black

A tennis ball hopper is a device used to collect tennis balls that have come to rest on a court. They can be especially useful when dozens of balls are laying around during a practice session. The hopper makes it easy to collect and reuse these balls. They can readily be found at sports retailers and tennis pro shops that sell tennis accessories.

The tennis ball hopper usually consists of a wire or metal basket that is used as the basic storage areas for the balls. A removable top provides access for those who are using the balls, but it can also be latched shut to prevent any spills. The hopper will also usually include a couple of handles, usually at least half the length of an average-sized person. Usually, the handles can also act as legs so that the basket will be at a convenient level when taking balls out.

A tennis ball hopper makes it easier to pick up stray tennis balls.
A tennis ball hopper makes it easier to pick up stray tennis balls.

The main advantage to the hopper is its ability to collect balls without having to bend to pick them up. Those using them simply take them by the handle. The spaces on the bottom of the hopper are spaced just far enough apart that tennis balls can slip through the bottom and into the basket with just a little bit of pressure, but will not slip back out. Thus, balls can be collected simply by placing the tennis ball hopper over the balls and slightly pressing down.

Most ball hoppers will work with standard-sized tennis balls. Some leagues and coaches may use slightly larger balls during tennis practice and games. It may or may not be possible to use those larger balls with a hopper, depending on the model.

Tennis ball hoppers are often used during practice sessions.
Tennis ball hoppers are often used during practice sessions.

Once collected, the hopper can then be used to store tennis balls, or be used as a practice aid. The ability of the hopper to stand up is useful for those who are practicing serves and will need many balls every minute. Also for coaches who want to watch their pupils' strokes rather than worry about where to get the next ball, it can also be convenient.

A tennis ball hopper is especially useful when practicing doubles.
A tennis ball hopper is especially useful when practicing doubles.

Ball hoppers are sometimes called ball baskets and come in a variety of sizes. The cost often depends on the size of the tennis ball hopper selected but most smaller, entry-level models start at approximately $30 US Dollars (USD). Commonly, ball hoppers come in sizes that will accommodate up to 50, 75 or 100 tennis balls.

Discussion Comments

panda2006

@recapitulate- I used to take private lessons too, and tennis ball hoppers were so useful. My teacher had a tennis ball machine, so we went through a lot before we needed to pick them up; if we had not had several hoppers, it would have taken way more time to clean up.

recapitulate

I used to take tennis lessons and go to tennis camps when I was a kid. Tennis ball pick up was a big part of each day, taking place after every major activity and often being the end of the day as well. Tennis ball hoppers made it so much easier to do, especially when I had private lessons, so I was the only one picking them up.

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    • A tennis ball hopper makes it easier to pick up stray tennis balls.
      By: fotopak
      A tennis ball hopper makes it easier to pick up stray tennis balls.
    • Tennis ball hoppers are often used during practice sessions.
      By: .shock
      Tennis ball hoppers are often used during practice sessions.
    • A tennis ball hopper is especially useful when practicing doubles.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      A tennis ball hopper is especially useful when practicing doubles.
    • Ball hoppers can be used for practicing tennis serves.
      By: Andrey Kiselev
      Ball hoppers can be used for practicing tennis serves.