Artificial Intelligence in Tennis Training: The Role and Future of Technology

Volley, a new sports technology initiative, aims to revolutionize the training of racquet sports (tennis, pickleball) players with an artificial intelligence-powered sports training machine.

Unlike traditional tennis ball machines that throw balls at varying speeds and heights, Volley’s coaching robot uses artificial intelligence and image software to collect data while you play, learn your skill level, and simulate live play. This makes it possible to have a good training session.

Volley co-founder and CEO John Weinlader said, “Volley is a great machine for professionals, beginners and players of all levels due to the artificial intelligence and intelligent features of the system. When you are on the court, he understands the game and reacts as if he is a real competitor. So you are playing at every level that you would play in a real game,” he explained.

Volley has three cameras built into the device for different purposes, such as person and ball tracking, as well as video recording.

Another detail that makes it stand out is the speaker and LED display, so that the instructors can guide the entire group through the workout. In addition, its adjustable height is set to 87 inches; it allows a wide range of shooting angles thanks to the ability to tilt up by 56 degrees and down by 38 degrees and rotate to the left or right by 34 degrees.

“Artificial intelligence technology has started to make a great contribution to the development of athletes”

Through Volley’s mobile app (available on iOS and Android devices), you can access customized workouts, view images to study your foot movements, access player statistics, and more. You can control the machine digitally by tapping your phone to select where you want the ball to land. In addition, the coach collects and stores all this data so that you can continue your training from where you left off when you return to the club.

As you know, artificial intelligence, while showing its superiority in chess tournaments, video games and many other competitions in recent years, is now expanding its place in the sports world more and more.

Artificial intelligence applications have been providing guidance to coaches and technical directors by providing data analysis for a long time, helping to create personal development and team strategy in preparation for matches, tournaments, and also providing support to prevent athlete injuries.

Sports technology company Volley’s AI-enabled ball machine for racquet sports aims to revolutionize the way racquet sports players train. Unlike traditional tennis ball machines that launch balls at varying speeds and heights, Volley’s trainer robot uses artificial intelligence and vision software to collect data as the athlete plays, learn skill level, and improve game skill. “Volley understands the game when you’re on the court and reacts as if it were a real opponent,” said John Weinlader, CEO of Volley. You can play at any level you would play at in a real game.”