Ball Machine

Introduction to the PCPC Ball Machine

Playing Pickleball is fun.  Playing better Pickleball is also fun.  One way to get better at Pickleball is to practice various shots through repetitive action.  With repetition comes the muscle memory that will help you make the best shot every time.

Recognizing the fun of learning to play and learn, the PCPC has acquired a ball machine for the use of our members.  For those of you who have never used a ball machine, ours looks like this:

The top ball storage area is filled with 100-150 pickleballs, which are then shot out over the net at regular intervals through the hole at the bottom.  The great thing about this ball machine is that you can adjust the balls to fly faster, shorter, higher, slower, side-to-side. You are in control and can use it to practice any shot. There are even pre-loaded drills that allow you to easily practice specific shots.  To operate, you MUST download the Erne app on your smart phone. All of the programming and ball settings are done through the App.

Look for, download, and install the ERNE APP in the APP store on your smart phone.  

Meet Erne

At the court you will operate ERNE through the APP which you will connect to ERNE via Bluetooth on your phone.  Only one person can connect to ERNE at a time,  so only one person needs to have their smart phone in use during a ball machine session.  However, every club member will want to download it so they can help run the machine with their ball machine partner(s).

Safety is key when using the machine so please be familiar with the PCPC Ball Machine Safety Policy.  Go here for the Ball Machine Use Policy and more instructions on how to use the machine.  Players must bring their own paddles and eye protection and other safety equipment

PCPC Pickleball Machine Safety Policy

The purpose of this policy is to be aware of the health and safety of the PCPC members who are using the pickleball machine and to limit the chances of damage to the machine. Access to the ball machine is at the discretion of the PCPC Board, and the option to use
the ball machine may be withdrawn if the machine is used in an unsafe and/or careless manner.

The speed of the pickleball thrown from the machine can be as fast as 100 km per hour at maximum speed which can cause permanent damage if used improperly (at that speed or less )

ERNE is a powerful machine that if handled improperly could injure a user, bystander, or other person. With this in mind the Board of Directors has come up with standards and procedures for use of the pickleball machine to limit the chances of injury.

The procedures developed include elements to ensure safety of the users and care of the machine.

Safety Policy

  1. Before turning the machine ON, ensure court in front of the ball machine is clear and that no one is standing in front of machine.
  2. Be aware that after turning on the machine, there is a 20-second delay before the machine begins to throw out balls. There is also a delay between change of programs.  Do not get in front of the machine while waiting for it to start.
  3. Never look down on or stand in front of ball ejector while machine is in operation.
  4. Turn machine OFF before reloading the balls.
  5. Turn the machine OFF if you are having trouble with machine.
  6. Place pickle balls in the machine’s ball storage only, do not try to insert balls into the ball ejector.
  7. Do not use ‘wet’ pickle balls since this may cause damage to the machine.
  8. Everyone must wear eye protection when on the court with the pickleball machine. ( Including operator, participants, helpers, observers, coaches…..)
  9. Never insert any body part, or any other object other than a pickleball, into the openings on the machine.
  10. Be aware of the extreme tripping hazard caused by stray balls on the court. Stop the machine immediately when balls accumulate near the player’s feet.  Warn others if you see balls near their feet.
  11. If it feels unsafe it probably is so don’t do it.

PCPC Ball Machine Usage Policy

  1. The ball machine will be located at Langtry.
  2. Ball machine sign up will be through Open Sports.
  3. Ball machine use is strictly for MEMBERS ONLY.

  4. Always UNPLUG the ball machine before use.  The machine runs on battery power only.  Always plug the ball machine back in after each use.

  5. Unplug the ball machine prior to use.  The ball machine runs on battery power not AC power.
  6. There is a broom at the court  and it is mandatory that you clean the court before use of the ball machine. This will help keep the balls clean and prevent machine clogs from dirty balls.
  7. Every person on the court must wear eye protection.
  8. Ball machine session costs will include the cost of the court rental ($25.00+ GST).
  9. For your first session,  you will be met by a PCPC Ball Machine manager, who will show you how to use the machine to accomplish your goals.  
  10. The user shall leave the equipment in good condition.
  11. The user will be responsible for the loss of equipment and agrees to pay the equipment replacement cost. The user shall not make any alterations to the equipment.
  12. At least 5 minutes before the end of your session, please collect all the balls and put them back into the machine.  Collection ball tubes and ball hoppers are provided for this purpose.
  1. When you finish, you MUST plug the machine in to recharge for the next user.

SEE IMAGE BELOW – Switch Must be in middle/Neutral Position when charging.

  1. Cover the machine to minimize exposure.
  2. Please report any problems or maintenance issues to the Ball Machine manager.
  3. All users of the machine should read the manual before first time use to fully understand all potential hazards and dangers of using the machine.
  4. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure proper care is taken to safely operate and store the ball machine as per the instructions in the manual. Link to the operating manual:

USER’S MANUAL

Operating the Ball Machine

  1. Use the provided broom to sweep the court before starting.
  2. Unplug the ball machine and set the charging plug aside.
  3. The machine is to be used on battery power
  4. The ball machine has 3 hours of battery life and must be plugged in when you finish to ensure a proper charge for the next user.  
  5. Roll the ball machine on to the court.
  6. Turn the machine on with the manual switch on the machine.  Specifically switch to the left,  battery power – marked as “ll” as shown in control panel figure above.                                         
  7. Do not stand in front of the ball machine when it is operating unless you are ready to hit  balls.
  8. To operate the machine, you must download the Erne app to your smart  phone.
  9. You will likely have to have the machine throw a few balls and adjust the speed, trajectory, etc.  to get the machine set to your specific needs. Do not stand in front of the machine while setting up your drill.
  10. See this link for a demonstration on how to adjust the parameters using the Erne app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZokesLV6Yk
  11. When you are finished with the ball machine you must manually flip the switch back to the “neutral” center position “0”  as show in control panel figure above.
  12. Connect the power adapter to the power adapter port on the control panel left port as shown in the control panel figure above.
  13. Roll the machine back to the corner of the court, plug into wall outlet and replace the cover.
CLICK HERE FOR ERNE FAQS

Ball Machine Sessions

  1. Open Sports ball machine sessions will be set up to accommodate FOUR members per session.   During each session:  one member will operate the APP and adjust the machine, one member will hit the balls, one member will collect the balls (hit balls) using the ball hopper (black box) and return them to the ball machine, and one member will collect stray balls (missed balls) that accumulate around the hitter’s feet while they are hitting.  Members will rotate positions until everyone has had a turn.

Ball Machine Drills

You can create any workout using the various ball machine settings.  If you’d like some examples, see below for a collection of drills that you can use to practice various shots.

  1. Consider picking just one or two drills or skills to focus on for each session before you get to the court.
  2. Consider viewing online videos to help you get the most out of your ball machine drill sessions.
  3. Know the Tactical Takeaways for each DRILL.  You need to know the why of each drill that you are performing so that you can relate your repetitions to how they will be used in game play.
  4. Be patient and push through the growing pains.  Improvement often takes more time than you would like.  Sometimes you may even feel that you are getting worse before you get better.  Push through, be patient and know that excellence will follow!

Here is a YouTube channel that demonstrates several drills using the Erne.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pIV-nWbvU0

CLICK HERE FOR ERNE SKILLS & DRILLS PLAYBOOK
WITH SUZEE ANDERSON