Want to take your game to the next level?
Tennis tracking systems have become increasingly popular amongst players of all skill levels, helping them analyze their performance, track progress, and make data-driven improvements.
But with so many out there, it can be difficult to sort through them all and find the one that’s right for your needs.
We’ve spoken to hundreds of players and coaches to find out what they’re using to level up their games. Here are their top 5 recommendations for tennis tracking solutions.
What types of tennis tracking are there?
There are three main types of tennis tracking systems being used right now:
- Racket sensors that track data for individual players
- Court-based cameras that track the performance of all players on court
- Tennis tracker apps that do the same (but often with less accuracy)
Today, we’ll be focusing on Types 2 and 3, as racket sensors can impede your swing and make strokes feel less natural. They also don’t deliver the same level of insights as other types of tennis tracking, meaning they aren’t as suitable for serious players.
8 factors to consider when choosing a tennis tracking system
Typically, tennis tracking systems will have an app that players can use to access their performance data. This means you’ll want to assess both the physical system itself and the app.
Accuracy / Reliability
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure the tennis practice device you choose provides precise data and consistently delivers accurate readings.
Look for tennis tracking systems that use advanced sensors and technologies to ensure accurate measurements of shot speed, spin rate, impact location, and other important metrics.
You can usually get a sense of how reliable a device is by looking at reviews, speaking to others who are using it, or watching demos.
Durability
Unless you want to be forking out hundreds of dollars every time a stray ball hits your tennis practice device, durability should be one of your main considerations.
Look for robust construction, water-resistant or waterproof features, and high-quality materials that can endure the rigors of gameplay.
Range
Some devices have a limited range, which means they may not accurately track shots if you move too far from the sensor or device. This is typically the case for tennis tracker apps that use your mobile phone as a camera.
Consider your playing style and court positioning to ensure the tracker you choose has an adequate range to cover your movements across the court.
Price
Tennis tracking systems can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to $10,000. Look for a device that sits in your budget and delivers good value for what you’re spending.
Ease of use
You’ll want to consider both the physical device and the associated app:
Tennis tracking system
- How long does it take to set up? There’s a big difference between a system that takes 20 seconds to set up and one that takes hours.
- Will you have to reset after each game?
- How easy is the system to use in your tennis practice? Is there a learning curve?
Tennis app
- How easy is it to connect your phone to the app?
- Does it require internet/mobile data to function?
- Is the app intuitive and user-friendly?
- How easy is it to navigate and find the analytics you need?
Portability
Portability is an important factor, especially if you travel frequently or want to use the system across multiple courts.
Consider the size and weight of the device to ensure it is easy to carry and doesn't hinder your performance. Fixed court-based systems are typically not suited to players or coaches who practice on multiple courts.
Support
Some tennis tracking systems will need ongoing subscriptions or upgrades in the future. Make sure you take these into consideration when purchasing.
You’ll also want to ensure the company is around for the long haul – otherwise, you’ll lose any support for your system. We saw this happen a couple of years ago with the Babolat Play and Pro line of tennis practice devices, with both the app and physical products being discontinued.
Top 5 tennis tracking systems to improve your game in 2023
Here are our top picks based on conversations with hundreds of players and coaches.
1. Baseline Vision
With a portable and easy-to-install camera, Baseline Vision was designed to bring players the experience of court-based systems wherever they practice.
The camera and tennis tracker app can be set up in just 20 seconds, meaning you can jump straight into your training.
Get instant feedback on your ball speed, net clearance, ball placement, position, fitness data, and all the analytics you need to improve your game.
Pros
- Accurate full-court analytics for multiple players
- Gamified drills to make training more engaging
- Real-time voice line-calling and on-demand 3D visualization to settle disputes
- 20-second set-up, making it easy to switch courts in under a minute
- Comes in a protective carry case for easy transport
- No internet or electricity needed
- 256GB of hard drive space (= 5 hours of continuous recording)
- Waterproof and designed to withstand rough play
Cons
- Currently only available for pre-order
- Not yet approved by the ITF
See it in action here, or check out this on-demand webinar where founder Michael goes over everything you need to know.
2. Wingfield
This is some serious heavy tech. With full-court visibility, coaches can monitor the performance of multiple players.
While the analytics you can get with a system like this is pretty hard to beat, Wingfield is not suitable for individuals or even most coaches.
Apart from the hefty price tag that puts the Wingfield out of the reach of most, the set-up requirements mean this is a tennis practice device that only really works for elite clubs, college programs, or tennis leagues.
Pros
- Drill scores to give you direct feedback on performance
- Filter matches based on events for easier searching
- Approved by the ITF
Cons
- Expensive (€5,999 or ~$6,400 USD for one system)
- Not designed to be moved from court to court
- Requires a separate power connection
3. Zenniz
If you want visual feedback while playing, Zenniz is a great tennis tracking solution. Easily keep score, get line calls, and see important stats on the built-in LED screens.
This system uses sound sensors and video cameras placed around the court to deliver accurate insights on your game.
However, it’s only suitable for colleges and clubs with indoor courts, as the Zenniz system is designed to stay on a single court and cannot be used outside.
Pros
- Built-in LED screens to display score and stats in real time
- Automatic line calls
- Video highlights
- Interactive drills, with the ability to create your own
- Approved by the ITF
Cons
- Not portable (installation takes roughly 2-5 hours)
- Only designed for indoor courts
- Requires Wi-Fi and electricity to run
- Only available in Europe and the USA
- Takes 3 months to be delivered after ordering
4. Playsight
The Playsight system is moreso designed for college programs or tennis leagues looking to livestream games and build followings around their players.
Though it’s got great analytics and accuracy, it also comes with the largest price tag on this list, along with a bunch of other features you’ll probably never need – like scoreboard integration and content monetization tools.
If you’re looking to stream your games and build an audience, this may be the system for you. Otherwise, Playsight is probably overkill if you just want tennis tracking and performance insights.
Pros
- Multi-angle instant replay
- Real-time line calls
- Includes player development tools such as biomechanical analysis, audio annotation, and slo-mo reviews
- Integrates with your scoreboard to generate automated stats for streaming
- Content monetization tools and a custom OTT channel
- Portable options available
- Approved by the ITF
Cons
- Costs upwards of $10,000 USD for initial set-up
- Requires a monthly subscription to run
- Requires Wi-Fi/ethernet cable and electricity to run
- Setting up recording is complicated and can take several minutes
- Streaming is not always reliable
5. Swingvision
For beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of cash, Swingvision can be a great way to dip your toes in the world of tennis tracking systems.
Using your iPhone as a camera, you can record your practice sessions and matches to get insights into your performance.
However, the downside of this tennis tracker app is also its strength – it’s completely phone-based. This means it’s dependant on your phone’s battery, storage, and internet. Recordings will also be interrupted by notifications, calls, or accidentally exiting the app.
Swingvision is probably not the best option for players who want more serious tennis tracking or who live in warmer climates, as your phone is likely to overheat while filming.
Pros
- Low barrier to entry – all you need is a phone
- Fast and easy set-up
- 2 hours of shot tracking, video analysis & cloud storage each month for free (but $149.99 USD/yr for the Pro version)
- Can analyze pre-recorded footage by uploading it
Cons
- Not available on Android
- Real-time stats tracking and line calling require a device with A13 (or newer) chip
- Will also need to purchase a mount or tripod to hold the phone and get the best view
- Requires Wi-Fi and drains your phone’s battery
- Can cause phones to overheat (especially on hot sunny days)
- Need 10 GB of storage available for best results
- Can’t record and look at analytics at the same time (no real-time performance insights)
- Recordings can be interrupted by phone calls and other notifications
- Not approved by the ITF
Which tennis tracking solution is right for me?
Hopefully now you've got a pretty good grasp on the market, so you can find the right tennis tracking system to analyze your performance and take your game to new heights.
While we’ve designed Baseline to be the best option for every aspiring tennis professional, we also know players may have different preferences. Remember to research, read reviews, and consider your own playing style and requirements!
