Tennis is a global sport played by millions and watched by billions around the world.  As an activity, it provides a wide range of physical, mental and social benefits that make it ideal for anyone at any age.  A highly effective full-body workout that increases cardiovascular and physical fitness, it also combines hand-eye coordination and rapid decision-making that can stimulate the brain.  Recently branded as the “world’s healthiest sport” by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) 

Tennis is a global sport played by millions and watched by billions around the world.  As an activity, it provides a wide range of physical, mental and social benefits that make it ideal for anyone at any age.  A highly effective full-body workout that increases cardiovascular and physical fitness, it also combineshand-eye coordination and rapid decision-making that can stimulate the brain.  Recently branded as the “world’s healthiest sport” by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), multiple studies back up that claim:

• Tennis players add 9.7 years to their life compared with sedentary individuals 

• Playing tennis for just 3 hours per week can reduce cardiovascular risk by 56%

• Tennis players are 20% more likely to report strong mental health 

• Playing tennis contributes to lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression

• Tennis players exhibit higher self-esteem and optimism

However, getting people into the game often includes numerous challenges such as high costs and a steep learning curve.  A startup called Fast Track Tennis is looking to eliminate those challenges by making it easier, faster, less expensive and more fun to learn, practice and play.  

Doug Chandler of Racketman in Des Peres, MO has been selling the Fast Track Tennis device since it debuted a few years ago.  “We’ve sold hundreds of them”, said Chandler. “I’ve been in the tennis industry for a long time, and this is the best innovation since graphite in rackets.”  

The patented “Feedback System” is the world’s first simulator that sets up in any small space for a continuous cycle of real ball hitting – no court, partner or ball pickup required.  

Suitable for all level players from beginner to elite, the hit-capture-return device consists of a small ball feeder and a 7’x7’ net capable of catching even the hardest hits.  And because it can be set up in non-traditional locations such as driveways, garages, basements and school gyms, working on technique and fitness can be accomplished far more efficiently.  

The product delivers 20 ball feeds per minute (1,200 per hour) in an infinite loop, so players can get an unprecedented number of repetitions in any small space, making it the fastest way to develop repeatable strokes or what is more commonly referred to as “muscle memory.”  Users can also download proprietary smartphone apps that use sophisticated computer vision and ball tracking algorithms to see performance metrics such as ball speed, spin and landing position as if playing on a full-size court.  The app includes other helpful features and tools including interactive gaming, skill challenges, fitness intervals and a portfolio of professional coaching videos.  

Since launching commercially, the company has sold thousands of units globally and successfully created a new tennis niche – highly effective, low-cost learning and practice that can be done anytime anywhere.  With customers in all 50 states and dozens of countries, the product is becoming the de facto training tool for tennis players everywhere, including hundreds of high school and college tennis teams in the U.S.  

Fast Track Tennis has also developed an accelerated learning program that is showing great success getting inexperienced middle school students started playing tennis faster than ever thought possible.  The unique “1-2-3 Method” transforms complex instructions into easy-to-understand movements reinforced by significant repetition.  Students find it fun hittingthousands of real balls and they see immediate results, comparedto traditional methods that can take years to sink in and often lead to premature drop out.  

“We believe in Fast Track Tennis because it removes so many obstacles and makes learning and practicing tennis easy and fun for everyone,” says Racketman’s Doug Chandler.  “The practice at home concept has been proven in nearly every other activity, so we’re excited to see how this really transforms tennis.”