Court Bookings

Ball Machine Rules and Resources

Members have access to a ball machine free of charge thanks to the generosity of a local community member. Below is important information including rules and instructions for how to use the ball machine. 

PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE AND THE UTMOST CAUTION AROUND THE BALL MACHINE.

RULES FOR USE

  1. Bookings to use the ball machine must be made through ClubSpark, in the same way as court bookings. Only people who have completed a training session and signed a waiver are allowed to use the machine. You will be given the code for the lock after completing your training.
  2. First-time use: Before using the machine for the first time, all members must undergo a training session and sign a waiver. Contact Mike and Maria: (maysiagostynska@gmail.com) or Niall (mrtemple@beths.bexley.sch.uk).
  3. Liability: Players using the ball machine assume all risk, responsibility and liability for injury or damage to people (including themselves) or property. Neither ITC nor its committee shall be held liable in respect of any claims relating to such injury or damage.
  4. By making a booking, and/or using the machine as a member or as a guest, players are deemed to have accepted the above terms on liability.
  5. Juniors aged under 18 may use the machine only if accompanied and supervised by an adult member or the ITC coach. Only the adult or coach may actually operate the machine.
  6. Non-members may not use the ball machine unless accompanied by a member.
  7. Court conditions: Never use the machine on a wet court. Wet balls damage the machine and must never be placed in it. If it starts to rain, stop play immediately and return the machine to the clubhouse.

HOW TO USE – DO'S AND DON'TS

  • The best way to control the machine is through a phone App, and best to download the App before you arrive. Scroll down to the 'Resources' section below for the App links. It is possible to use the control panel on the machine if you don't want to use the phone App, but not as user-friendly.
  • Please use the machine on court 1 (nearest the clubhouse). Placement of the machine is best just behind the baseline and positioned slightly off center to the left when facing the net. See photo below for reference.

  • Don't allow the extension power cable to trail where it will be a trip hazard.
  • Don't walk or stand closer than 10 metres in front of the machine when it is turned on; it fires balls with considerable force and could cause serious injury.
  • Don't reach or look into the ball exit hole without turning the power off and waiting for both wheels to come to a complete stop.
  • Keep a close eye on children. Don't let them run around unchecked.
  • Don't place balls or foreign objects into the ball hopper while the feeder tray is moving. This could cause a jam and damage the feeder motor.
  • There is a possibility of accidentally hitting a ball into the ball feeding hole – stop the machine and retrieve it if that happens. 
  • Be aware that you will have a large number of balls on the court. Move any that end up near your feet.
  • Show consideration to people using the other court: pause the machine while they walk across court 1, and set the machine so that it doesn't fire balls on to their court.
  • Only use the balls specially provided for the machine and, before loading them into the machine, ensure they are free of debris (leaves etc) that might clog the machine.
  • Treat the machine itself with respect; be gentle when handling and moving it.
  • Be especially careful when moving it over the clubhouse front step. A ramp to get the machine down the step from the clubhouse will be built shortly, but please carry the machine carefully over the step for now. Bumping it down could damage it.
  • Court conditions: Never use the machine on a wet court. Wet balls damage the machine and must never be placed in it. If it starts to rain, stop play immediately and return the machine to the clubhouse.
  • At the end of a session, return the empty machine to the clubhouse and lock it up. Put the balls in the basket provided and loop the lock through the handle. Roll up the extension cable and leave this with the machine.
  • Malfunctions or mishaps associated with the ball machine: please report these promptly to a committee member.
  • None of us are experts. If anyone learns anything useful, it would be most appreciated if they could pass it on to everyone else.

RESOURCES

The App is the best way to control the machine. Use the links below to download the App. Select 'drillmaker plus'. It is possible to use the control panel on the machine if you don't want to use the phone App.

Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Spinshot+Sports

Apple App Store – https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/drill-maker/id923840793

 

PDF instruction booklet: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1161/7234/files/UM_Plus.pdf

A paper booklet is kept with the machine. The control panel shown in the instruction booklet does not have the 'enter' button. Press the power switch on the panel, wait for the machine to perform its initialization (moving side to side), then press the enter button before pressing play to start the machine. 

Basic instruction on how to use our Spinshot Plus machine is 6 minutes 30 seconds into this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g019y-R3Qls

 

This video has the correct control panel and runs through how to use it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M546vZIT0VA