The machine is exactly what I was looking for to train my 9 year old to be a competitive tennis player. She takes lessons with a coach and in between lessons we like to drill her for consistency. The ball machine is good for this. I have only used the machine for 2 months and so, I am still learning how to use the machine. I hope to use it for years to come; I have a 2 year old that I will be training as well.