Tennis ball hoppers: capacity, weight and how they pick up
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- Tourna Ballport 80. Best for: A light, rust-free hopper for one player. See options on Amazon
- Gamma Ball Hopper Pro 90. Best for: Players who want a steel basket with adjustable handles. See options on Amazon
- Wilson Tennis Teaching Cart and Bag. Best for: Coaches who feed many balls. See options on Amazon
What to compare
- Capacity: how many balls one load holds.
- Material: molded plastic or coated steel wire, which changes the weight and how it handles rust.
- Handles: whether they lock, adjust or fold into legs.
- Closing: a top closure keeps balls in when you carry the hopper.
- Size: how it fits in a car trunk or locker.
Compare three hoppers
| Hopper | Capacity | What the maker lists |
|---|---|---|
| Tourna Ballport 80 | 80 balls | Polypropylene; 4.5 lb; locking handles; rolling bars at the bottom; sliding bars close the top |
| Gamma Ball Hopper Pro 90 | 90 balls | Steel frame with welded construction and powder coating; floating wire design; adjustable padded handles, 28 to 31 in.; 16 x 14 x 10 in. |
| Wilson Tennis Teaching Cart and Bag | Up to 150 balls | Red storage bag with zippered top that fits inside a foldable cart |
These details come from Tourna's, Gamma's and Wilson's product pages. We have not tested these hoppers.
Plastic or steel
Tourna makes the Ballport 80 from heavy duty, double reinforced polypropylene and says it weighs 4.5 pounds, up to 50 percent less than other hoppers of similar capacity, with no wires to rust, paint to peel or welds to break. Its patented handles lock in both the up and down positions, and the legs are held in a mount so they do not fall out.
Gamma's Pro 90 uses a steel frame with reinforced welded construction and a diamond-clad, weather-resistant powder coating. Gamma describes a lightweight floating wire design and padded handles that adjust from 28 to 31 inches, for picking up, flipping and feeding balls.
Picking up and carrying
Tourna says bars at the bottom of the Ballport roll so balls lift into the basket even as it fills, and sliding bars close the top for secure transport. Gamma lists the Pro 90's adjustable handles for picking up and flipping. A closed top matters if you carry a full hopper to the car or between courts.
When a cart makes more sense
Coaches and players who feed large numbers of balls may prefer a cart. Wilson's Tennis Teaching Cart and Bag holds up to 150 balls; the bag fits inside the foldable cart for easy access during repetitions, and its zippered top keeps balls from spilling in travel. Wilson also sells the bag on its own. You will still need a separate hopper or tube to pick balls up from the court.
Other sizes from the same makers
If 80 or 90 balls is the wrong size, both makers sell other capacities. Tourna lists a Ballport Mini 36, Classic Ballports for 70 and 120 balls, and a Ballport Deluxe 80 with wheels, plus teaching carts for 175, 220 and 325 balls. Gamma lists a Hoppette 50 and a Hi-Rise 75 alongside the Pro 90. Check the capacity and item number on the listing, because names are similar across sizes.
Practice safely in the heat
On hot days, MedlinePlus advises having plenty of fluids, resting often and seeking shade, and avoiding heavy outdoor activity during hot or humid weather. It says to call 911 if someone with heat illness loses consciousness, becomes confused or has a fever over 102°F.
What to look for when you buy
Tourna Ballport 80
Best for: A light, rust-free hopper for one player
Tourna lists an 80 ball capacity, 4.5 pounds, double reinforced polypropylene, handles that lock up and down, rolling bottom bars for pickup and sliding bars that close the top.
Watch out: Tourna sells the Ballport in several colors and versions, including a Deluxe with wheels; check the listing's item number and color.
See options on AmazonGamma Ball Hopper Pro 90
Best for: Players who want a steel basket with adjustable handles
Gamma lists a 90 ball capacity, a steel frame with reinforced welded construction and weather-resistant powder coating, a floating wire design, adjustable padded handles from 28 to 31 inches and 16 x 14 x 10 inches.
Watch out: Gamma also sells it in a 5-pack; check the quantity on the listing.
See options on AmazonWilson Tennis Teaching Cart and Bag
Best for: Coaches who feed many balls
Wilson lists room for up to 150 balls in a red storage bag with a zippered top that fits inside a foldable cart for easy access during practice.
Watch out: It is a feeding cart, not a pickup hopper; you still need a way to pick balls up from the court.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How many balls does a tennis ball hopper hold?
- Tourna's Ballport 80 holds 80, Gamma's Pro 90 holds 90 and Wilson's Teaching Cart holds up to 150.
- Is a plastic or steel hopper better?
- Tourna says its polypropylene Ballport weighs up to 50 percent less than similar hoppers and cannot rust. Gamma's steel Pro 90 uses a powder-coated, welded frame. Choose by weight and how you use it.
- Can a hopper double as a ball stand?
- The Ballport's handles lock in both the up and down positions, and Gamma's Pro 90 handles adjust for picking up and feeding. Check the handle design of the model you buy.
- Do tennis ball hoppers work for pickleballs?
- Tourna sells separate pickleball Ballports sized for indoor and outdoor pickleballs. Check the product before using a tennis hopper for other balls.
Sources
- Tourna Ballport 80 - Blue (tourna.com), Tourna
- Ball Hopper Pro 90 (gammasports.com), GAMMA Sports
- Tennis Teaching Cart & Bag (wilson.com), Wilson
- Heat emergencies (medlineplus.gov), NIH / MedlinePlus