ABOUT LOBSTER SPORTS
Lobster Sports has been a trusted name in racquet sports for over 50 years—helping players of all levels sharpen their game with smart, reliable, and portable training solutions.
Founded on innovation and built for performance, Lobster designs and manufactures tennis, pickleball, and padel machines used by athletes, coaches, clubs, and enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're mastering your stroke, fine-tuning your footwork, or simply looking for a consistent hitting partner, our machines deliver with precision, durability, and ease of use.
Proudly made in the USA and backed by a team passionate about racquet sports, Lobster is more than a product—it’s a partner in your progress.
Origins and Growth in Tennis
Founded in 1971 in Plainfield, NJ, Lobster Sports emerged during the golden era of tennis, when the sport was surging in popularity thanks to stars like John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, and Billie Jean King. Inspired by the tennis “lob” shot, the company’s name quickly became synonymous with high-quality tennis ball machines. As tennis fever swept the nation, aspiring athletes turned to Lobster to help them train smarter and play better.
Expansion and Innovation
In 2001, Lobster Sports relocated to Los Angeles, leveraging technological advancements and local vendor networks. The move enabled the company to refine product design, integrate cutting-edge innovation, and streamline manufacturing—solidifying its place as one of the top-selling ball machine brands worldwide.
Diversification into Pickleball
As pickleball rose in popularity, Lobster drew on its expertise in training machines to enter the pickleball market in 2016. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and Lobster quickly became a frontrunner in pickleball training equipment, continuing its tradition of innovation and quality in a new racquet sport arena.
Acquisition and Nationwide Distribution
A significant milestone came in May 2022, when Har-Tru—the world’s largest supplier of tennis and pickleball court surfaces—acquired Lobster Sports. This strategic partnership accelerated growth, enabling a move to a new 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Valencia, California and the opening of an East Coast Distribution Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, enhancing service and delivery times across the U.S.
European Expansion and Padel Machines
Lobster continued its global growth with the launch of Lobster Sports Europe in Germany in April 2024, addressing growing demand across the continent. That same year, the company entered the padel market, introducing its first padel ball machine to meet the needs of this rapidly expanding sport.
The Industry Leader Today
Today, more than 50 years since its founding, Lobster Sports remains a leader in racquet sports training, offering a full range of portable and commercial ball machines, as well as complementary training and court equipment for players of all skill levels.
Through decades of innovation and a commitment to excellence, Lobster has earned a reputation as a trusted, global brand—continuing to evolve with the game while staying true to its mission.
Our Mission
At Lobster Sports, our mission is to empower athletes worldwide to elevate their performance and accelerate their development.
We achieve this by delivering cutting-edge training machines, innovative products, and outstanding customer service—all designed to enhance every player’s game.
Our Values
We live out our mission through a shared set of values that define who we are as a team and how we serve our customers:
L – Learn Something New
O – Offer Help
B – Bring Your Best Self
S – Stay Consistent
T – Teamwork
E – Encourage Others
R – Respect Everyone