Basketball Shooting Machines: The 2024 Buyers Guide
by Trinity Erickson, on Jan 3, 2024 10:15:00 AM
Introduction
A basketball shooting machine is a training tool that allows players to get up thousands of reps efficiently without having to waste time chasing rebounds. Our Dr. Dish shooting machines catch made and missed shots, provide on-demand training and workouts, and are equipped with advanced analytics for a fully immersive training experience, making us the #1 choice for coaches, parents, and trainers alike.
While we may be a top choice, we also know that a shooting machine can be a big purchase. Luckily, we’re here to help make the purchasing process as easy as possible for you. Check out our tips and frequently asked questions below.
Questions to Ask
As you begin your search, you should start off by asking yourself or your purchasing group (coaching staff, booster club, administration, family) a few questions.
1. Who will be using the machine? What ages of players, skill levels, etc.?
We work with all ages and skill levels of players. From youth basketball players to NBA teams, hoopers all over the world use the Dr. Dish. When deciding which model is best for your situation, consider the players who will be using it. Will it be used by an entire team or just one player? Do your players plan to work on post play? Our various models offer different features, giving you plenty of options.
TIP: We have a variety of accessories* that you can add on to your purchase. An All-Terrain cart for outdoor use, custom graphics to show your team pride, a phone mount for displaying workout details, and even a Bluetooth speaker to pump the jams while you train.
*Not ALL accessories are available on all Dr. Dish models.
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2. What features of the machine are most important to us?
Shooting machines have a variety of features and functionality so you need to think about how much technology you would like to maximize. This is the next question to ask.
Sometimes we have teams and players who didn't think they would utilize a feature, like stat-tracking, but realize how beneficial the live stats are once receiving and using their machine.
Make sure to consider these features when shopping Dr. Dish and competitors:
- The number of basketballs the rebounder accommodates
- Speed of return (number of seconds adjustable between passes)
- Passing Distances Available
- Distributable locations
- Stat tracking ability
- On-Demand training access
- Team management software
To help you find which one of our models best fits training needs, check out our online comparison tool that lays out side-by-side features of our professional Dr. Dish machines.
You can also take our Dr. Dish product matching quiz to instantly find your perfect training solution based on a few questions about your situational needs.
TIP: No matter what machine you decide to go with, any updates or new software releases update automatically to your machine. This allows you to utilize new features and workouts without you having to do anything!
3. do we have space to store the machine when not in use?
Consider things like storage and warranty. All Dr. Dish machines fit through a standard doorway and are only 30 inches wide, and a little over 6 feet tall (78 inches). Our professional lineup (Rebel+, All Star+, and CT+) have a full 5-year all-parts warranty. The Dr. Dish Home has a 2-year warranty and our iC3 shot trainer has a 1-year warranty. This is because the commercial lineup is typically used in higher-rep and usage scenarios.
Our 5-star rated Support+ Team is a great resource to use if you have any issues with your machine and will support you throughout the lifetime of your purchase. We are known for our impeccable service, where other brands will leave you hanging.
4. How will we purchase the machine?
We know budgets are a factor. We’ve designed our purchasing options to be flexible.
For Schoole, Dr. Dish offers interest-free school payment plans where a program only pays 50% down to get the machine delivered. From there, they have 12 months with no interest to pay the other half. This means, a school could purchase two units, and only pay for one up front. Both machines will ship out immediately, but you have a full year to pay the balance. All that is needed is completing an agreement with your Principal, AD, or Booster Club President!
TIP: Fundraising is also a great option to help speed up the budget process. Not sure where to start? Here are 15 easy, unique team fundraiser ideas.
If you're a basketball facility, our leasing model is made for you. Lower your initial investment, and build your business faster than ever before. Dreaming big? If you lease 10 FCLTY shooting machines, we'll give you the 11th one on us. Learn more about our leasing program.
For the Dr. Dish Home and IC3 Shot Trainer, we offer financing through Affirm. Interest rates start at 0%, no money down. Terms are dependent on your credit score and pre-approval. Your monthly payments could be less than what you are currently paying a trainer per session, think about that...
5. Do we currently have a shooting machine? If so, can we trade it in?
We offer trade-in options for any automatic machine, including our competitors' models! If you have an old machine, even if it no longer is functional, we will offer a trade-in credit towards a new Dr. Dish! If you've used older machines in the past, a lot has changed. Our Dr. Dish machines are lighter, easier to use, and offer more technology than anything else on the market. We've prided ourselves on developing specific technology for every type of person in the basketball community.
Why Dr. Dish? Aside from the lightweight, easy-to-move design, there are constantly new features designed to make your training more efficient and effective. If you want to see for yourself, here are 10 Reasons why Dr. Dish is on every coach's wishlist.
If you're a parent of a young hooper, a Coach of a high school or college team, or a basketball business owner, we've got something made just for you!
Shooting Machine Models To SHOP
At Dr. Dish Basketball we currently have 5 core basketball training models with different features and capabilities to best serve the basketball community. Find out more about each model below.
Dr. Dish CT+ [New for 2023]
Complete training got a huge makeover in 2023 with the release of the all-new Dr. Dish CT+. Equipped with the game's largest 21.5 inch touchscreen display, the CT+ will allow your team to train Big! This top of the line model includes all of the latest shooting machine tech, with a full list of new features below.
- Offline Mode: Download your favorite workouts for access without Wi-Fi, similar to downloading movies or Podcasts before a flight to access with no internet connection.
- Multiplayer Stat Tracking: Gives teams the ability for up to 5 players at once to track and save their stats in the same workout.
- Swivel Net Training: Allows you to work all positions by moving the machine away from the basket, turning it into a post-entry passer.
- Dynamic Team Leaderboards: Keep track of every rep your team takes, and cast your results to any screen to display on-demand daily, weekly, monthly or yearly results.
- Live Mode: Turn your phone into a digital remote to move the machine and launch passes with the tap of a finger.
- Edit Your Court: Customize your passable locations so you can only program passes where you can receive them. Increase gym safety and efficiency to match your available space.
Top programs across the country have been leveling up their training for years with the Dr. Dish CT. Now, the CT+ is changing the game again! Learn more about the all new CT+ in the overview video below.
Dr. Dish All-Star+
Next level analytics. The All-Star+ gives you free access to TMS, the ability to save your stats, and access 50+ built in small group drills. The 2021 design offers an 8 inch touchscreen, and no longer requires the use of a smartphone or tablet to access our training content. This is a great machine for enhanced team training without all of the more advanced features included on the CT+. Learn more about the Dr. Dish All-Star plus here. Or, watch the overview video below!
Dr. Dish Rebel+
High reps + high tech. The Rebel+ is our most cost-effective professional option that will track your makes and misses, give you the ability to create your own drills, and more. The updated design features an 8-inch touchscreen display to easily view stats and program workouts. As an entry level option, the Rebel+ will give you all of the traditional features you love about a shooting machine with some of the modern technology that will draw players into the gym. Learn more about the Rebel+ here. Or, check out the full overview video below!
Dr. Dish FCLTY
Meet your new business partner, the Dr. Dish FCLTY. The only shooting machine designed exclusively for facilities, the FCLTY model will help bring your basketball business to life faster than ever before. With customized leaderboards and remote casting to any TV in your facility, this machine was designed with your business in mind. Also, our leasing model helps you lower your up-front costs and maximize your investment, to make your dreams reality.
Take a look at this story to see why Swish 365 upgraded to Dr. Dish for all 5 of their Ohio Facilities. If you're wanting more information on the FCLTY machine, click here.
Dr. Dish Home
The Dr. Dish Home is the first ever shooting machine designed specifically for home-use. In addition to offering over 1,200 shots per hour on the fastest speed, the Home Dish is powered by the Dr. Dish Player App. Inside the app you can access 250+ on demand workouts, build your own workouts, save your stats, and compete with users via leaderboards.
To unlock the full features of the player app, a $39 per month membership is required.
If you're looking for a home solution, be sure to check out our popular 5 Features to Compare When Shopping At-Home Basketball Training Solutions post, that dives deeper in to the comparisons specific to home units.
Dr. Dish iC3
(Non-Automatic Rebounder): Our iC3 Shot Trainer is a “net and ramp” system. With a netting system similar to our automatic machines, the iC3 manually rolls rebounds back to the shooter. It is easy to set up, and can be used in or outdoors.
Contact Us
We take pride in creating products that will fit the needs of everyone involved with the game of basketball. We'd love to add you to our #DrDishFam and help play a small part in your future success!
If you have any other questions, our Dr. Dish team is available 8 am - 5 pm CT during the business days of Monday-Friday. Contact us at 952-873-2633 or send us a message at info@drdishbasketball.com.
Need pricing on a specific model? Request pricing below, and a member of our team will reach out to get you what you need!