The one range that I can access easily is mats only. After hitting off of them long enough you start to know the sounds and the feel. Cheap range balls also act like impact tape. If I hear thud then click, I hit it fat. If click then thud (or nothing), ball first. If the ball mark is low on the face, thin. If it's high, I hit the mat first and the ball popped up before strike.. Can't trust the ball flight most of the time. You do what you have to to get some practice in. Can't afford a membership and the local public courses are always packed now it seems.