Tennis Racquets
As simple as they look, tennis racquets are not at all that “plain”. Those not into tennis won’t really know the difference between the features of one tennis racquet to another, but they do differ. Thus, aware players don’t just pick out the first tennis racquet they see on the shelves, but they look more closely to what it has to offer for their kind of play.
Many beginner tennis players make the mistake of getting junior tennis racquets, and unless you’re not an adult who weighs 85 pounds or more, then this 27”small racquets will encourage excessive elbow and wrist action –this will result to harming one’s arm and strokes in the long run.
So with this in mind, you wouldn’t want to grab the first tennis racquet that’s visually appealing to you. There are several vital factors that you’ll need to consider when looking for the most appropriate tennis racquet for you. These include head size, balance, weight, length, and other features. By knowing the difference between several of similar tennis racquets and what they’re offering, choosing the right one will be a lot easier.
Length Of Tennis Racquets
The question of the right length has considerably become more confusing than how it was few years ago. Almost every “adult” tennis racquet used to be 27-inch long, but today the lengths are obtainable up to 32-inch lengths –although of course, tennis racquets that are 29” long or more are illegal in nearly all competitions.
As a rule of thumb, a player must use “as long a racquet” as they can comfortably handle. This will encourage the development of smooth strokes using the larger muscles and utilize good weight transfer. As pointed out, using too small racquets will only encourage too much elbow and wrist action that can eventually harm the arm and the strokes.
Longer racquets are also excellent equalizers for less agile and smaller players, giving them more reach and more spin power and capability. The power boost and added reach will also work well for most recreational players, as well as beginners.
Head Size And Shape
Bigger head size increases power and spin, while the smaller head size lets a player swing more aggressively and freely without hitting a ball out of the tennis court. This factor has the greatest impact on how tennis racquets will behave. The bigger the racquet’s “head size”, the more its strings will bend which creates more power within the racquet’s frame.
On the other hand, the choice will depend on a player’s ability, skills, playing level, and comfort with using bigger or smaller racquet heads. Just keep in mind that racquets with head sizes of 98 square inches or less is best for optimized control, while 100-105 square inches head size is great for even balance. The teardrop shape head is often used for improving one’s game, especially the casual players and beginners.
Weight
The weight of a tennis racquet will affect its maneuverability, stability, and power. Heavy tennis racquets have better power potential, and extremely stable when it comes to hitting back a powerful shot from an opponent. Touring professionals prefer heavy racquets, but they’re quick and fit enough to effectively use them. On the other hand, amateurs with more advance skills will generally like racquets with an average heaviness. Recreational players and beginners will benefit from using lighter than average tennis racquets, as it is usually easier to handle.
Picking the right tennis racquets is not a simple task, but they can be less daunting when you know what to look for when you’re facing the various choices on the shelves. Always choose a racquet that suits your playing level and skills –they must be appropriately comfortable to handle to get the maximum advantage.