A Tennis Racquet Features and How They Effect Your Game
Posted on March 28, 2009
Filed Under Tennis
You want to purchase a new tennis racquet, but you are unsure what to buy. You are confused by head size, head heavy or head light and the list continues. I think a brief explanation is in order.
Head size directly correlates to power. Today’s tennis racquets come in head sizes ranging from 85 to 135 square inches. Most of your players will fall somewhere in the 95-110 square inch range. Larger head size will provide more power combined with a larger sweet spot and hitting area. For those reasons a beginner to intermediate player will typically use this racquet. Smaller head size translates to more control and is used most often by a more accomplished player.
The length of your racquet can vary from 27-29 inches. With a longer racquet you get more reach on your ground strokes, more leverage on your serve and a little bit more power overall. Longer racquets are lighter than the standard 27 inch because your dynamic swing weight increase with length. If you did not decrease the weight with the increase in length your racquet would feel more like an unmaneuverable club.
A heavier racquet should provide more power and stability than it lighter weight counterpart. With a lighter racquet you swing faster because it is easier to maneuver. So you might be thinking a light weight racket swung quickly should be just as powerful as a heavy weight racquet swung slower. This topic has been heavily debated through the years, and the answer remains fuzzy. In the early 90′s Wilson introduced the Hammer series which provided a lighter racquet with a heavier head. Since that introduction racquet weights have continued to decline to well under 10 ounces. So really to make your decision it boils down to what is best for you. I would recommend using your current racquet as a frame of reference. How heavy is it, what head size are you using and is it head heavy or head light? I switched from a head heavy, oversized racquet to a heavier, mid size with more over all balance. As my skills advanced I was able to take a bigger cut at the ball, or create my own power. So as a result, I was really spraying balls with my lighter, oversized racquet. I really gained a lot of control on my ground strokes, but I had to really get used to it on my volleys. I felt slow for a while around the net.
Different weights and balances of your racquet have advantages and disadvantages. We will start with a head light, heavier racquet, often referred to as traditionally weighted and balanced. This is used by more advanced or pro players and weighs in at 11-13 oz. Players using this racquet create their own power.
A head heavy, light weight racquet has more power and maneuverability. This racquet is used by a beginner to intermediate player.
Your racquets stiffness is another factor. A stiffer racquet has less bend which technically means less energy is depleted from the ball. A flexible racquet gives you more bend which translates to depleting energy from the ball. Simply put, stiffer racquets have more power than flexible racquets.
Last, but not least you should look at your string pattern and how that plays a role in your racquets performance. A racquet that is strung in an open pattern provides more rebound than its denser strung counterpart. An open pattern gives you more top spin, but leads to more broken strings. Players that hit hard top spin or need more control will string their racquets denser.
Racquets will continue to evolve over time as will your game. Hope this helps and good luck finding your new tennis racquet!
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