Tennis

Tennis Racquet Selection: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Racquet for Your Game

Published

2 weeks ago

May 17, 2023

darragh

Understanding your game: Factors to consider before choosing a tennis racquet

Choosing a tennis racquet is crucial in ensuring you perform at your best on the court. As a tennis player, you understand the importance of finding the right racquet that suits your style of play.

Here are some factors to consider before making a purchase:

1. Racquet Head Size

The racquet head size can affect the power and maneuverability of the racquet. Larger head sizes provide more power and a larger sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball with accuracy. However, smaller head sizes provide more precision and control, allowing players to hit the ball with more spin and accuracy.

2. Racquet Weight

The weight of a racquet can determine the level of control and power a player can generate. Lighter racquets are easier to handle and maneuver, but heavier racquets provide more power and stability. The weight of the racquet should match your personal preferences and playing style.

3. Racquet Balance

The balance of a tennis racquet refers to the weight distribution throughout the racquet. Depending on the balance, a tennis racquet can be classified as head-heavy, head-light, or evenly balanced. A head-heavy racquet generates more power and is easier to swing, while a head-light racquet offers more control and precision.

4. Grip Size

The grip size of a tennis racquet determines how comfortably a player can hold the racquet. A grip that is too small or large can cause discomfort and negatively impact a player’s performance on the court. It is important to choose a grip size that matches your hand size and provides a comfortable and secure grip.

5. String Tension

The tension of the strings affects the power and control of the racquet. High string tension provides more control, while lower string tension generates more power. Finding the right string tension is essential in maximizing your on-court performance.

Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when choosing a tennis racquet that suits your needs and playing style. Take the time to research and test different racquets before making a purchase, so that you can find the perfect racquet that enhances your game on the court.

The anatomy of a tennis racquet: Features and specifications to look for

When it comes to choosing the right tennis racquet, it’s essential to understand the various features and specifications that make up the racquet’s anatomy. Here are some of the key components to look for:

1. Head Size

The head size of a tennis racquet refers to the size of the racquet’s hitting surface. The standard measurements for head size are between 95 and 110 square inches. A larger head size will provide a larger sweet spot, which means more forgiving hits. However, smaller heads offer better control and precision. Choosing the right head size ultimately depends on your skill level and play style.

2. Length

The standard length of a tennis racquet is 27 inches, although there are racquets available in longer and shorter lengths. Longer racquets offer more reach and power, while shorter racquets are more maneuverable.

3. Weight

The weight of a tennis racquet plays a significant role in determining your level of comfort and efficiency during gameplay. Generally, players prefer racquets that weigh between 9 and 12 ounces. A lighter racquet is ideal for beginners and players with weaker arms, while heavier racquets provide more power and stability.

4. Balance

The balance of a tennis racquet is determined by the weight distribution between the head and the handle. Head-heavy racquets offer more power and are easier to maneuver, while handle-heavy racquets provide better control and precision.

5. String Pattern

The string pattern of a tennis racquet refers to the arrangement of strings on the racquet’s hitting surface. The two most common string patterns are the open string pattern and the dense string pattern. An open string pattern offers more spin and power, while a dense string pattern provides more control.

6. Material

The material used to construct a tennis racquet can significantly impact its overall performance. Some common materials used to make racquets include graphite, aluminum, and titanium. Graphite racquets offer excellent power and durability, while aluminum and titanium racquets offer lighter weight and maneuverability.

In conclusion, choosing the right tennis racquet requires careful consideration of the racquet’s anatomy. Take into account the head size, length, weight, balance, string pattern, and material to find the perfect racquet that suits your play style and level of skill.

Making the final decision: Tips for selecting the perfect racquet for your needs

After considering all the aforementioned factors, it’s time to make a final decision. Here are some tips for selecting the perfect racquet for your needs:

Comfort is key. Choose a racquet that feels comfortable in your hand. This will vary from person to person, so it’s important to try out different racquets before making a decision.
Consider the weight and balance of the racquet. A lighter racquet is easier to maneuver, while a heavier racquet provides more power. The balance of the racquet (whether it’s head-heavy or handle-heavy) will also affect its performance.
Think about your playing style. Do you prefer a lot of power or control? A larger head size will provide more power, while a smaller head size will give you more control.
Don’t forget about string pattern and tension. A denser string pattern will give you more control, while a more open string pattern will provide more power. Tension also affects the racquet’s performance, so it’s important to find the right balance for your needs.
Consider the brand and model. Different brands and models will offer different features and technologies. Do some research and read reviews to find the racquet that best suits your needs.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to selecting a tennis racquet. It’s important to take the time to consider all the factors and try out different racquets before making a decision. The right racquet can help improve your game, so choose wisely!

Jen C.

May 17, 2023
May 17, 2023

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Tennis

Four Fabulous (And Healthy) Prep-Ahead Smoothie Recipes

Published

4 days ago

May 25, 2023

darragh

Today we’re sharing four fabulous, (mostly) vegan/dairy-free healthy smoothie recipes, all of which can be made ahead so you won’t be late for your tennis match or work, or wherever you need to be. Each one of these healthy AND delicious smoothies has no added sugar, which means no juice, no maple syrup, no honey…nada. Just the natural sweetness of the fruit in the smoothie!

Prepare the smoothies ahead of time:

You can use freezer bags, but mason jars are perfect since they are reusable. Jars do require more space in your freezer to store, and they collect frost faster, so it’s best to prepare the smoothies no more than 2 weeks prior to drinking them.

Place the frozen fruit chunks at the bottom, and follow with your add-ins: extracts, flax, chia seeds, spices, etc. are all totally fine to add in!
Top the jars with any greens like kale or spinach (great nutrition and fiber that you CAN’T taste!!), and seal with the jar lids.
NOTE: DON’T use fresh fruit as any moisture will freeze the fruit to the jar itself, making it difficult to get out of the jars.
These smoothies will keep for about 2 weeks in the freezer.

The Tropical Turmeric Smoothie

This smoothie is PACKED full of anti-inflammatory promoting ingredients including the turmeric, pineapple and leafy green spinach (or kale). And you can’t taste the turmeric or the leafy greens, just pure tropical bliss! This makes a perfect post-match or post-workout treat as the anti-inflammatory properties help your body to recover more quickly.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Michelle Bell

Serves 1 | Total calories: 305 | Total protein: 5g | Total carbs: 49g

INGREDIENTS

1-1/4 cups almond milk
1 cup kale or spinach, packed
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
pinch of black pepper
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1-1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks

PREPARATION

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Add the pineapple chunks and blend again until completely smooth.

Blueberry Coconut Protein Smoothie

This smoothie is packed full of antioxidant rich blueberries, hydrating coconut water, and gets a boost of protein thanks to a scoop of hemp hearts. The blueberries, coconut water, nutty hemp hearts and greek yogurt pair perfectly together for a protein-packed post match/workout snack!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Michelle Bell

Serves 1 | Total calories: 300 | Total protein: 17g | Total carbs: 49g

INGREDIENTS

1 cup spinach, packed
1 cup coconut water
1/2 cup yogurt (full-fat plain or Greek)
1-1/2 cups frozen blueberries
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract
1 tablespoon hemp hearts

PREPARATION

Combine the first three ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Add the blueberries, coconut extract, and hemp hearts. Blend again until smooth.

Green Mango Antioxidant Smoothie

This smoothie is PACKED with superfoods: mango, spinach, chia seeds, ground flax…so many antioxidants in one drink! A touch of almond extract pairs surprisingly well with the mango and really takes the flavor up a notch. And a big YAY for the antioxidants! We want all the antioxidants we can get because they can lower the risk of cancer and fight against aging!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Michelle Bell

Serves 1 | Total calories: 289 | Total protein: 8g | Total carbs: 41g

INGREDIENTS

1 cup spinach, packed
1-1/4 cups almond milk
1-1/2 cups frozen ripe mango chunks
1 teaspoon ground flax
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/8 teaspoon almond extract

PREPARATION

Combine the spinach and almond milk in a blender and blend until smooth.
Add the mango chunks, flax, chia seeds and almond extract. Blend again until smooth.

Goji Peach Cherry “Good Night” Smoothie

Goji berriesare linked to a huge list of health benefits including longevity, calmness and improved sleep, and weight loss. Interestingly, cherries are a good source of melatonin and are linked to improved sleep as well. What a tasty way to get a good night’s sleep before your morning match!

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Michelle Bell

Serves 1 | Total calories: 229 | Total protein: 6g | Total carbs: 36g

INGREDIENTS

1 cup spinach, packed
1 1/4 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen cherries
1/2 cup frozen peach slices
1 tablespoon goji berries

Optional:

1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon ground flax

PREPARATION

Combine the spinach and almond milk in a blender and blend until smooth.
Add the cherries, peach slices, and goji berries. Blend again until smooth.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Goji berries can have some side effects, particularly with Warfarin and diabetes drugs, and should be avoided entirely if you’re pregnant.

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Tennis

5 Tips To Neutralize A Net Rusher In Tennis

Published

5 days ago

May 24, 2023

darragh

Rushing the net happens more often in doubles tennis, and occasionally you’ll come across a team in which not just one, but BOTH partners will not only serve and volley, but will also come in to the net with their returns. EVERY. FRICKIN. TIME.

Uuuuugh! It’s so frustrating! They move in to the net and mentally slap you with intimidation, putting you in defensive mode, forcing you to think fast and make a passing shot.

But DON’T FALL INTO THEIR TRAP. Only the very best volleyers cope well at the net, and even though they might seem they can handle it, the odds are strongly in your favor that they can’t. Matter of fact, sometimes this intimidation is merely masking some other weakness.

Don’t get me wrong, if you’ve got a solid ground stroke, you’ll get it by them a few times. But sooner or later (no doubt sooner), your opponent will be reading you like a cheap romance novel.

So what can you do?

You’ve gotta change up your game – and often. Call your opponent’s bluff and make her work for the point! These are some great things you can do (other than your passing shot) that will help neutralize your net rusher:

hit deep – keep your groundies low and close to the baseline, which will keep them back.
lob – force the net rusher back by lobbing over the head of the person already at net. Both players should then move back, which will allow you and your partner to take control of the net.
hit a dipper – using heavy topspin, hit a short return to the net rusher’s feet as she’s coming in, which will result in her hitting a shorter, higher and softer ball, thus setting up your passing shot.
get aggressive – give the net rusher a taste of her own medicine. As she’s coming in, hit the ball as hard as you can, keeping it low and aiming for her abdomen – and move in. At best she’ll only be able to block the ball back, setting up your passing shot.
mix it up – keep you opponent guessing by dishing out all of the above.

If you succeed in discouraging a net-rusher, you often find that all their ammunition miraculously disappears!

Jen C.

May 24, 2023
May 24, 2023

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Tennis

Review: The Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 3rd Gen Tennis Racquet

Published

6 days ago

May 23, 2023

darragh

I’ve been playing with the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 3rd Gen Tennis Racquet for a month or so, and what sets the Babolat Pure Strike series apart from many others is its wide range of styles for all play levels. The Pure Strike 16 x 19 has an 11.4 oz strung weight and 98 in² head size, making it very appealing, indeed.

The Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 is perfect for all-court players who want a well-balanced tennis racquet that performs consistently across a wide range of strokes.

Babolat Technologies

Babolat’s Pure Strike 16 x 19 utilizes a number of key technologies that give tennis players a competitive boost on the court.

Woofer

Babolat’s patented Woofer Technology is the first dynamic system that makes the frame and the strings interact when striking the ball, allowing for a more generous sweet spot, additional power, and less shock.

Hybrid Frame Construction

The frame uses square and elliptical shapes in strategic locations, offering a highly responsive blend of control and power with excellent feel and precision.

FSI Power

Babolat also uses its patented FSI Power technology to increase the spacing of the cross strings. This results in more power, spin, and comfort when striking the ball.

C2 Pure Feel

New to this 3rd generation racquet is a thin rubber material applied at the frame’s three and nine o’clock positions. This technology creates a softer, more dampened feel.

What I Love About the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19

Based on my evaluation, here area few of the Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 attributes I loved the most.

Maneuverability

The Pure Strike 16 x 19 is easy to maneuver at 11.4 ounces and 327 swing weight, making it effortless to bring the racquet back for groundstrokes and transition for volleys at the net.

Groundstrokes

With its 98 in² head, the frame delivered plenty of power while its 16×19 string pattern helped produce crazy spin. Additionally, its flexible frame offered great control.

Returns

This highly maneuverable racquet delivered fantastic performance, especially when returning fast and deep serves that require you to react quickly and pull your racquet back fast.

Volleys

The Pure Strike 16 x 19 is unique because it also maintains high marks up at the net with volleys. Its light weight makes bringing the racquet head up for a quick poach a breeze!

Who is it best suited for?

Me! I’m a 4.5+ player who plays a little on the aggressive side. The Pure Strike 98 is for advanced players who like to play aggressively and go on the attack. The high swing weight makes it more suitable for players ranked NTRP 4.0 or above.

You can purchase your very own Babolat Pure Strike 16 x 19 3rd Gen Racquet from Do It Tennis, or many other tennis retailers. And if you like my dampener with ‘tude, you can purchase it (and many other other styles) on Amazon!

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