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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!

Extended Length Tennis Racquets are longer than the standard 27 inches and are often used by recreational players looking for more power and reach on their two-handed backhands.

The most common lengths used are 27-1/4″, 27-1/2″, and 28″, with the longest length allowed under current regulations being 29″.

This article will discuss the pros and cons of using an extended-length racquet and some of your purchasing options.

Pros of Extended Length Rackets

There are many pros to using racquets with a longer than standard length, with the main pro being the extra reach when you are pulled out wide on either side.

The extra reach is especially helpful if you have a two-handed backhand, as you won’t have the same reach as a player who plays with a one-handed backhand.

The extra length also helps give you more power on your serve and overheads as you will be meeting the ball at a higher point, and you will have more mass behind the ball.

Another advantage is that the extra reach will make it harder for opponents to pass you when you’re up at the net.

Cons of Extended Length Rackets

The main disadvantage to using a racket with an extended length is that it will be less maneuverable.

It also takes some time to get used to playing with an extended racket (especially if you have only ever played with a standard length).

Another drawback is that it can be tiring to play with as they often have a heavier swing weight than a similar standard-length racket.

3 Best Extended Length Tennis Rackets

Every player will have his or her own opinion on which extended length racquets they feel are the top three, but these are mine.

1. Babolat Pure Drive Plus

The Babolat Pure Drive Plus is probably the most popular extended-length racket amongst recreational players. It offers a good mix of power, control, and spin.

Specs:	Babolat Pure Drive Plus
Version:	2021
Design:
Head Size:	100in
Length:	27.5in
Strung Weight:	318g (11.2oz)
Swing Weight:	324g
Head Heavy or Head Light:	6 Pts Head Light
TW Stiffness Rating:	69
Power:	Low to Medium
Beam Width:	23mm / 26mm / 23mm
Composition:	Graphite
Colors:	Blue and Black
String Pattern:	16×19
Grip Type:	Babolat Syntec Pro

2. Wilson Blade 104

Venus Williams endorses the Wilson Blade 104, which her sister Serena Williams previously endorsed before she switched to playing with the Wilson Blade SW 102 Autograph before she recently retired.

Specs:	Wilson Blade 104
Version:	V8
Design:
Head Size:	104in
Length:	27.5in
Strung Weight:	306g (10.8oz)
Swing Weight:	317g
Head Heavy or Head Light:	6 Pts Head Light
TW Stiffness Rating:	70
Power:	Low to Medium
Beam Width:	22.5mm
Composition:	Graphite
Colors:	Green
String Pattern:	16×19
Grip Type:	Wilson Pro Performance

3. Yonex EZONE 100+

The Yonex EZONE 100+ is the extended version of the popular Ezone 100 and offers similar playability and specs.

Specs:	Yonex EZONE 100+
Version:	2020
Design:
Head Size:	100in
Length:	27.5in
Strung Weight:	315g (11.1oz)
Swing Weight:	335g
Head Heavy or Head Light:	3 Pts Head Light
TW Stiffness Rating:	70
Power:	Low to Medium
Beam Width:	23.5mm / 26mm / 22mm
Composition:	HM Graphite
Colors:	Blue
String Pattern:	16×19
Grip Type:	Yonex Synthetic Grip

Pros Who Use Extended Length Rackets

Below is a selection of pros currently playing with an extended racket on the ATP and WTA Tours.

• Albert Ramos-Vinolas – (27.5 inches)
• Benoit Paire – (27.5 inches)
• Bernard Tomic – (27.5 inches)
• Diego Schwartzman – (28 inches)
• Edouard Roger Vasselin – (27.5 inches)
• Elina Svitolina – (27.5 inches)
• Eugenie Bouchard – (27.5 inches)
• Evgeny Donskoy – (27.5 inches)
• Gaël Monfils – (27.5 inches)
• Hsieh Su-wei – (29 inches)
• Jamie Murray – (27.5 inches)
• Jelena Ostapenko – (27.5 inches)
• John Isner – (27.4 inches)
• Kei Nishikori – (27.25 inches)
• Novak Djokovic – (27.1 inches)
• Qiang Wang – (27.5 inches)
• Richard Gasquet – (27.5 inches)
• Thanasi Kokkinakis – (27.5 inches)
• Venus Williams – (27.5 inches)

I was having lunch with one of my tennis chicks, and as we were catching up with our busy lives, our conversation turned to tennis, of course 😉

She was telling me about a doubles league match in which she was given a moonball up at the net (I love those!). She thought it would be an easy put-away, but the ball dropped right into the path of the sun, and she lost sight of it as she swung her racquet and missed it. But being the quick thinker she is, she stepped back, and before it bounced twice, she hit a winner down the middle.

Well, this didn’t sit well with the opponents, who said the point should be theirs because, on her first stroke, my friend’s racquet apparently crossed the net but didn’t touch it. Now, had she made contact with the ball on the other side of the net, then the point would definitely go to the opponents. But there was no contact with the ball whatsoever until the second stroke, which happened further back, away from the net.

They agreed to replay the point, but who was correct? The applicable rule in the USTA handbook is as follows (in its entirety):

Rule 24: Player Loses The Point

The point is lost if:

a. The player serves two consecutive faults; or

b. The player does not return the ball in play before it bounces twice consecutively; or

c. The player returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, or before it bounces, an object, outside the correct court; or

d. The player returns the ball in play so that, before it bounces, it hits a permanent fixture; or

e. The receiver returns the service before it bounces; or

f. The player deliberately carries or catches the ball in play on the racquet or deliberately touches it with the racquet more than once; or

g. The player or the racquet, whether in the player’s hand or not, or anything which the player is wearing or carrying touches the net, net posts/singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the opponent’s court at any time while the ball is in play; or

h. The player hits the ball before it has passed the net; or

i. The ball in play touches the player or anything that the player is wearing or carrying, except the racquet; or

j. The ball in play touches the racquet when the player is not holding it; or

k. The player deliberately and materially changes the shape of the racquet when the ball is in play; or

l. In doubles, both players touch the ball when returning it.

There is absolutely nothing in Rule 24 that supports the opponents’ claim that they should win the point! A “miss” doesn’t change the outcome of a point once the ball has been served. And even though her racquet crossed the net, if no contact was made with the ball or the net itself, taking a second swipe at the ball is not prohibited. And since she hit the ball before it bounced a second time, her shot was good.