July 2000
Many factors make up the right tennis racquet for you. Here are some tips to help you pick a new racquet or make your existing racquet perform better.
Choosing a Head Size
The trend is toward bigger rackets because they put more power into the hands
of the player. There are three basic racket sizes available:
Midsize/Midplus - 85 to 104 square inches
Oversize - 105 -117 square inches
Super Oversize - 118 - 135 square inches
Larger head sizes will give you a better chance to make contact with the ball. You'll have a bigger sweet spot and a more powerful shot. Large head frames are great on volleys. They're also more stable on off-center hits - meaning the racket will be less likely to twist in your hand. The major benefit of midsize/midplus or smaller rackets is more depth control (the distance the ball travels into your opponent's court).
Racquet Stiffness
The stiffer the racket, the more energy is returned to the ball. When the ball
makes contact with your racket, it stays there only a short time. Any flex in
a racket is wasted energy - power that cannot be transferred to the ball. Stiffer
rackets generate more power. They also have larger sweet spots for directional
control (making the ball rebound in the same direction or angle it makes contact
with your racket). They are also better at dampening vibration. With the trend
towards stiffer frames, it is essential to find ways to reduce shock and vibrations.
Increased Shock Absorption and Vibration Dampening can be achieved with racquet
accessories multi filament string, vibration dampeners and cushion grips. If
all three accessories are simultaneously used, vibration dampening is increased
by over 70 percent and shock absorption is increased by almost 60 percent.
Racquet Stability
With today's rackets getting lighter and lighter, it has become more important
that the mass, or weight, is retained in the head. A super lightweight racket
with mass in the head provides great maneuverability with the added benefits
of superior stability and enhanced power return. A lightweight racket with minimal
mass in the head can provide great maneuverability, but could cause twisting
upon impact, resulting in less stability and less power. Prince has introduced
a revolutionary weighting system featuring Triple Braid - woven titanium, copper
and carbon placed in three critical racquet locations: 10 O'clock, 2 O'clock,
and at the bottom of the handle. This patent-pending technology creates ultimate
bi-directional stability even on lighter frames.
Sweet Spot
The sweet spot is the most responsive part of the racket's face. It gives you
the most power and control and the most solid hit. It's also the place where
you feel no vibration or shock. Improvements in technology have extended the
sweet spot up into the top part of the racket face where most people hit the
ball. Prince's patent-pending Triple Threat™ technology produces an expanded
sweet spot in every direction providing ultimate bi-directional stability for
increased power and control and reduced shock to the arm.
Stringing Your Racket For Best Results
Stringing makes a significant difference in how a frame plays! Selecting a Stringer:
The first step in proper stringing is to find a professional stringer who can
answer your questions and help you choose the right string, gauge and tension
to fit your playing style.
Types of String: There are two basic string constructions: natural gut
(made from the muscle layer of beef intestine) and synthetics. Gut is best for
playability and synthetics are best for players seeking durability. With the
improvements in synthetic fibers, however, many synthetic strings offer a superb
balance of durability and playability.
String Gauge: The thickness of the string plays a big role in the balance
between playability and durability. Thinner strings (16 and 17
gauge) offer better feel and playability while thicker strings (15 gauge) offer
greater durability.
String Tension: Stay within the manufacturer’s recommend string
tensions which are determined to maximize frame performance. For more power,
string the racket at the low-end of the range. Lower tension = more power. Higher
string tensions give less power but more depth control.
Restringing ?: Restring your racket each year as many times as you play each week. Always restring at least once a year.
Reducing the Risk of Tennis Elbow
It is still unknown whether shock or vibration causes tennis elbow, or if stiffer
or more flexible rackets are harder on a player’s arm. Poor stroke style
has also been mentioned as a reason for tennis elbow. There are certain things
you can do to reduce your risk of arm injury:
Lower Your String Tension: Lower string tensions produce more forgiving
string beds, transmitting less shock. The extra power generated by lower string
tensions also allows you to use less effort with each swing.
Check Your Grip: If your grip is too small, your racket may twist in
your hand on off-center hits, straining your elbow. Make sure your racket has
the correct grip size!
Check Your Stroke: Improper strokes are the main cause of tennis elbow.
Poor strokes like hitting the ball behind you, or leading with your elbow on
your backhand can produce strain on the arm. See your local tennis pro for an
analysis of your strokes.
Check Your Racket: Every player is sensitive to different racket characteristics.
If your racket is still bothering your arm, try a more flexible frame, or vice
versa. Stiffer rackets generate more power, larger sweet spots, greater directional
control and higher vibration dampening - all factors which reduce the risk of
tennis elbow. The only real benefit of a more flexible racket is it may offer
less power (greater depth control) suitable for players with higher and faster
swing speeds. The current belief is that the benefits of stiffer rackets outweigh
the advantages of more flexible frames.
From Wilson Racquet Sports