Choosing Tennis Rackets For Yourself




by Tom Doerr


When playing tennis, it's easy to be let down by poor equipment. Whether it's simply too fragile to play with or doesn't deliver the power or control you need to truly play well, a poor racket won't help the player. Choosing tennis rackets is quite easy when the appropriate factors are known and they're often divided into two areas: control and power. Many players prefer a blend of the two, but the mix can be varied in any way the player chooses.

The amount of energy required to deliver a powerful hit is determined by the weight of the racket. A lighter racket allows the player to deliver more power per hit and this is determined by materials, head and beam size as well as player strength. Aluminium, graphite and titanium can be used within the rackets, but they all have differing effects on the price of the racket.

While lighter rackets are designed for power, it is heavier ones that are designed for control. These sacrifice the ability to deliver powerful hits with less energy by allowing the player to deliver hits with more finesse and accuracy. For stronger players, this might be a preferable option as they can still deliver decently-powered hits.

The head-size directly determines how easily the player hits the ball, especially with the sweet spot. This spot is where the most power and control is focused and increases with head size. Due to this, power per hit is also increased, though it can become somewhat unwieldly with larger sizes.

The downside to a large head size is increased weight and size, making it somewhat more difficult to handle with speed. For a blend of control and power, a larger head size and heavier racket can provide a suitable mix. An alternative blend might be a smaller head size for control, but a lighter racket for power.

The beam thickness also affects the power delivered, but to a lesser extent than the previous factors. Ultimately, it's down to experience and knowing one's own personal playing style when choosing a racket. However, knowing what factors influence what can help when choosing tennis rackets.




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