The Choice of Tennis Equipment

The first tennis equipment requirement is obviously a tennis racquet.

The modern tennis racquet is a very different object from the tennis racquet used 30 to 40 years ago. It has a bigger head, is lighter but stiffer, has a split shaft, and is not made of wood. The recent racquets represent a revolution in racquet technology. Also, the strokes in tennis and the style of the game itself have notably evolved over the past 20 to 30 years.

That is, with the classic forehand and backhand, the weight transfer was more linear than rotational. This meant that players did not use the excessive shoulder turn that we see in many players today like Venus Williams' forehand in the photo here below. The idea was to use the weight of the racquet and the forward transfer of body weight to generate power.

Today, with new-composite, space-age materials available, the latest technology allows for the construction of durable frames as light as 7 ounces. As a racquet is made lighter, it becomes easier to swing, is more maneuverable and can be swung at a higher speed. At the same time, the same lighter racquet will propel the ball at a lower velocity.

In fact, for each player and each style of play, there is a range of racquet weights that will optimize one's game. For example, generally a lighter racquet will give the ball more speed on a serve because, according to the analysis of the ball-racquet interaction, the ball velocity is relatively insensitive to the inherent racquet power and very sensitive to the racquet head speed.

Conversely, for a ground stroke the analysis shows that the resulting ball speed depends a great deal on the inherent racquet power so a somewhat heavier racquet may be optimum.

In summary, the lighter weight of the racquet, the less mass there is behind the ball at contact, so that the racquet can turn in the hand on miss-hit shots. Often this can be uncomfortable. The trade-off, however, is that less effort is required to get the racquet started, resulting in more racquet head speed and allowing the players to create a different type of game with more power and less finesse.

The most common strategy is to hit the big first serve, look for a short return, and go for a winner on the next shot. In addition, the head speed of lighter racquets creates the opportunity to apply more spin. This spin not only controls the ball, it also causes the ball to dive down and then jump up when it hits the ground making it a more difficult shot to return.

First things first, however. Tennis arm injuries are not just due to issues with the tennis equipment choice of a racquet. They can also be caused by poor mechanics (hitting late or leading with the elbow), limited upper limb strength, and squeezing the grip too hard (even if you don't need to).

Choosing a racquet is a very individual decision also involving other factors such as string type and tension. Play-testing racquets will be a huge help to most players together with video analysis instruction to adequately work on stroke technique and timing.

As you evaluate your tennis racquet or look for a new one, click here to learn more on how to buy a tennis racquet . The game is tough enough. So give yourself every opportunity possible to be successful when you consider acquiring the best tennis equipment such as a tennis racquet. Weight and balance, correct head size, and what kind of string and tension are all very important factors in helping you to be the best player you can be.

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