As a sport, tennis has become a leading racket sport that is played by individuals of different age groups. Traditionally, this sport was all about touch & feel, where players were expected to serve & rush to volley. Now, it has changed from being merely a touch sport. The sport has now adapted to new conditions.
Currently, this leading sport is all about ripping balls and power. Shoulders have an important role to play in assisting players to hit the ball with maximum impact. When big injuries are not treated properly, they could lead to big problems. To overcome such injuries, there are several factors to consider. One such factor is the tennis gear.
The tennis gear is crucial, and the most important one is the tennis racket. When you get your tennis gear from a reliable racket shop, you can search for the desired type to enjoy your game and prevent injuries. There are several types of tennis rackets out there, and you should have an understanding of how to choose the right one.
1. Power: These are also known as player rackets. They are primarily focused on overall control, ensuring enough precision while hitting. This is because players are assumed to already have the required skill set. It is recommended for professional players to use this racket. Some of the core features of this type of tennis racket are:
- Smaller head size: delivering a lesser margin of error
- Standard length: shorter on the grip, but offering better control while swinging due to the smaller head size
- Flexible frame: Ball stays for a longer period on the racket and offers players better control of the game.
2. Control: This category of rackets is suitable for beginners and intermediate players. With a control racket, you are able to hit the other player quite aggressively without affecting your shoulders too much. This is because most beginners or intermediate players might not have much time to work on their skills. Here are some important components to look into:
- Stiffer frame: Delivering better ball rebounds
- Larger in length: Delivering better grip or support
- Oversized head: A larger head delivers more power to the racket, along with a better spot for beginners
- Lightweight construction: Easy on the arm and easy to swing
3. In-betweeners: Players with different forms or skills can use this type of racket. This is because these usually feature a sweet spot. A player is able to get the best of both worlds without compromising on any aspect. If you are still looking for your exact way of playing, you can try out this type of racket.
Some of the important components of an in-between racket are:
- Semi-stiff frame
- Medium-sized head
- Medium-weight construction
- Medium-sized length
4. Tweener Rackets: A tweener is known to derive its power & lightness from power rackets. These features are combined with the control of the player’s rackets. Usually, tweener rackets are light to medium weight and balanced from head light to head heavy.
Its power level usually ranges from low-medium to medium-high power. Therefore, they are highly attractive to both intermediate and advanced players. Tweener rackets are also quite spin-friendly due to the lightweight construction.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Tennis Racket
1. Head Size
The power of your game is directly related to the head size. A larger head is known to deliver more power than a smaller head, with all other aspects being equal. A larger head also offers a larger hitting area and sweetspot. This would result in forgiveness on off-center hits.
Nowadays, rackets are available in different head sizes, ranging from 93 to 135 square inches. Rackets that are close to 100 square inches deliver a perfect combination of power and control for most players. Typically, a smaller head will attract more professional players who want more control. On the other hand, larger rackets attract intermediate and beginner players who want more power.
2. Length
The standard length of an adult tennis racket is around 27 inches. However, you can still come across varying lengths, ranging from 26.5 to 29 inches. For example, 29 inches is the legal maximum for tennis tournaments.
With a longer racket, you can achieve more reach on groundstrokes, better leverage on serves, and more power overall than rackets of standard lengths. The additional length of longer rackets delivers a higher swing weight. This implies that slightly more effort is required to move the racket. More power rackets are designed lighter to keep them easily maneuverable, even at longer lengths.
3. Weight & Balance
These traits determine how a racket feels when you pick it up and swing on the tennis court.
Typically, a heavy racket is considered more powerful and stable. It transmits less shock than a lightweight racket. With the additional weight of the racket, you are able to win the battle at contact when the stringbed collides with the ball. On the other hand, a lightweight racket is more maneuverable. This allows the player to position effectively while generating lots of spins.
When it comes to balance, a racket can be of the following types: head light, head heavy, or balanced. A head-light racket has its major mass located toward the racket’s handle. Lightweight power rackets are head-heavy. As a majority of the mass is situated toward the center, there is some stability retained. When the overall mass is distributed evenly throughout the racket, you can achieve a combination of balance and maneuverability.
Conclusion
It is important to choose the right racket for your game. You could be learning the basics of the game or be a pro at it. Still, it is important to understand different types of rackets and how to choose the best one. Take time to test a few options from the best racket shop TennisShop.ae, and consider your goals.
