RENT A RACQUET before you buy
Since buying a quality tennis racquet is no cheap investment, experimenting with a rental racquet for a day or two is a good idea. An added benefit of renting a racquet or two for a couple of days is that you will also be able to try different grip sizes.
Consider making a trip to this store to rent a demo racquet or two (an employee there will also be able to assist):
- Located in Fairfax, Virginia: demo racquet rental shop: AlpineSkiShop.com/demo-rackets-and-stringing
- Online: Use Tennis Warehouse's Demo Program to rent racquets [have the rental fee then accredited to the full price of the racquet once ready to buy]: Tennis-Warehouse.com/demoprogram.html
RACQUET RECOMMENDATIONS
▶ Head Ti.S6 is a racquet that is easy to swing and offers plenty of power. It makes for a great entry-level racquet, and is without a doubt one of the best tennis racquets for beginners. It is also an ideal fit for senior players (age 70+) looking for a comfortable yet powerful racquet:
[select the size of the racquet based on the age of the player (use the images for assistance, located under "What to look for in a tennis racquet" on this webpage)].
▶ Babolat Aero: many (men, women, kids) enjoy using this light and easy to swing racquet.
[select the size of the racquet based on the age of the player (use the images for assistance, located under "What to look for in a tennis racquet" on this webpage)].
➧ Roger Federer's racquet and equipment [Wilson]➧ Novak Djokovic's racquet and equipment [Head]➧ Rafael Nadal's racquet and equipment [Babolat]
What to look for in a tennis racquet
Choosing the right racquet can not only help you to perform better, but can prevent injuries. For juniors, choosing the right length and weight is important. Going for a racquet that is too big can affect the quality of technique and using a racquet that’s too small may not give the player enough power.
Weight
Light racquets can be easy to maneuver but don’t give as much power, whereas heavier racquets can be more powerful but tougher to wield.
Head size
A larger head-sized racquet give you a bigger surface area to hit and often more power, so are more forgiving for less experienced players. Smaller heads can give more control but can be more difficult to play with and offer less spin potential.
Grip size
The grip size refers to the circumference of the grip and is usually measured in inches. A rough way of checking if a grip size is right for you is by holding a racquet in your normal forehand grip. If the racquet is of the correct grip size, the gap between your palm and longest finger should approximately be the width of a finger. If the gap is too small it means you will need a larger grip size, and if the gap is too big you will need a smaller grip size.
Weight
Light racquets can be easy to maneuver but don’t give as much power, whereas heavier racquets can be more powerful but tougher to wield.
- Lighter Racquet = More Control.
- Heavier Racquet = More Power.
Head size
A larger head-sized racquet give you a bigger surface area to hit and often more power, so are more forgiving for less experienced players. Smaller heads can give more control but can be more difficult to play with and offer less spin potential.
- Larger Headsize = More Power.
- Smaller Headsize = More Control.
Grip size
The grip size refers to the circumference of the grip and is usually measured in inches. A rough way of checking if a grip size is right for you is by holding a racquet in your normal forehand grip. If the racquet is of the correct grip size, the gap between your palm and longest finger should approximately be the width of a finger. If the gap is too small it means you will need a larger grip size, and if the gap is too big you will need a smaller grip size.
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WANT MORE TOPSPIN — GO WITH A SMALLER GRIP.
“There is one important thing to know about how a small or big grip will affect your game. To help illustrate my point, try to clench your fist and move your wrist around. Notice how mobile we are. Now try doing the same thing while holding a tennis ball. It should be a bit more difficult.”
While players looking for heavier topspin should select a smaller grip just like Rafael Nadal does, other players might like a bigger grip for more stability (i.e. Djokovic).
Playing with a smaller grip will allow you to play with more topspin, because your wrist will move more freely. If you like to play flat, however, a grip that feels bigger might be a good option because the racquet will be less likely to move around in your hand on off-center shots.”
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STRINGS
For strings, natural gut and nylon strings are best for beginner to intermediate players due to their power and comfort properties, while polyester is best for advanced players due to its stiffer, control-oriented properties.
Polyester strings tend to be the stiffest and lowest-powered type of string, but they do offer the most control, spin and durability. This is why they are ideal for players with longer, faster strokes that can generate much of their own power. Players with slower strokes or looking for more power may find "polys" too stiff and uncomfortable.
Natural gut strings are generally the softest tennis string available, making them the most powerful and comfortable option out there. However, what makes natural gut very unique is the softness that it exhibits at very high tensions. If you are looking for more control out of your natural gut, you can string it at a very high tension (60+ lbs) and it still retains its comfort, playability and feel.
Multifilament strings tend to be quite soft as well since they are designed to replicate the feel and performance of natural gut. However, they don't have the same level of playability at higher tensions like natural gut does. However, they are still a great option for players looking for power, comfort and feel at a more reasonable price point.
Synthetic gut strings are usually right in the middle of the road when it comes to stiffness, which is why they usually are good choice for affordable all-around performance.
[Guide] How to Choose the Perfect Racquet String: https://klipperusa.com/pages/how-to-choose-the-perfect-racquet-string
As for string tension, typical tensions range from around 40-65lbs.
Lowering your tension will give you more power, more comfort and will open up the sweet-spot of your racquet.
Increasing your tension will give you more control, and allows you to generate your own power more (instead of the racquet or string doing it for you).
Your athletes' thinking MATTERS
Their diet, exercise, coach is not enough
If you want, if they want to excel to their highest level.
So invest in what sets them apart.
The way they process errors.
The way they prepare mentally for their sport.
The way they set themselves up for their own success.
The way they see themselves.
The way they project their dreams and believe they can.
The way they reserve their energy for what matters most.
The way they prioritize balance in their lives.
The way they know their values and live into them.
The way they know how to celebrate every win.
The way they expect failure to be part of the process.
Parents.
If you want to support your athletes and yourself through life.
Invest in mental strength training also.
Whether it’s from me or not.
Find their fit and make it happen.
This is a game changer and will impact all areas of their and your life - for life.
An interesting study and relatably true for myself when I was playing competitively, especially the point about:
1. After i missed a shot, visualizing in my head how I realistically would have to had struck the ball for it to go in.
And that then helped me to move on to the next point mentally.
So, self-correcting in the moment, through self evaluation, and then corrective visualization..... that's a two birds one stone net positive approach that I think one would benefit from implementing into their thinking process between points.