by T Martin
You need to purchase a new tennis racquet, but you are not really sure what to buy! What does head size mean, head heavy or head light, and the list goes on. I think a brief explanation is in order.
Head size directly correlates to power. Today’s tennis racquets come in head sizes ranging from 85 to 135 square inches. Most of your players will fall somewhere in the 95-110 square inch range. Larger head size will provide more power combined with a larger sweet spot and hitting area. For those reasons a beginner to intermediate player will typically use this racquet. Smaller head size translates to more control and is used most often by a more accomplished player.
The length of your racquet can vary from 27-29 inches. With a longer racquet you get more reach on your ground strokes, more leverage on your serve and a little bit more power overall. Longer racquets are lighter than the standard 27 inch because your dynamic swing weight increase with length. If you did not decrease the weight with the increase in length your racquet would feel more like an unmaneuverable club.
A heavier racquet should provide more power and stability than it lighter weight counterpart. With a lighter racquet you swing faster because it is easier to maneuver. So you might be thinking a light weight racket swung quickly should be just as powerful as a heavy weight racquet swung slower. This topic has been heavily debated through the years, and the answer remains fuzzy. In the early 90’s Wilson introduced the Hammer series which provided a lighter racquet with a heavier head. Since that introduction racquet weights have continued to decline to well under 10 ounces. So really to make your decision it boils down to what is best for you. I would recommend using your current racquet as a frame of reference. How heavy is it, what head size are you using and is it head heavy or head light? I switched from a head heavy, oversized racquet to a heavier, mid size with more over all balance. As my skills advanced I was able to take a bigger cut at the ball, or create my own power. So as a result, I was really spraying balls with my lighter, oversized racquet. I really gained a lot of control on my ground strokes, but I had to really get used to it on my volleys. I felt slow for a while around the net.
There are advantages and disadvantages to the different weights and balances of tennis racquets. We will begin with a head light, heavier racquet. This is often referred to as traditionally weighted and balanced, used most often by pro tennis players. This racquet weighs in around 11-13 oz and offer more control. Players using this racquet can create their own power.
A head heavy, light weight racquet has more power and maneuverability. This racquet is used by a beginner to intermediate player.
Racquet stiffness is another factor to consider. A stiffer racquet will bend less which translates to less energy being depleted from the ball. A flexible racquet provides more bend which technically speaking means it depletes energy from the ball. Simply put, stiffer racquets have more power than flexible racquets.
The last thing to look at in racquets performance is your string pattern. A tennis racquet strung in an open pattern will provide more rebound than a racquet strung in a denser pattern. An open pattern does not feel as “tight” and gives you more spin, but it can also lead to more broken strings. Players looking for more control or maybe they hit hard top spin will have their racquets strung denser.
Racquets will continue to evolve over time as will your game. Hope this helps and good luck finding your new tennis racquet!
Tags: counterpart, frame of reference, hammer series, heavy weight, intermediate player, leverage, little bit, mid size, s wilson, square inches, sweet spot, swing weight, tennis racquet, weights
