The most daunting task possibly in a tennis player’s life revolves around deciding whether or not to change racquets and then, even more daunting, in choosing the new racquet. Tennis racquets vary in size, weight, and power so that changing offers up many benefits but also many risks. The process of changing racquets involves both patience and practice.
Demo Different Tennis Racquets First
Once you have felt that you have exceeded the ability your new tennis racquet offers, go to a tennis professional shop and talk about your game and the characteristics that could be improved. Players who over-hit will probably want to change to a more controlled racquet. While each brand offers styles with control, Yonex in particular has a unique design that specializes in racquet control. Martina Hingis, the queen of controlled shots, used a Yonex for her entire career.
The professionals at a pro shop are trained in how to direct customers to the different brands and styles. Once they have given you a couple of suggestions, you will need to take a handful of their demo tennis racquets to try out in practice. This will allow you to see how your unique swing and timing changes with the various tennis racquet styles.
How to Practice with Your Demo Tennis Racquet
When practicing with your demo tennis racquet, it is important that the variety of shots used in a match are each explored for a long time. Don’t just go out on a court, hit a few forehands, like the speed, and call it a day. Begin by practicing your ground strokes, both forehand and backhand. Afterwards, move on to volleys. Tennis racquets with strong power end up being more difficult to volley with.
Even special shots need to be tried out. The drop-shot, a difficult, precise stroke that is becoming even more important in today’s game, needs to be tested. What if the racquet is too heavy for an effective drop-shot? You are thereby taking out a crucial element in any competitive player’s arsenal. Overheads, serves, slice shots, and drop volleys should be practiced, with the positives and negatives affecting your decision.
Making the Final Choice on Your New Tennis Racquet
After you have narrowed the field down to a couple racquets, the final step in demoing is to play some matches. The only way to really know a racquet’s worth is through the particular nuisances that arrive in match settings. Second shots, returns, and nerves are all important elements of a match that are not usually a part of practice.
Remember, a new tennis racquet can help heighten a player’s game yet also be its detriment. Famously, former top ten player Ivan Ljubicic switched racquets for monetary reasons at the height of his career. Subsequent to that, his game fell a few notches and he watched as his ranking fell with it. Just last year, Novak Djokovic also switched racquets and it took him at least six months to finally find his magic. The new tennis racquet, after being purchased, will definitely take a while to get used to. As many players know though, buying a new tennis racquet can also be a step to a higher level and performance.
TLE101
Patrick Berkley - I'm an English teacher and writer currently residing in beautiful Fort Lauderdale. I've written for The Edge in Fort Lauderdale and also ...
Join the Conversation