Technology Which Changed Tennis Game

As you go through a tennis racquet selection guide, you are likely to come across products that come with the fanciest technologies and the latest developments. The goal of these technologies is to improve your game. Some examples include the development of durable and lighter tennis rackets and strings to enable players to play better, save money, and reduce their risk of injury. The following is an overview of some of the most commonly used pieces of tennis equipment made as the result of technological developments:

Graphite rackets – Consult any tennis racquet selection guide and you will find that the most highly recommended rackets are those that are made of graphite and Kevlar. These materials changed the tennis game, as they helped players swing faster with lightweight frames. However, it enabled players to develop stronger bodies and higher technique requirements, too. Performance tennis rackets are manufactured with combined fibers that change their feel, response, and flexibility for every player.

Polyester strings – Polyester is another major game changer in tennis. It was introduced in the mid to late 1990s as synthetic strings, which helped develop aggressive and offensive tennis players. The strings are durable and capable of keeping up with the demands of professional and trained players, as they help generate more spin and speed.

Telemetry sensors – These are devices that help players keep tabs on their game and serve as an aid in improving their technique by providing real-time data analysis. The information is generated from the racket, so the data is more accurate. A tennis racquet selection guide can recommend specialized rackets with telemetry sensors.

Hawk eye – Introducing computer systems to the court has helped tournaments in accurate scoring. The Hawk Eye is a computer system designed to track a ball’s trajectory. Though it was initially used for replay purposes on TV and broadcast systems, it enabled players to understand the trajectory of the ball, too.

Material and Tennis Rackets

When searching for the right tennis racquet, you are likely to come across recommendations involving rackets made with different kinds of materials. Tennis rackets used to be made of wood. Nowadays, you will find them in a wide range of materials that are aimed to maximize durability and performance. Knowing and understanding the type and qualities of each material used in tennis rackets can help you make an informed decision when choosing the best tennis racquet. Here is a brief list of the types of materials used in tennis rackets:

• Graphite – Most lightweight frames are made of 100 percent graphite or with a composite like fiberglass, titanium, tungsten, Kevlar, and copper. Pure graphite will have a stiffer feel, so they are ideal for players who can hit with a lot of power. Composite graphite tennis racquet frames are more flexible and generate less vibration, making them suitable for beginners.

• Kevlar and boron – While similar to graphite, a tennis racquet frame that is made of boron and Kevlar can transmit vibrations readily. They are durable, but less forgiving compared to aluminum and graphite, making them best for more experienced players who have mastered control.

• Aluminum – If you find graphite tennis rackets expensive, aluminum should be a good alternative.  Most entry-level rackets are made of this material, but they are typically heavier compared to graphite. They are ideal for recreational players, too. Aluminum frames are either bi-hollow or tubular, and the shape should determine their durability and flexibility. They provide a moderate level of feel and power. Bi-hollow frames are ideal for beginners, while tubular aluminum frames are ideal for experienced players who can hit with more power.

• Tungsten and titanium – Some tennis racquet manufacturers build racket frames with tungsten and titanium, which are typically combined with carbon fiber or graphite to make the product stiffer as necessary.

5 Ways by Which You Can Customize Your Tennis Rackets

A tennis racquet selection guide may help you find the perfect racket, but customizing your tennis racket is the way to go if you are not satisfied with the quality and features of ready-made rackets. Many touring professionals play with a customized racket, so it is not unusual to have yours customized, too. Customizing a racket may occur during its manufacturing or after-market. In any case, the goal is to have it tailored to the player’s unique physique, playing style, and game objectives. Customizing your tennis rackets may help you gain an edge on the court. Here are five ways to do it:

• Customize the racket’s balance and weight – This involves adding weight to any strategic location on your racket to control its overall distribution of weight, a factor that determines how the racket will play, feel, and swing. Weight will affect control, stability, power, arm safety, and the location of the sweet spot, too. Likewise, it will determine the maneuverability of your racket. 

• Change the strings – Another popular way to customize tennis rackets is by changing the strings. There are many different strings to choose from, from natural gut to synthetic, and in some cases, they come in many different colors, too.

• Customizing with lead tape – Lead tape comes packaged as strips of lead that are one-fourth of one-half inch wide, in pre-cut strips or rolls with sticky backing. It is applied to the frame of the racket on both sides of the strings. A stringer may apply a ½-inch wide tape while stringing the racket with the grommets protruding through it. Adding lead tape to a tennis racket will provide more weight to it and increase your shot’s power. Apply lead tape at the six o’ clock area of the racket’s frame to add weight without affecting the balance.

• Add lead tape for stability – If the tennis racquet selection guide led you to a racket that lacks stability, you can increase that factor by adding lead tape, too. This time, lead increases the weight on the sweet spot to minimize vibration and twisting from any off-center hit. Tape the nine and three o’ clock areas of the racket to achieve stability.

• Boost plow through with tape – Apply two eight-inch strips of tungsten customization tape to the racket’s inner hoop at the 12 o’clock area to boost the total mass by 0.2 ounces. This means two balance points, a 20-point jump in the swingweight, and less head-light.