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.

Tennis Scoring System: The Odd 15, 30, 40

If you’re new to tennis, then you must be wondering who invented the tennis scoring system—and why it’s so odd. Even tennis veterans are befuddled by the strange scoring system. In an interview, Andre Agassi was asked about why the points were named that way. His humorous reply was that the system was invented “to cause frustration to those who play tennis.”Indeed, for many players, it’s a mystery they will never understand. The practical approach would be to simply learn the scoring rules and move on instead of stopping to wonder how the rules got that way.

Tennis historians cannot pinpoint exactly how and when the wording was used, though there are several theories. The 15, 30, and 40 scores are said to have originated from medieval French. Theory has it that a clock face was used on court; a quarter move of the hand denoted a score of 15, 30, and 45. The game was over when the hand moved to 60.

In the world of tennis, ‘love’ is the term for zero—a term that is also attributed to medieval French. The word ‘l’oeuf’in French means egg—which looks like a zero. Tennis historians theorize that English mispronunciations eventually corrupted the word and it thus became ‘love.’Oddly enough, ‘love’ is not used at all in French tennis matches. They use zero.

Linguists also theorize that ‘love’ comes the Dutch word ‘lof,’ which means honor. The basis of this theory is a 16th-century political song that describes a battle between the French and Antwerp in terms of a tennis game, differentiating those who play for ‘lof’ and those who wager. Incidentally, the word ‘tennis’ is believed to be a corruption of the word ‘tenez’ which means take heed. The umpire shouted this word at the beginning of the match back in the day.

Best Sportsmanship Moments in Tennis

A quick YouTube search for ‘best sportsmanship moments in tennis’ will return a collection of videos that show some of our generations most celebrated players showing graciousness even in defeat. If you’re a tennis fan, then you will appreciate these videos and will find it hard not to smile while watching them.

One of the more recent moments of sportsmanship happened at the Hopman Cup match. Jack Sock of the United States and Lleyton Hewitt of Australia. Hewitt served and the ball was called out. Hewitt was about to take his second serve and readies his tennis racket,but Sock stopped him, saying the ball was in and asked him to challenge the call. Hewitt appeared shocked to hear Sock say this but agreed and challenged the call.

Sock already conceded the point according to the chair umpire, but they went to the board anyway and there it was—the ball was in. The delighted crowd applauded. The match was won by Hewitt, but it was Sock’s sportsmanship moment that was even more memorable.

And then there’s the much-told story of Tim Smyczek and Rafael Nadal. Smyczek—a relatively unknown American qualifier—is on center court against Nadal, who is beyond doubt one of the greatest tennis players in the world. The game has been going on for four hours and the heat was oppressive. Spectators are on the edge of their seats.

Put yourself in Smyczek’s shoes. The pressure must have been intense. He was, after all, playing against a tennis great.

At 30-0, Nadal prepares a serve to win the match. He tosses the ball up, but someone in the crowd screamed out and he faults.Smyczek could have sniffed an opportunity for a second serve so he can get back into the game, but he instead tells Nadal to replay the point. For everyone watching, it was an incredible moment of sportsmanship during one of the most intense games of the American player’s career. The audience responded warmly; Smyczek received a standing ovation as he left the court after succumbing to Nadal.

Are You Using the Right Tennis Shoes?

A game of short sprints, quick stops and starts, and lots of lateral movement, tennis requires footwear that can keep up. This is why you need the right tennis shoes. When choosing a pair, it helps to think about your style of playing, the court surface where you usually play, and your personal preferences.

The Anatomy of a Tennis Shoe

If you’re completely new to tennis then you can probably get away with using running shoes that are engineered for repetitive forward motion. But once you have decided to make tennis a part of your lifestyle, it makes sense to invest in proper tennis shoes, the same investment as buying a perfect tennis racket.

Unlike general training or gym shoes that have thicker and softer heels for added cushioning and less impact, tennis shoes are designed to be sturdier. They are built for frequent starts and stops and movement around the court. This is why most tennis shoes are more flat with specially designed patterns on the sole, which vary depending on the court surface.

Think About Where You Play

In general, hard court surfaces(such as concrete) require tennis shoes with extra durability. Go for a pair with resilient out soles and supportive uppers. Hard courts tend to wear soles out more quickly, so always check your shoes and assess if you need replacements.

On the other hand, soft courts or clay courts require tennis shoes with more grip.Tennis shoes for soft courts are usually designed for non-damaging traction.

Think About Your Playing Style

If you’re a baseline player and you love being along the baseline, then you need tennis shoes with lateral support and a highly durable sole. If you’re a serve-and-volley player and you frequently charge the net, then you probably slide your back foot often along the court during your serve. You might benefit from shoes with reinforced toes. Medials inside the arch are also essential.

How to Buy a Tennis Racket – 3 Secrets to Save You Time and Money

Want to learn how to buy a tennis racket? There is a lot to know! In fact, our algorithm searched over 4,500 data points to the top 300 rackets on the market. Figure doing that by hand might take…oooohh two weeks or so. Here is what you need to do:

1. Test the Racket First

When you first read blogs on how to buy a tennis racket, you will mostly likely read a long article but nothing about demo’ing the racket. Always test the racket! Before proceeding to buy a tennis racket, it is vital that you test it out. Whether this be by playing a match or two with it, or simply feeling the racket in your hands and attempting a few air swings, both can be very telling. With this latter approach, you will probably be able to feel if the racket is suited to you, and the former will leave no uncertainties. Although buying online can be an easy and quick option, it simply isn’t worth the risk. There is no worse feeling than hitting your first ball with a new racket, only to realize that it isn’t right for you.

2. Size Matters
Many people adopt a “one size fits all” rationale when it comes to tennis rackets, but following this mindset will cost you dearly. In fact, there are many sizes to consider with tennis rackets, such as the head size, grip size and racket length.

The head size of your racket depends upon your ability. If you are a beginner, then a racket with a large head size is appropriate (above 105 inches), as this larger frame will provide more power and obviously will make it easier to hit the ball. In contrast, advanced players require rackets with small head sizes (below 95 inches) for more control. Intermediates benefit from head sizes between 95-105 inches which offer a nice blend of control and power.

Your grip size is based upon the size of your hand. To calculate your grip size, vertically measure the distance from your ring finger to the intersection between your thumb and index finger in the middle of your palm with a ruler in inches. It is important to be as accurate as possible with your measurement, as the slightest fraction can make a big difference.

As with the other two sizes, racket lengths are also easy to work out. Nearly all adult rackets are 27 inches in length, and a child’s age and height determines what length their racket will be.

Weight is also a topic that could fall under this section. Essentially, you must ensure that you are comfortable with the weight of your racket, as one that is too heavy or too light will negatively affect your game.

3. Don’t be Fooled

Even if their racket looks the same as the millions that are being sold in sports shops around the world, the specifications will not match, and they will be entirely different. Do not choose a racket simply because your favorite player uses it or one of the top pros promote it; choose a racket which genuinely improves your game.

Lastly, do not fool yourself. If you are a beginner, do not opt for the most expensive and extravagant racket out there that is made for advanced players. Buy a beginners racket which will help you progress most, and will save you money to begin with. Then before you know it, you’ll be a high-level player with an advanced tennis racket, and hopefully your path to this point will have been mistake-free thanks to this article.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Racquet to Benefit Your Playstyle

There are literally thousands of different tennis rackets to choose from, and yet it’s extremely rare for two rackets to play exactly the same. A slightly thicker beam or even an extra gram of weight can massively affect your performance on the court.

Weight and Balance

Tennis rackets weigh anywhere from 245 grams (super lightweight) to 340 grams (super heavy). Choosing something too light or too heavy for you can negatively affect your game. Worse, it might cause arm injuries.

Professional racquet stringers in sports shops usually have machines that can determine the weight, balance, and swing weight of a racket. These machines are equipped with gauges and sensors that provide accurate measurements of a racket's balance. Tennis rackets with balance points above 330mm are head-heavy. Those in the 315 to 330mm range are balanced, and those under 315mm are head light.

So which one should you choose? Head-heavy racquets are recommended for baseline players as well as beginners. Advanced players typically prefer a more balanced or head-light racquet that is more maneuverable, in general. Head-light rackets are also easier to use for net play and volleying. Head-heavy rackets, on the other hand, provide more power. They also help you hit top spin. A balanced tennis racket can provide a bit of both, and are usually preferred by base-liners at the back of the court.

The Takeaway

If you’re a beginner player and want something basic, buy a balanced racquet preferably with an oversized head. A 27-inch lightweight racquet with a head that’s at least 106 square inches is ideal. Make sure you’re the grip size suits you, too. Are you a power hitter? You might play better with a smaller-head racquet that helps to prevent you from swinging too heavy. The lighter head gives you more control.