Three Tips for Beginners on Selecting a Tennis Racket

iStock 000008765622XSmallIf you’re in the market for a tennis racket and not quite sure which way to turn, here are three tips to help you decide. The most basic features of a tennis racket are its weight, head shape and head size. Selecting a racket based on these characteristics will help you get a racket compatible with your skill level. Let’s take a look at each of them in turn.

Racket Weight. Beginners often make the mistake of choosing a light racket. In practice however, a heavier racket will give you a better chance of returning the ball. The weight of the racket gives your swing just a touch of extra momentum and power. The downside of a heavy racket is that you get tired quicker, at least until you are in shape. Lighter rackets can give you better control, but surprisingly are often linked with a greater likelihood of injury.

Head Shape. The shape of the racket’s head affects the size and shape of the “sweet spot.” The sweet spot is the part of the racket head the puts the most power into your return. Beginners should consider getting a teardrop-shaped racket head because it makes for a larger, more elongated sweet spot. In other words, by increasing the area of the sweet spot, there’s a better chance you can connect with the ball successfully. Round racket heads are better suited for more highly skilled players. They have a smaller, round sweet spot in the middle of the racket head.

Head Size. This is probably obvious, but beginners usually play better with a larger tennis racket head. When you’re learning to swing at the tennis ball, it makes life easier to swing more real estate through the air. Experienced players should stick with a smaller, more traditional racket head. Although there is less area to come into contact with the ball, a smaller head normally provides better control over the shot.

Improve Your Skills with a Tennis Ball Machine

tennis machineIf you are looking for help in taking your tennis skills to new heights, you may want to purchase a tennis ball machine. This equipment will tirelessly serve up tennis balls to help you practice your strokes. Of course, it can also give you a great workout as well. One big advantage is that the machine makes it possible for you to practice alone. It becomes your always-ready, uncomplaining partner. But they are also quite useful with a coach. The tennis ball machine allows your coach to concentrate on you and your form, not on hitting balls to you.

So how do you choose a tennis ball machine that fulfills your needs? First of all, does the machine need to be transportable? If you have a tennis court at home, then you can consider machines that are designed to stay in one place. Otherwise, you’ll need to figure out how easy the machine can be moved. Evaluate the wheels and placement of the handles. Do they conveniently lighten the bulk of the machine? Try moving the equipment over rough, uneven surfaces to see how it behaves.

Take a look at the variations the machine is able to serve up. You need to practice all your different shots from all over the court. Your tennis ball machine should be able to put different spins on the ball and serve them at different speeds and angles.

Tennis ball machines typically run on AC power or on batteries. Depending on where you’ll be using the machine, you may need the battery power option. Find out how long fully charged batteries last, and how long it takes to charge them again. Can the machine operate at full power when it is running on batteries?

Finally, assess the warranty that comes with the machine. The general rule to follow is the longer the warranty, the better. Don’t accept anything less than two years.

Does Tennis Ball Selection Really Matter?

tennis ballMany tennis players make the mistake of thinking that tennis ball selection isn’t a big deal. There are actually a couple of different ball features that you should take into consideration. Color is often personal preference, but there are situations where certain colors are better. Pressure and felt should be adjusted depending on what type of playing you do and where. As technology improves, the actual brand may become less important.

Most tennis balls are yellow to provide maximum visibility. Balls that are dyed to be more visible in poor light can keep you playing in less than optimal conditions. Even if you believe that anyone should be able to see the tennis ball, small differences in visibility could make a difference in the way you play. Green and orange are also popular high-visibility colors.

Some tennis balls are color-coded to help with training. The ITF has developed a three-color system based on traffic lights to help youngsters build their tennis skills. Red balls are for 5 to 8 year olds, orange for 8 to 10 year olds and green for 9 to 10 year olds. Each ball is faster and bounces higher than the one below.

All tennis balls are pressurized. That’s where they get their bounce. Regulation balls are kept under pressure until use. As play continues, the bounce deteriorates. Practice balls start with a little less pressure, but they hold it longer. Although they may start to lose their fuzz, practice tennis balls stay consistent longer. This allows for plenty of practice without spending a fortune on balls.

The felt coverings vary based on what kind of court the balls are designed for. Make sure you choose the right felt for your favorite court.

As technology evolves, there is less distinction between brands and manufacturers. Having brand loyalty is understandable, but don’t let that get in the way of buying the best tennis ball for your particular situation.

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