Equipment Tips
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NEED NEW SHOES?:
There are so many shoes on the market, it is very difficult to choose. Be sure you're buying a "tennis" shoe. Avoid buying a "cross trainer" or a "running shoe." These shoes are built differently and do not have the features that are specific to tennis, such as stability, shock absorption, outsole gripping patterns, and durable rubber. Also look for features such as shoe weight and reinforced toe areas. One good way to test a tennis shoe is to hold it with one hand on the toe and one hand on the heel. Push toward the middle. If the shoe flexes at the joint of the big toe, it is acceptable. If not, reject it. The shoe you choose should be comfortable. Try it on in the afternoon while wearing the same type socks you will wear while playing tennis. Some of the better shoes will also have a wear guarantee, but check out the fine print.
CHOOSING A RACQUET:
The modern racquets are much more sophisticated than the previous ones. They come with new technology and are made of lighter and stronger materials. Avoid using racquets made of aluminum or fiberglass, as they may cause some arm problems. New materials, such as graphite, titanium or liquid metal, are now the norm. Racquets come in different sizes, lengths and weights. You should be able to purchase an excellent racquet for under $100. Because models change every year, older models are always available at deep discounts. Most commercial racquets come in midsize (90-105cm) or oversize (110-115cm). A smaller racquet head will usually give you more control, while a larger head will usually give you more power. The modern racquet is very personalized to a style of play. You should determine if you have a full swing, a medium swing or a short and compact swing and choose a racquet accordingly. (The dealer should help you in your selection.) The racquet can also be head-heavy, neutral, or head-light. A head-light racquet will give you more racquet speed. If you're buying a better racquet, the dealer will usually let you take it as a demo at minimal cost. The cost is then applied when you purchase the racquet. When you have taken in consideration your swing style, weight and cost of the racquet, the most important factor then is that you are comfortable with the racquet. One last consideration in choosing a racquet is the size of the "sweet spot" (the area where making contact feels solid) and the stability of the racquet on off-center hits. These factors will reduce vibrations and minimize arm problems (tennis elbow).
RACQUET CARE:
Avoid dropping or hitting your racquet against hard objects as this will weaken it and decrease its performance.
SELECTING RACQUET STRINGS:
At some point, your racquet will need to be restrung. Here are some things to consider when choosing a string:
- Are you generating spin or power in your stroke?
- Do you break strings often?
If you don't break strings often, choose a string with a higher level of playability (should be indicated on the package). This type of string should have more feel and should be easier on the arm. If you break strings often, like a stiffer feel or need a string with lots of tension, choose a durability string. The synthetic gut strings are cheap (all makes) and usually give good performance. If you want control from your strings, restring with high tension. If you want power, use a lower tension. Strings usually break because they "saw" against each other. Small plastic notches (called string savers) can be put on your strings to prevent their movement.
There are so many shoes on the market, it is very difficult to choose. Be sure you're buying a "tennis" shoe. Avoid buying a "cross trainer" or a "running shoe." These shoes are built differently and do not have the features that are specific to tennis, such as stability, shock absorption, outsole gripping patterns, and durable rubber. Also look for features such as shoe weight and reinforced toe areas. One good way to test a tennis shoe is to hold it with one hand on the toe and one hand on the heel. Push toward the middle. If the shoe flexes at the joint of the big toe, it is acceptable. If not, reject it. The shoe you choose should be comfortable. Try it on in the afternoon while wearing the same type socks you will wear while playing tennis. Some of the better shoes will also have a wear guarantee, but check out the fine print.
CHOOSING A RACQUET:
The modern racquets are much more sophisticated than the previous ones. They come with new technology and are made of lighter and stronger materials. Avoid using racquets made of aluminum or fiberglass, as they may cause some arm problems. New materials, such as graphite, titanium or liquid metal, are now the norm. Racquets come in different sizes, lengths and weights. You should be able to purchase an excellent racquet for under $100. Because models change every year, older models are always available at deep discounts. Most commercial racquets come in midsize (90-105cm) or oversize (110-115cm). A smaller racquet head will usually give you more control, while a larger head will usually give you more power. The modern racquet is very personalized to a style of play. You should determine if you have a full swing, a medium swing or a short and compact swing and choose a racquet accordingly. (The dealer should help you in your selection.) The racquet can also be head-heavy, neutral, or head-light. A head-light racquet will give you more racquet speed. If you're buying a better racquet, the dealer will usually let you take it as a demo at minimal cost. The cost is then applied when you purchase the racquet. When you have taken in consideration your swing style, weight and cost of the racquet, the most important factor then is that you are comfortable with the racquet. One last consideration in choosing a racquet is the size of the "sweet spot" (the area where making contact feels solid) and the stability of the racquet on off-center hits. These factors will reduce vibrations and minimize arm problems (tennis elbow).
RACQUET CARE:
Avoid dropping or hitting your racquet against hard objects as this will weaken it and decrease its performance.
SELECTING RACQUET STRINGS:
At some point, your racquet will need to be restrung. Here are some things to consider when choosing a string:
- Are you generating spin or power in your stroke?
- Do you break strings often?
If you don't break strings often, choose a string with a higher level of playability (should be indicated on the package). This type of string should have more feel and should be easier on the arm. If you break strings often, like a stiffer feel or need a string with lots of tension, choose a durability string. The synthetic gut strings are cheap (all makes) and usually give good performance. If you want control from your strings, restring with high tension. If you want power, use a lower tension. Strings usually break because they "saw" against each other. Small plastic notches (called string savers) can be put on your strings to prevent their movement.
