Tennis rackets, or racquets, are lightweight implements consisting
of netting stretched in an oval frame. They are used to strike
a ball in the sport of tennis. From the late nineteenth century
through the 1960s, tennis rackets were made with wood frames and catgut
strings, but during the 1970s, aluminum frames achieved widespread
popularity. More recently, composite frames with synthetic strings
have come to predominate. The International Tennis Federation set the standards
for tennis racket sizes in 1982 and revised them to allow larger heads
in 1997 as lighter frame materials became more common.
Tennis Racket Categories
Tennis rackets generally fall into three categories: power oriented
rackets, tweener rackets, and player's rackets. Power rackets are
lightweight (usually under 10 ounces), have large heads and are longer
(27 inches to 29 inches) to improve the beginner's chances at hitting,
and they have a head-heavy balance point. The momentum created
by a heavy head allows the ball to be hit with more power, and the lighter
racket may be swung faster with less effort from the player.
However, on impact with the ball, the sharp decline of the racket head's
speed causes the remaining momentum created in the swing to transfer to
the player's wrist, arm, and shoulder. This physical stress is
likely a major factor contributing to tennis elbow.
Tweener rackets are intermediate rackets that are nearly evenly balanced,
have mid-range lengths (27.5 inches or 28 inches), and weigh around 10
or 11 ounces. The head size is smaller than a power-oriented racket,
attracting intermediate players who are more accurate hitters and desire
better control.
Player's rackets are for advanced or professional players who do not need
additional power from the racket head's momentum. These rackets are
head-light, usually weigh over 11 ounces, have small heads, and are 27
inches long or slightly longer. Although a heavier racket takes
more human power to swing, a player's racket requires less speed in the
swing and offers a more balanced momentum, which contributes to greater
accuracy and control.
Other racket considerations include string pattern density and frame
stiffness. A dense, close string pattern lasts longer, but does not
rebound or create spin on the ball as well as a wider, open string
pattern. A stiff frame absorbs less shock from impact with the ball,
allowing the ball to be hit with more power and control, but it also
causes more shock to be transferred to the player's arm. A flexible
frame is preferable for players who want to avoid shock to their wrists,
elbows, and shoulders. Tennis Warehouse has detailed specifications for many
different tennis racket models.
Manufacturer of tennis ball machines and racquet sports
equipment features a comprehensive line of tennis products, including
shoes, apparel, and accessories. www.PrinceTennis.com
Features a broad range of tennis products and accessories,
including tennis rackets for competitive and intensive play as well as
for recreational players and juniors. www.Babolat.com
This premier tennis instruction site features tennis rules, pro
shop and pro player's gear, tennis product reviews, and tournament schedules. www.TennisOne.com
Boris Becker slams German media for 'fake' stories
The former tennis star hit out against misleading media reports saying that he moaned about corned beef on the menu and complained about the size of his cell in Wandsworth jail.
Daily Mail. Saturday, 21 May 2022 10:01:38 GMT.
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