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Coaching Tips - Equipment
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But I want more power AND more control!
Question:
I need more power. Should I have my racket strung tighter?
I often encounter players who can quote chapter and verse on the respective merits of
a wide range of tennis rackets. When these same players ask me to restring their instrument
of choice without giving me any specific instructions, I am flabbergasted. I know rackets
are expensive and players don't replace them as often as they replace the strings, but the
rackets don't hit the ball - the strings do! It's just bizarre to choose precisely the right
racket only to install precisely the wrong strings.
Basically, there are four main types of string to choose from:
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Natural gut
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Made from animal intestines, these strings are expensive, but offer better feel and response
than all the other types. They are the least durable and are susceptible to the vagaries of
the weather.
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Synthetic gut
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Made from a wide variety of materials, these strings are the most popular as they offer
relatively good performance and durability at a much cheaper price than natural gut. Different
constructions mean there is plenty of scope for you to choose the characteristics best
suited to your particular requirements.
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Polyester
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These strings are stiff and less elastic than natural gut and synthetic gut strings, but
they are a more durable option. They tend to lose tension quickly.
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Kevlar
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These are easily the most durable strings, but the tradeoff entails a significant loss of
feel and response. The lack of elasticity means they are not exactly easy on the arm.
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Polyester and kevlar are often used in hybrid combinations, i.e. polyester or kevlar for
the mains and natural gut or synthetic gut for the cross-strings. Many Tour professionals
use a high-tech co-polyester string like Luxilon's "Big Banger" in these hybrids.
The gauge (thickness) of a string is another important factor. In general, thinner strings
are more elastic and therefore more powerful. They bite into the ball more, enabling more
effective use of spin. On the downside, they will obviously break quicker than thicker gauge
strings. Typically, the most durable string you'll find will be 15 gauge, while
the thinnest will probably be 17 gauge (although it is possible to get even thinner ones).
The letter 'L' is used to denote half-gauges, e.g. 16L is between 16 and 17 gauge.
The other major consideration is tension. Lower tensions provide more power because the strings
stretch and absorb the energy of the ball before snapping back again (a trampoline effect).
Higher tensions provide more control because the string bed remains stiffer and flatter, making
it easier to control the depth of your shots. Racket manufacturers specify a recommended range of
tensions which is usually printed somewhere on the frame of the racket.
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Tailored rackets
Question:
I'm returning to tennis after a 10 year break. How do I pick from all these new rackets?
Yes, confusing, isn't it. I suppose in one sense, you've never had it so good! Since titanium
was introduced, there has been a much greater diversity of racket types. Manufacturers are
now looking to match rackets not just to the customer's playing standard, but also to his
or her playing style. You can get rackets that are suitable for advanced serve-volleyers,
intermediate aggressive baseliners, etc, etc.
Your best move is to go along to a specialist retailer - choose one who offers an in-store
stringing service, because they're more likely to know their stuff! - describe your playing
level and your style of play and try out 2 or 3 of the rackets the retailer recommends.
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Get a grip!
Question:
How do I know which grip size I need?
Holding an eastern forehand grip (the "shake-hands" grip), you should be able to fit the
index finger of your other hand in the space between your fingertips and your palm (as in the
photo).
If the finger doesn't fit, try a bigger grip. If it fits, but there's space to wriggle your
finger, try a racket with a smaller grip, because you won't get such a good wrist snap on your
serves. Using the wrong grip size leads to overuse of the muscles in your forearm and this in
turn can lead to tennis elbow problems.
If you've already bought the racket and the grip is a bit too small, you can use an overgrip
to get round the problem (literally). If it's too large - sorry, can't help you!
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Getting heavy!
Question:
Are heavy rackets better than light ones?
You pick up a racket in a shop. It looks good. Some of the top pros use it. It's made of
graphite or titanium and, boy, it feels light! You think it'll be really comfortable - easy to
swing. You've simply got to have it!
A couple of weeks later, you've got tennis elbow and you can't play any more!
If you want to avoid tennis elbow, avoid light, stiff, head-heavy rackets! Light rackets place
less weight behind the shot and you have to swing faster to get more power. Pay no attention
to the sales pitch - weight is not a bad thing. You need weight to return a heavy shot. You
need weight when you're stretched and you haven't got time for a long swing. You might be able
to swing a light racket faster (when you've got the time), but swing speed is not the be all
and end all. A racket's mass is as important as its speed.
Two other things that are worth bearing in mind. Firstly, heavier rackets vibrate less. Secondly,
despite appearances, the top pros are NOT using the same racket as you're going to pick up in the
store. Invariably, they'll be using a heavier model. The Head Ti Radical that Andre Agassi uses
weighs over 13 ounces - actually 2.5 ounces heavier than the one in the store!
Look for a head-light racket (balance point closer to the hand than the midpoint of the racket's
length) with adequate mass.
By the way, if there's a particular racket you like and it's too light and it's head-heavy,
you can compensate by applying lead tape under the grip.
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Put on some weight!
Question:
Where do you put lead tape on a racket?
Adding lead tape to a racket increases its mass and therefore
enhances its potential power. However, it changes the balance and makes
it more difficult to manoeuvre (unless the tape is applied to the
handle). You also change the playing characteristics of the racket by
altering the shape and position of the sweet spot - it moves or
stretches towards the added weight. This can have the advantage of
making the racket head less prone to vibration and twisting when you
hit off-centre.
You can stick tape at any of the following places (using a clock-face
analogy):
12 o'clock
2 o'clock and 10 o'clock
3 o'clock and 9 o'clock
4 o'clock and 8 o'clock
6 o'clock
the handle (under the grip)
The closer you go towards the tip of the racket, the more power you
acquire at the expense of manoeuverability. If your objective is to
add mass without unduly affecting the playing characteristics of the
racket, consider applying tape at or below the balance-point (i.e. at
6 o'clock and/or the handle).
Experiment to find out what suits your style of game.
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Bless your cotton socks!
Question:
What should you look for in a pair of tennis shoes?
Using ill-fitting or worn-out shoes can adversely affect both your health and your performance, so
you should attach plenty of importance to your footwear. Martina Hingis has just returned to
the WTA Tour after a three year absence. Her progress will be closely monitored by her doctor
because the reason for her retirement in 2002 was a series of foot injuries attributable to
ill-fitting tennis shoes.
To avoid the sort of problems Hingis encountered, it's important to choose tennis shoes that
provide adequate comfort, support and stability. It's advisable to go for specialised tennis
shoes. Other types of shoe may have been designed for a specific purpose and may not be compatible
with the demands of playing tennis. Running shoes, for example, may leave you vulnerable to
ankle sprains if the designers have sacrificed side-to-side stability in order to focus on forward
motion.
The old maxim "you get what you pay for" generally applies, but cost is only one consideration.
When you're buying shoes, try them on and impress the sales assistant with a few sideskips and
changes of direction. Check for a good, comfortable fit with some room to move your toes. Make sure
there is good arch support, adequate cushioning for the soles and heels and firm support for
side-to-side movement. The upper part of the shoe should be breathable to facilitate evaporation
of sweat. If you tend to drag your foot when you're serving, you will also need plenty of
reinforcement at the tip of the shoe.
Footwear is almost as crucial to your tennis as your racket. As well as using the right shoes,
pay plenty of attention to your socks. In tennis, you can produce more than a pint of
perspiration per foot. Acrylic and other high-tech synthetic fibres retain less moisture than
cotton and reduce the risk of friction blisters. Cotton socks also tend to stretch, wrinkle and
lose their shape.
Put your best foot forward and see your game improve!
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