The first tennis rackets were not rackets at all. In fact, people used to use their hands to hit a ball back and forth. An official set of tennis rules and equipment were born when they received a patent in London during the 1800s. A game of tennis offers players a chance to show off their athletic prowess and strategy skills.
History
The most influential figure in tennis racket history is Howard Head, a Philadelphia native and Harvard graduate. Head developed the first metal tennis racket, which debuted at the U.S. Open in 1969. Two years later he sat on the board for Prince Manufacturing Inc. and developed the first line of aluminum oversized tennis rackets. Oversize tennis rackets increase the "sweet spot" on the netting.
Considerations
A factor of your success as a tennis competitor depends on choosing the right racket for you. Head size, grip size, weight and control versus power represent just some of the factors you need to consider before purchasing a tennis racket. Base the make and model of your tennis racket on your size, skill, purpose, preference and budget. The folks at tennisnuts.com suggest a light weight, power racket with an oversized head, if you have a short swing and don't hit the ball very hard.
Types
Your typical tennis racket today consists of aluminum composite. The other components include graphite, fiberglass, Kevlar, silicon carbides and sometimes boron. Beginner rackets offer an inexpensive option, while professional models come at a higher price. Hollow frames reduce the weight of tennis rackets.
Strings
You can't play tennis without the strings. This important part of the tennis racket permits you to hit the ball. In the beginning stages of tennis, players employed strings made of natural materials. Today, as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology explains, tennis player's use strings manufactured from synthetic materials known as polymers. Strings often contain a combination of nylon, polyester and Kevlar. Kevlar is the same material used in bullet proof vests.
Innovations
Technological innovations constantly advance tennis racket construction. Recent advances include a memory foam dampening system to reduce vibration. A new extended reach tennis racket enables players to gain more leverage. According to information published by Ball State University, a well-known tennis racket manufacturer is experimenting with a hot melt process; coating the entire racket with graphite to increase power.
Caution
Playing tennis is the cause of tennis elbow. Information gathered by Boston State University explains the vibration created when you hit the tennis ball causes tension in, and eventually injury to, the muscles of your forearm and elbow. It recommends switching to tennis racket featuring an ergonomically designed handle to combat tennis elbow.
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