Most mass manufactured tennis rackets weigh between 10 and 12 oz., although some specialty models weigh up to 13 oz., or as little as 9 oz.. The overall weight of a tennis racquet, as well as how the weight is balanced, sometimes can hurt your shoulder.
Overall Weight
In most cases, a heavier racket is easier on the shoulder, as well as the wrist and elbow. Because heavier rackets have more momentum, they absorb more of the ball's impact. A lighter racket tends to distribute more impact force to your shoulder. If you have wrist and elbow problems in addition to shoulder problems, you might have a racket that is too light for you. It that is the case, add lead tape to the frame. It's available at most tennis stores.
Weight Balance
The weight can be distributed in three ways on a tennis racket: head-heavy, head-light and even balance. On a head-light racket, the majority of the weight is in the handle. Head-heavy rackets have more weight in the head, or the top of the racket. Balanced rackets distribute the weight evenly. In general, head-heavy rackets are harder on the shoulder for two reasons. First, placing weight at the head requires more torque on the wrist, elbow and shoulder to turn the racket. Second, head heavy rackets tend to be lighter, increasing the amount of impact force directed toward the shoulder.
Strengthening
Depending on your shoulder problem, various strengthening exercises may help your tennis game more than simply choosing a different racket. Exercise can help improve shoulder strength and overall range of motion. Specific exercises are weightlifting, resistance band training and basic stretching. By strengthening the shoulder and increasing flexibility, you reduce the risk of pulled muscles and injuries. If you continue to play with shoulder problems, you will only make them worse and impair your ability to play.
Considerations
When choosing a tennis racket, utilize demonstration programs. Most tennis shops offer them, and they allow you to test several rackets before you buy one. Choose a variety of racket weights and weight distributions to try out. Look at stiffness and string tension, as well, to see what works best with your style of play. Stiffer rackets and rackets strung at higher tensions are harder on your shoulder.
References
- "Playing Tennis After 50"; Kathy Woods, et al.
- Tennis Warehouse: Selecting a Tennis Racquet
- Racquet Research; The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing a Tennis Racquet; Wilmot McCutchen
- The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma: Physical Therapy Corner: Keeping Your Tennis Shoulder Tuned: March 8, 2007
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