Tennis and racquetball have many features in common. Both sports are fast-paced games that involve striking a ball with a racket. They require speed, stamina and coordination. But the two games are very different in other ways....
From the early days of tennis through the second half of the 20th century, players relied on racquets made from wood or metal. By the 1970s, the introduction of composite materials like graphite helped revolutionize the sport. ...
There are three grip styles for grabbing a tennis racket: eastern, western and continental. The main difference between them is how you rotate your wrist and racket to hit the ball. The eastern grip is the basic style for grab...
Adult and junior rackets, though made by the same companies, differ significantly. Due to these differences, it is very rare that an adult should be using a junior racket and visa versa. Junior players should use rackets that ...
A tweener tennis racket is, as the name implies, an in-between racket for players who are not beginners but not professionals either. Tennis rackets designed for beginners or players who have slow swings and need more power are...
Tennis racket abuse -- smashing it on the court in anger -- is not the only reason a racket can crack or break. A racket also is at risk for cracks if it is strung over the recommended tension. An inexperienced stringer who doe...
In the process of buying a tennis racket, you must take several things into account. Which brand you'll choose, the size grip and racket face size that will best serve your game should all be part of your decision. You'll also ...
If you are a beginner, you will derive more pleasure by using a game-improvement racket as you sharpen your skills and see if tennis is the game for you. Game-improvement rackets have a larger "sweet spot," which enab...
How you hold the tennis racket greatly contributes to your ability to successfully execute a serve. The placement, angle, speed and spin all rely on the way you position your hand on the racket handle. There are numerous ways t...
The specifications of a tennis racket play a large part in how the racket performs. Different specifications suit certain players better than others. Two of the most important racket qualities are the stiffness and balance of t...
Your grip is the foundation of every stroke you take on the tennis court. Changing your grip changes the angle of the racket at impact, which affects the placement, spin and pace of the shot. As Jon Levey writes on Tennis.com, ...
Hitting a faster backhand requires you to accelerate your racket into your shot. If your racket is traveling at 60 mph when it hits the ball, you'll send it back at a higher speed than if your racket is moving at 30 mph. To swi...
Conventional tennis wisdom has dictated that you should serve with a Continental, or "shake hands," grip. While this is fine for most players, beginners and advanced players often use a different grip with considerable success....
Stringing a tennis racket with two strings is referred to as two-piece stringing. In two-piece stringing, one piece of string is used for the main, or long, strings and another piece is used for the cross strings. No matter wha...
With the multitude of brands and models available, finding the right tennis racket for your game can be a confusing and painstaking process. Start by doing research before setting foot in a store to try out different models. A...
Knowing the swing weight of a tennis racket can be important to a player.This measurement is particularly useful when attempting to customize a racket frame, or when attempting to match multiple rackets to the exact same specif...
Blisters are formed when the skin is exposed to prolong irritation through pressure or chafing. For tennis players, the racket handle is a common cause of blisters on the hands and fingers. Racket handles primarily cause bliste...
Dampening vibrations on a tennis racket is a relatively simple task that can lead to long-term benefits. Reducing vibration can help alleviate pain from injuries such as tendinitis and muscle strains. Lessening the vibration ...
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, sometim...
Knowing how to string tennis rackets can save you a considerable about of time and money, especially if you break strings often. To string the Dunlop Aerogel 300, you need a stringing machine and 38 feet of string. The correct ...
According to retailer Dick's Sporting Goods, matching the right equipment to your skill level is the first step to improving the accuracy and strength of your swing. While most beginning players will opt for an oversized, pre-s...
All tennis rackets are built with certain characteristics. Some offer more power and speed, while others focus on control and spin. The stiffness of a racket is one way that designers alter these playing characteristics. Stiffn...
Tennis rackets come in various sizes and weights to suit different player abilities and styles of play. While rackets have their own manufacturer's weight, they can be customized with lead tape. Players need to consider not onl...
If you're planning to spend time on the court, getting a properly fitting tennis racket is essential. The type of racket you need depends on your level of experience, your style of play and your body type. An experienced profes...
A good tennis racket is crucial if you want to maximize your potential as a player. Your ambition may only extend to winning your club tournament or beating your biggest rival, but owning at least two good-quality racket of id...
Howard Head developed the first oversize racket for Prince in 1976. In 2011, Prince is an industry leader that manufactures tennis rackets, footwear, apparel, strings and accessories.
While many people believe a tennis racket vibration dampener absorbs ball/racket impact shock and helps decrease the effects of tennis elbow, physics reveal this isn't true. Vibration dampeners absorb string vibration, reducing...
A tennis racket is usually strung using one long string about 40 feet long with tension locked in place on every main and cross string before moving on to the next. Mains run parallel to the racket handle and crosses run perpen...
Tennis strings have as much or more of an impact on your game than your racket, since your goal is to hit the ball with your strings, not the racket. Depending on how your strings react when the ball hits them, you'll experienc...
You don't have to spend a lot to find a beginner racket that will help you learn the game. In fact, spending hundreds of dollars on a top-of-the-line racket and custom string job might not provide much more benefit than buying ...
The lifespan of your tennis racket depends on how you treat it, how often you use it, how you play with it and the climate in which you play. Some tennis players are particularly hard on their rackets and some racket frames cra...
You rely on your arms and shoulders to swing a tennis racket and especially use your shoulders when making an overhanded shot. When you frequently swing a tennis racket, you can experience inflammation in the shoulder muscles t...
The strings on a tennis racket are strung at specific tensions to provide consistent power and spin when striking the ball. Over time, strings can lose tension, resulting in poor performance. String meters are devices used to m...
Your tennis racket is an extension of your arm. Stringing the racket at the right tension enhances your game, giving you added control or power, depending on what you need. Every racket has a different tension range recommended...
Whether you buy a more expensive, brand-name racket, or an inexpensive model from a Big Box store, you'll get enough quality to help your youngster learn to play the game well. As your kids get older and better, you'll want to ...
While a racket seems pretty straightforward, the United States Tennis Association has set out rules governing tennis rackets used for play in its sanctioned tournaments and matches. These rules are widespread across the America...
During the 1980s, tennis racket manufacturers noticed professional players adding lead tape to the top and sides of their tennis rackets. The companies' research and development experts found that adding weight to the perimeter...
Your tennis racket string tension can help you to have more power and control over the tennis ball during a match. The tension of your strings is generally measured in pounds and refers to how tight the strings are strung withi...
Players use lead tape to adjust the weight distribution on their racket, resulting in enhancements in stability, power, swing weight and balance, depending on where the lead tape is added. Lead tape typically comes in strips of...
No racket is designed only for men or women. All tennis rackets are capable of being used by either sex. However, there are some trends. Women generally choose lighter, longer, larger, stiffer rackets for increases in power and...
Tennis rackets come in so many varieties, you can easily become confused about which to buy to match your game. The differences in head size, length, weight, balance point and flexibility affect a racket's performance. Slight d...
An overgrip is a thin, usually synthetic material wrapped around the factory grip of a tennis racket to provide an easily replaceable solution for worn grips. Overgrips help you maintain a solid grip on the racket, increasing c...
With regular play, a tennis racket's strings will wear and eventually break. Replacing your tennis strings is a normal part of the game and should not pose any risk to your racket. However, using the wrong techniques and equipm...
Early manufacturers used wood, gut and rubber to build tennis rackets. In 2011, tennis rackets are usually made from graphite, carbon fiber or aluminum, depending on the price and player level. The manufacturing process with te...
Taking care of your elbow when playing tennis requires proper warmups, stretching and the right equipment. A racket that is good for your elbow will have the right combination of flex, strings, grip size and weight.
Tennis rackets are highly personalized pieces of equipment. To the untrained eye, they may look the same. However, subtle differences among rackets makes a big difference to the player, including those that come from a racket t...
A kid's tennis racket is smaller than a standard tennis racket, in length and in the size of the head. The grip is also a little smaller to allow younger hands to get a firm grasp of the racket as they learn a new sport. If you...
When you select your new tennis racket, choose between custom or standard models. The first tennis rackets were made of wood. Today, you can select rackets made of various materials including graphite, Kevlar and carbon fiber c...
With no time limit, players must prove their strength and endurance physically, mentally and mechanically. A good tennis racket helps keep your head in the game.
2010 was an exciting year for tennis with Rafa Nadal winning 3 grand slam championships in a row. Nadal's racket, the Bobolat Aeropro, was one of the top ranking rackets of the year, according to Consumersearch.com. The best ra...
The top-rated women's tennis racquets include familiar brands such as Wilson, Prince and Dunlop. The best racquet for you depends on your skill level and style of play. Tennis racquets come in three types. If you are ready to c...
Lawn tennis was first introduced in Europe in the 1870s. Since then we have seen an evolution in not only the sport, but in the equipment you use to play it. Today's rackets are made of better materials, in a more useful size a...
No specific tennis racket is designated specifically for women. Finding a racket that suits your game style, physical attributes and stroke production is a highly subjective process. OS rackets -- oversized rackets with greater...
Because of this, there is no magic tennis racket that will achieve the best results for all players. A complex set of characteristics determine what kind of racket is best for any player, such as weight, string pattern, feel, ...
Almost all sports equipment has evolved in some way over the years, but perhaps the most drastic shift has happened in tennis. Andy Roddick holds the record for the fastest serve in tennis history at 150 miles per hour, but it'...
The tennis racket industry is extremely widespread, and choosing a racket to purchase can be a cumbersome decision. Along with being expensive, tennis rackets are a personal choice; what works for a friend or your teaching pro ...
A good racket is one that complements your strength and how you swing the racket. Not every racket is suitable for every player. With so many rackets on the market, finding a good racket for your money takes time.
Tennis players often dread the moment when a string breaks on their racket. Many players reluctantly pay a professional to restring the racket. With the proper equipment, restringing your own racket may be a better choice. The ...
A tennis racket striking a ball sends vibrations down through the frame, all the way to the grip. Regardless of whether the racket is wood or graphite, cheap or expensive, vibrations will be felt by the player on every shot. So...
Selecting a tennis racket can be difficult, especially if you don't know what you are looking for in a racket. You need to consider your level of play, then decide what you desire in a new racket. You might need a racket that w...
While playing tennis requires patience, physical strength and endurance, it also requires a key piece of equipment: the tennis racket. Early tennis rackets were made of wood. Over time, tennis racket technology has radically ch...
Tennis rackets with fragile wooden frames, strings made from animal guts and grips made out of real string, wrapped around the handle. Tennis has changed dramatically since its early days, but maintaining your racket correctly ...
Whether you're a seasoned tennis player or a casual beginner, choosing a tennis racket that is appropriate for you may help improve your game. Although a sporting goods salesperson may try to steer you toward a particular racke...
From wooden frames to carbon fiber and beyond, tennis racket technology has driven the game forward. Tennis rackets have become a source of controversy in the modern game, giving players an often frowned-upon level of power and...
There is no one Prince racket that is the best for every tennis player. The Prince Sports Co. has several models of rackets designed for players of all levels and with different playing styles. The best racket for a beginner pl...
Heavy, low-powered rackets provide players with more control over the ball. They are designed for hard hitting players who generate their own power and put pace on the ball. Today, a heavy racket is considered 11 oz or more. Pr...
Tennis and New York State are synonymous with one another. Although the sate boosts public outdoor courts, they tend to become overcrowded and require a seasonal pass that costs about $100 per year. Joining a club can give you ...
The tension at which a tennis racket is strung has an enormous impact on the way it plays. Most who have played the game for any significant period of time have an established preference as to just how tightly their racket shou...
It also is a great way to get your heart pumping, work up a sweat and burn up some calories while you are having fun. However, you should have a racket that fits your size and your style of play if you want to get the most out ...
Tennis rackets come in many shapes and sizes. Some have large heads with short handles; others have small heads with long handles. The weight of a tennis racket is sometimes concentrated toward the head, but sometimes toward th...
If you find a racket model you like at a store, but they don't have it in the grip size you want, or you inherit a racket from a family member or friend that isn't your size, change the grip size to fit you. B...
Tennis players swear by their rackets. Many argue players cannot be successful without a good one. But if the player's grip is not correct, he will not have success no matter how good the racket may be. It is important to have ...
Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned pro, the right tennis racket can make the game more enjoyable and help you improve your skills. With so many different types of rackets available, it can be challenging to choose the...
Considering the numerous tennis rackets available, choosing the right one can be a daunting and difficult process. Tennis racket technology has been one of the biggest changes to the game over the years and there are tennis rac...
Stringing a tennis racket is a fairly simple task--if you have the right equipment and knowledge. Different rackets have different stringing patterns, but the concept of the "basket weaving" technique is fairly similar for all ...
While there are dozens of makes and models of tennis rackets, their playing characteristics revolve around only a few key components. The stiffness, weight, head size and length are the primary contributors to how a racket play...
If your kids are ready to get started in tennis, take the time to find the best racket for their needs. A racket that's improperly sized can make the game more difficult, and will likely discourage your kids from playing. As yo...
Tennis rackets come in three basics styles: Game Improvement, for lower-level players; Tweener, for intermediate players; and Player's, for advanced players. Each racket type offers different manufacturing characteristics to e...
An oversized strung surface has a larger sweet spot, an important part of any racket and described by Insidescience.org as, “the point on the racket's face between the middle and tip that propels the ball wi...
Air travel rules can be a chore to deal with, particularly when you want to bring sports equipment along. While tennis rackets are not typically identified as lethal weapons, they can cause difficulties when traveling by air. A...
Whether you are serious about your tennis or just getting started playing the game, you'll want to put some thought into your racket. If you're new to the game, you can pick a racket off the display wall, pre-strung, to help yo...
Both tennis and squash players must use rackets that meet certain standard size, weight and material specifications. The United States Tennis Association, or the USTA, and the World Squash Federation provide equipment specifica...
If you want to play tennis like the pros, don't use the rackets they use. Professional athletes have speed, power and coordination the average hacker doesn't possess, and they are able to use unforgiving rackets that provide th...
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 18...
Differences in size and type of construction can affect your game and playing ability. The performance of a racket is determined by its head size, stiffness and dimensions. Some rackets are designed with beginners in mind while...
However, tennis is one of the easiest sports to pick up and play casually because you need only a tennis racket to get started. As you decide which tennis racket to buy, keep in mind that some are designed for pros, some for a
Novice tennis players should choose a racket that makes learning the game of tennis easier and more enjoyable. Racket manufacturers refer to these types of rackets as "game improvement" rackets. Generally speaking, th...
They are also both Olympic sports. There are obviously differences between a tennis ball and the shuttlecock used in badminton. While major manufacturers like Wilson, Prince and Dunlop all make rackets for badminton and tennis,...
Tennis rackets come in many sizes, colors and materials, with a variety of playing characteristics. To select the best racket for your style of play, you'll need to understand how the characteristics of the racket affect stroke...
The first wooden tennis rackets appeared in the 15th century. Before then, different ball games were played with plain hands, gloved hands or wooden bats. In 1873 Major Walter Clopton Wingfield put together a set of official ru...
Tennis strings come in many styles, brands, gauges and materials--which can be confusing for the average consumer. A certified racket stringer can help you choose the right gauge or thickness and tension for your hitting style....
Tennis rackets can be compared in a number of ways, including by their manufacturing techniques, playing characteristics and suitability for playing styles. Because most of these comparisons revolve around physics and the effec...
Tennis rackets have come a long way since the days when they were first made out of wood. Manufacturers have spent time and money researching what gives the best hit and provides the most comfortable swing. There's also conside...
The "best" tennis racket is one that amplifies your playing strengths without magnifying your weaknesses. Tennis rackets come in myriad styles and models, with a variety of manufacturing techniques used to add power o...
Racket manufacturers have addressed this by using manufacturing techniques and a knowledge of physics to create high-tech rackets for low-skill players.
For the same reason, starting out the game with a racket that's made for a world-class athlete will actually hinder you, instead of help. Rackets made especially for new players, called "game improvement rackets," are your best...
Tennis rackets, normally spelled "racquets," come in a variety of weights, lengths, stiffness ratings and head sizes, all designed to help particular types of players. Before attempting to choose a racket that's right for you, ...
There are many different rackets in the market place today, from beginner rackets, designed to help players play tennis, to rackets with hundreds of hours of technology, helping players perform tennis. Having the right racket i...
Tennis players who take their game seriously know that to keep the consistency in their game, their equipment needs to be checked frequently. One of the most important parts of the tennis racket to be checked is the grip, yet i...
When most tennis players start looking for a new racket, they have an idea of what they want to get. They want a racket that will produce more power, more accuracy or more comfort. Sometimes, they want all three of these factor...
Although aristocracy played variations of the sport of tennis for centuries, modern-day tennis (called lawn tennis at the time) was introduced in the 1870s. The rackets were made from wood that was formed into various shapes th...