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Picking a tennis racket that complements your needs and fulfills your requirements can be of utmost importance on the court. Playing with the right tennis racket based on your playing style can build your performance majorly. Features like, weight, balance, string tension, and grip size should be taken into consideration when picking a racket based on a player’s game style. Several types of players prefer playing a certain way like aggressively or defensively. For this, there are different tennis rackets available that can help you hit various types of shots precisely. Further below, we will help you choose the ideal racket based on your skill level and playing style so that you can make a valuable decision and immensely improve your game. Beginners, as well as professional players, need to focus on buying a tennis racket according to their playing style so they can perform well with ease. While most beginners are trying to understand what playing style works best for them, higher-level players have a better understanding of the racket requirements they need. Thus, based on that it is essential to choose a racket that meets their needs as well as enhances their performance.
Some of the different styles that players have are attacking play, defensive play, close-net play, and aggressive play. Here, are the key points to focus on while choosing a tennis racket based on your playing style.
1. Head balance of the racket- The balance of a tennis racket has a profound effect on how it will play on the court. These are classified as head-heavy, head-light, and evenly balanced tennis rackets. Head-heavy rackets are mostly selected by players who have an aggressive or attacking game style. The weight that heavy-head rackets possess provides players with extra force and power while hitting shots. It also enables them to hit smashes effortlessly. On the other hand, head-light rackets help players be more agile because of their lightweight, which is appropriate for serve-and-volley players who need quick responses near the net. It helps them move around the court freely. Thus, they are an appropriate choice for defensive and close-net players since they are lightweight for the hand.
2. String tension- String tension is of massive importance in the performance it offers. It has a direct effect on the power, control, and spin. Those players who depend on powerful baseline shots and have an aggressive style of playing, tend to find an advantage in rackets with a low string tension which provides a trampoline-like effect, giving more power and spin. Defensive players might also use lower tension to achieve maximum depth on their returns with the least amount of effort. Moreover, rackets with low string tension are also suitable for players who favor smashing. On the other hand, rackets that have a higher string tension give more accuracy, thus, making them better suited for close-net players who require sharp, precise volleys at the net. Meanwhile, all-court players generally pick medium string-tension rackets to find a compromise between power and control. The string tension of the racket is a very important factor to consider based on your playing style as it assists players in establishing the proper setup for their game and enables them to shoot more consistently and perform well on the court.
3. Racket weight- A tennis racket’s weight is a decisive factor in establishing power, control, and agility, thus becoming a crucial factor based on a player’s playing style. Thus, lighter rackets are suitable for beginners, defensive players, and also for those who depend on speed and fast reflexes, and heavy rackets are best for advanced, and aggressive players who require precision and force while hitting. Their weight is also handy for smashing. Additionally, rackets that hold a medium weight are called mid-weight rackets. Mid-weight tennis rackets give a balance between force and control, making them a supreme choice for all-court players. These rackets are the best option for players who haven’t established their playing style yet or players who focus on being versatile on the court.
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4. Frame of the racket- The frame of a tennis racket plays a key role in the spin, accuracy, power, and control a racket offers. These factors indirectly affect a player's game. Aggressive or power-hitting players will benefit from using a stiffer, thicker frame as that gives extra power and stability. Meanwhile, defensive players and all-court players prefer rackets that have thinner frames as they are light in weight and give a better feel while playing. Moreover, even close-net players opt for rackets that have a thin frame as it helps them to maneuver and be more flexible on the court. On the other hand, stiff frames generate more power but their weight may cause discomfort, because of the shock that comes along with the hits. Different types of frames carry distinct features that suit a certain playing style. Thus, considering the thickness and flexibility of a racket frame is an important factor to look into when buying a racket based on your style of playing tennis.
5. Grip size- The grip size of a racket plays a crucial role in the feel a player receives when hitting the shuttle. Picking the appropriate grip size not only gives more control over the racket but also prevents wrist injuries from taking place. While a thin grip size gives more movement and reduces the weight of the racket, a larger grip size offers more stability and force. However, the correct grip size a player should use can be determined by their playing style and comfort level. Nowadays, overgrips that help to adjust the grip size are available. So for players who are unsure about what works best for them, they can buy a racket that has a thinner grip size and can use an overgrip to make adjustments. This will not only protect you from injuries but will also better your performance to an extent.
Playing with a tennis racket that supports your game style is an important step in your badminton journey. An appropriately picked racket guarantees better performance on the court. It also reduces the possibility of injury. Additionally, several factors like the weight of the racket, flexibility or stiffness of the frame, string tension, and balance of the racket influence the way a player controls the game. In the end, the proper way to select the ideal racket is through experimentation and testing. One of the most important factors that come into the picture here is comfort. A tennis racket that offers comfort along with matching a player's needs becomes vital. Thus, players often opt to buy rackets after trying them out so they can get a feel of the racket. Ultimately, your style of playing can change after reaching a certain level and it may become necessary to change your racket. Thus, using an all-around racket may be helpful until you establish your playing style.
