CAN RACQUETS BREAK THE LAWS OF PHYSICS?

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

There is an interesting magazine called “Skeptic” and it treats its subject matter as the name implies. A tennis equipment buyer should be called “Skeptic, Most of the Time” because almost all racquets come with labels touting technological nirvana.

Be aware that ALL tennis manufacturers know the laws of physics that govern frames and strings. They spend great effort trying to “get around” them.

First, racquet head size: the smaller the head, the more control. Although there is a larger sweetspot on a larger head, the farther away from center that you hit the ball, the less control you will have. The increase in power that goes along with larger head frames will tend to decrease the amount of control. Why? Because the trampoline effect of longer strings increases the chances of hitting a ball out.

Second: the more power, the less control. Almost every manufacturer tries to say they give you the most of both. Racquets have a limit of useful power. It has to do with the court size. If you are standing at the baseline, the power you need is just enough to get the ball to go 78 feet! Any farther and the ball is out! Even if you hit from one corner to the other of the doubles court, the longest distance would only be a little over 85 feet, depending on how far back you are. Power is not really an issue if you have a decent swing.

Third: the lighter the frame, the more shock to your arm. Most manufacturers cloud the issue by telling you how much vibration their frames reduce. Vibration is the secondary oscillation that occurs AFTER the ball has left the strings. Massage machines use vibration to sooth muscles. It is impact shock that causes arm problems. Shock is caused when the ball crashes into the racquet. If the ball hits off center or hits the frame and not the strings, there is more shock. Head-heavy racquets are meant to increase power, however they are less maneuverable. That can cause the player to hit the ball late, resulting in less control and more shock. Longer racquets create the same potential problem.

Most of the pros play with what we consider old style racquets. The pros depend on their tools for consistent results. Maybe we can learn something from them. Be a skeptic. Just demo racquets without regard for manufacturers and their claims. Find what will suit your stroke and feel RELATIVELY comfortable. You will probably have to make some compromises and adjustments. Nothing is perfect.