Marco Bitran: The History of Tennis Rackets

By Paulo Walsh

Tennis rackets as we know them today started to develop in the late 1800's when they were originally made from wood. A metal racket was tried but not successful until carbon-fibre was developed.

The earliest accounts of people playing tennis are in the 11th and 12th centuries when French monks first starting hitting a ball against a wall as a form of relaxation and exercise. This developed into wearing a webbed glove to hit the ball with and then a wooden paddle.

By the 14th century there was the first crude racket developed in Italy, using a wooden frame and animal guts to make the strings. The game played was a little like squash but played over a net inside and the rackets had long handles and small tear-drop shaped heads. The frame was made from one or more sticks of ash bent into shape and glued together.

Tennis rackets as we know them day started to develop in the late 1800's. It was Major Walter Wingfield that patented the first tennis racket and also set the rules for lawn tennis, an earlier version of today's more modern game. The invention was quickly taken up around the world but the actual design saw little change over the next hundred years, except that instead of simply being made from ash for strength, the wood was laminated together. The rackets were heavy with small heads.

There was a flirtation with metal racket frames but it was difficult to get good tension on the strings. It was also difficult to drill holes in the tubing to fix the strings without cutting through them. In 1975 an aluminum frame was used to enable a larger racket head to be manufactured but problems with the design meant metal frames were therefore abandoned until carbon fiber was developed.

Wooden rackets remained the most popular and different woods were laminated together for specific purposes. For example sycamore and maple gave strength, hickory was resistant to wear and tear and obeche was lightweight and good for filling the handle of the racket.

In 1969, Head, a ski company, applied the same technology used in the manufacture of skis to making a tennis racket and produced a racket made from a combination of metal and plastic. Other companies and manufacturers then went on to experiment with different materials.

By 1979 technology had moved on and a racket was invented whereby the strings where looped through metal wires within the frame, so getting over the problem of racket tension. It also meant the racket head could be made much bigger than with a wooden frame. Around ten years later carbon-fiber was invented and metal rackets gave way to lighter, stiffer rackets made from this new compound. Various other materials were added to the composite of the racket such as titanium and glass fiber.

Overtime tennis rackets became longer to give the player a bigger reach and strings were manufactured from nylon or polyester compounds, although a few top players insist on natural gut as they say it is more responsive. The way the strings are put on the racket has also changed over time with it generally being accepted that a tight pattern gives better control were as more power and spin can be achieved with a more open string pattern.

Various methods have now evolved for making rackets. The main one is when the frame is made from concentric tubes of carbon-fiber all put together within the mold and then the mold is closed and a resin injected into the frame. This then undergoes pressure treatment and intense heat to form the all in one shape and strength of the tennis racket. An alternative method involves nylon fibers being combined with carbon-fibers and on heating, the nylon melts and sticks the carbon fibers together in a rigid form.

The use of carbon fiber has allowed tennis rackets to become larger, more long lasting and resistant but also to remain lightweight. Over the years other elements have been introduced to help shock and vibration absorbing and the major manufacturers of sports rackets and tennis rackets continue to develop and innovate with emerging technology.

Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

Marco Bitran: The Evolution Of Tennis Rackets

By Paulo Walsh

Tennis rackets have followed a similar evolution to badminton and squash rackets through the years, though the direction and development of the game as a result has been different. In professional badminton, power and speed have dominated, as it has in tennis, but with tennis, 'shaping' the ball has become an essential part of the game and almost as important as power. The manipulation of the ball and the spin that can be created allows players to become proficient in areas of the game that do not rely on power and these skills can be suited to different types of tournament surfaces.

During the 1960's and 1970's, the game of tennis was about moving a player around the court, attempting to put the opponent out of position and then capitalizing on it. This is similar to badminton and any other racket sport, of course, yet the tennis ball can be spun to not only alter its path in the air, but also how it reacts upon striking the ground. Again this type of skill can be changed and adapted to the different playing surfaces as the contact and reaction on grass will differ to that of a clay or concrete surface.

Wooden rackets with lower string tensions limited what a tennis player could do to the ball. Basic topspin or backspin helped to speed up or slow down the ball on contact with the ground (also depending on the surface), but as tennis rackets evolved in the 60's, 70's, and 80's, players were given more options and more flexibility. Major tennis racket manufacturers and world renowned brand names were quick to develop innovative and ground breaking rackets that gave players a exciting new dimension to add to their game.

As with the carbon composite rackets and graphite and titanium of the 80's and 90's, more string tension could be applied to the rackets which allow for more spin, creating more severe alterations of the ball upon impact with the court. Players were able to hit the ball faster and with more pace and power because they could apply more spin, forcing the ball to arc down quicker over the net, keeping it in play. The tension, and of course the skill of the individual player also allows for more significant and breathtaking lobs and chip shots.

The game of tennis has changed as a direct result of the impact of new racket technology. Tennis has embraced the changes though and has quickly evolved to ensure that the game only improves and continues to be an exciting spectator sport and a challenge for both amateur and professional players alike.

Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].
The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

Marco Bitran: The Birth Of The Sports Racket

By Paulo Walsh

Depending on where you live in the world, you may find differing opinions about the origins of various sports, including tennis and other racket sports. When it comes to sports rackets, the same argument might hold true. In reality, humans throughout history have been an innovative species and there have been numerous similarities across cultures and time, so it is sometimes impossible to credit one era as being the true starting point of different customs, sports, technologies or innovations.

When it comes to sports rackets, such as those used for tennis, badminton, or squash, the earliest evidence of their existence comes from ancient Greek and Roman cultures. These rackets were actually basic and primitive wooden paddles, fashioned by hand, but the concept and idea evolved over the centuries to give us the modern rackets used by professional sportsmen and women around the globe.

In England during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, games were becoming popular that were played between two or more people by using an object that was hit against a wall, in a similar fashion to modern handball. As the years progressed people realized that there was an alternative to using an open palm, which was understandably painful, and they started using gloves that evolved into a web-like structure.

With time, these web-like gloves eventually began to take the shape of a paddle and in the fifteenth century, Italian innovators created the first rackets with strings, which were actually animal intestines, also known as gut strings. The games began to take shape and gained the very basic rules and foundations of play which would over the years evolve through in these years into tennis, badminton, and squash.

While some may argue that sports rackets evolved from the Greek and Roman Empires, the most direct tracing of what we know to be sports rackets today comes from the Middle Ages in England and throughout Europe.

Badminton is generally accepted as the earliest racket sport that is similar to any that we play in our modern cultures. Badminton most closely resembles the games, in terms of rules and style of play that was in use two thousand years ago. One of the reasons why this may be the case is that badminton rules are simpler than modern tennis or squash. Also, the shuttlecock in badminton is bound in flight for the duration of each point, making it more feasible to have been played in these ancient times.

Badminton was also highly popular during the seventeenth century in England, and throughout Europe as it was favored by royal courts and considered the Queen's game. During those years, the game was played with wooden paddles and it was not until British soldiers returned with the rules of the Indian game of Poona that modern badminton truly took shape in the 1850's.

However, it is important to note that shortly after the 1850's, the game of lawn tennis, which is the considered the birth of modern tennis, and squash, were also formed. So while badminton can be traced back centuries, the modern version was introduced and accepted close to the same time to tennis and squash and share a common ancestry.

Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling sports rackets including badminton rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk]. . The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

Marco Bitran: Tennis Rackets - Does Size Matter?

By Paulo Walsh





Badminton, squash, and tennis may share a similar heritage and they may all come from the same basic game originally, but at their core they are all very different, which means that the rackets used in them are different. Tennis rackets were once very similar in size to the original squash and badminton rackets, but are now predominantly bigger.

The reason for this was that hitting a tennis ball across the net was a fairly basic affair. Even through much of the 1960's tennis rackets were made predominantly from wood with a narrow face (or portion of the racket that was strung and made contact with the ball) which limited what a player could do with the ball, such as generating top spin or back spin and powering the ball quickly across the net.

When Prince produced the first over-sized metal frame rackets, the game of tennis began to change significantly, and so would the technology as innovation led to more and more companies developing rackets and competing for a share of a lucrative tennis racket market. Squash and badminton rackets have also adapted through the years and whereas wood was once the only material used in sports racket manufacturer, it is now aluminum, titanium, graphite and other composites that are now more popular and used to shape one piece rackets that are now the norm in these games.

In the case of squash and badminton, there is a limitation of movement as the courts are smaller and this means that the racket head size is not as important as there is less need to manipulate the ball or shuttlecock.

The smaller the court, then the less impact spin will have on the ball, so strategies depend on other factors, such as player position, touch and feel and attempting to exploit another players weaknesses

In tennis, with more court size and a larger ball with a felt surface, players are able to use the strings of the racket to spin the ball a certain way, which allows for more movement. In order to create more movement on the ball, though, a larger racket head also allows for a broader 'sweet spot,' which in turn allows the player more control.

Today, tennis rackets are similar in size to what was used twenty years ago, but the composite structures are continually being modified and improved to create lighter and stronger rackets, which allow for more power, spin, and control.

Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk]. The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

Marco Bitran: How Rackets Define Their Sports

By Paulo Walsh

Rackets in badminton, squash, and tennis have shaped their respective games so much that what players are able to accomplish today could never have been possible just forty years ago. So the question is not whether rackets have changed and defined their sports, but how much they have done so.

In squash, the court size and ball type is critical to determining how the racket has impacted the game itself.

With this game, it's more about strategy and positioning to determine who controls the point and ultimately wins the match. Badminton has a broader variability with regard to the racket, as technology and has allowed players more options with the shuttlecock. The change in racket technology has meant that players are able to increase the tempo and speed of each shot.

With tennis, though, racket technology has vastly altered the game forever. During the 1960's, for example, average top speeds for first serves hovered around 100 miles per hour. Today, 120 miles per hour and 130 miles per hour are common in most professional matches. Rallies among the world's best players are lightning fast and this was made possible because these players can strike the ball much harder using spin control that modern racket technology has made possible.

The best players in the world will note that the racket is essentially an extension of the player's arm. In order for the player to perform at the highest level of his or her game, the racket not only needs to be comfortable and lightweight, but it also needs to be set up ideally for that particular player's game.

While a beginner in any of these sports might not understand the difference between rackets, control is ultimately the name of the game. Once a player develops some basic skills in striking the ball, it's important that he or she is able to control the ball effectively. A lighter racket will allow the inexperienced player a better feel since most tend to draw the racket back late, forcing them to rush the swing.

Also, an inexperienced player just starting out or working to hone his or her game more effectively, will tend to gain more control by relying on higher string tension. The type of racket that a player uses will certainly be important, but it's more about the tension than anything else.

While a player may struggle with control, there are a number of factors that can contribute to this lack of comfort. First, control comes from the player's feel, which is the grip. Too large of a grip and the player may lose control of the racket. Too small and it could slip easily in his or her grasp. Second is the weight and size of the racket. With a more compact swing, a longer racket will have less of an impact, though each of the sports mentioned have specific requirements for racket length and size.

Last, string type and tension are the most important factors in control. In order to achieve exceptional control, not only must a player practice, but he or she should experiment with various tensions.

Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk]. The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

Marco Bitran: Head Tennis Rackets

By Paulo Walsh

HEAD tennis rackets are designed and manufactured by the HEAD Company Inc., who are a sports and sports clothing company perhaps best known for their alpine skis as well as their tennis rackets. The company currently has its global headquarters in Seattle, Washington in the east of the USA.

In the late 1960's Howard Head devised the idea to strengthen the existing wooden tennis racket by using an aluminium frame and with that came the birth of the HEAD Tennis Division. It was an innovation that was quickly adapted into the tennis rackets of top professional layers and the first aluminium framed racket was played with in the 1969 US Tennis Open. Fast forward nearly 25 years and HEAD were again at the forefront of tennis technological development by creating the first titanium and graphite racket.

In the modern game HEAD rackets are used by a plethora of the top names on both the men's and women's professional tours. So much so that HEAD where top of an unofficial ranking for the amount of success achieved by top tour professionals playing with their rackets. In fact, about 30% of the top 100 players on the world ATP Tour are armed with a HEAD tennis racket.

Head Racket Rebels, as they are 'affectionately' known, include current US Open Champion Andy Murray, (the Scottish star who has slowly but surely put British tennis on the map), current Australian Open Champion and 'two handed backhand King,' Novak Djokovic, and the current women's French Open winner Maria Sharapova. These stars, amongst others, work hard to improve the profile of the HEAD brand and have a massive and dedicated team of developers and innovators behind them to help ensure they stay at the top of their game.

The range of rackets on offer from HEAD encompasses all levels of ability and also includes a junior range.

The different ranges cater to each individual by offering rackets of different sizes, weights and string composition that allows players to find a perfect racket to suit their ability and expectations. Many incorporate the worlds lightest and strongest material, Graphene™ that allows the racket to achieve optimal distribution of weight and helps speed and accuracy. Rackets can be weighted differently for more aggressive players and equally for players who prefer the subtleties of spin and accuracy. The sizes and weights are also aimed at both sexes, with smaller models being specially designed for junior players too, allowing everyone to find a perfect HEAD tennis racket to help improve and perfect your game.

Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

Marco Bitran: Wilson Tennis Rackets

By Paulo Walsh

Wilson tennis rackets are designed and manufactured by the Wilson Sporting Goods Company based in Chicago in the USA. They have an influential portfolio of products and as well as tennis rackets they also produce sporting equipment for golf, baseball and American football and are truly focused on innovation and embracing emerging technologies. The company employs 1600 people globally who serve customers in over 100 countries.

It was only really after the second World War that Wilson focused on tennis and this saw the introduction of
Jack Kramer to its design and development team to produce the Jack Kramer signed tennis racket range.

This was to prove to be a turning point in the future success of the company and really drove the company forward in a positive way.

In 1979 Wilson had the distinction and honour of having its tennis balls used at the US Open and this has continued through to the current day. It was only later, in 2006, that their balls began to be used at the Australian Open.

Wilson continues to be a high class and competitive brand in the tennis racket market. High profile sponsorship of some of the world's top players means that their rackets need to stay abreast of technology and take innovation in their stride.

Pete Sampras was perhaps the first big name to champion Wilson tennis rackets and in particular the 'Pro Staff' model. In the Sampras era the racket was relatively heavy, at 350+ grams with a small head of 85 square inches. The big players on Wilson's books continued to use rackets similar to the Sampras rackets, in the Pro Staff range, for the next 10 years or so with small tweaks and improvements ensuring top performance.

In the latter parts of 2009 Wilson unveiled their latest line of rackets that would become known as the BLX range and have incorporated the latest racket technology.

In the modern day Wilson tennis rackets are used by many of the top tour professionals. In the men's game the best example would be Roger Federer and in the women's game there are a lot of top quality players to choose from including the Williams' sisters, Laura Robson and current Australian Open Champion Victoria Azarenka.

Professional players will of course work close with Wilson to add their own individual tweaks to the weight, stringing and tension of their rackets to match playing conditions and the type of playing surface.

Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk]. The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

Marco Bitran: Prince Tennis Rackets

By Paulo Walsh

Prince tennis rackets are designed and manufactured by Prince Global Sports who are based in New Jersey in the USA. They are a well known and respected brand that has also achieved recognition in the sports of squash and badminton.

The company formation can be attributed to Robert H. McClure who came from Princeton and was originally a producer of tennis ball machines that made the natural progression to tennis rackets and produced the first over sized racket in the 1970's with the help of Howard Head (who famously worked for Head tennis rackets). Amongst the other innovations and 'firsts' in the tennis and general racket sports arenas Prince has pioneered Longbody technology, multifilament string, the first 'natural foot shape' tennis shoes and also EX03 technology.

The Prince product portfolio is not limited to tennis rackets and also includes tennis wear for both men and women, a huge range of footwear for use on all of the surfaces tennis is played on, balls, grips and bags as well as the tennis machines that originally propelled the company forwards.

Prince products are used by some of the game's top tour players and high profile names such as David Ferrer and Daniela Hantuchova are two of the massive names that are proud to play with Prince rackets.

The high profile stars help to increase the appeal of the brand and Prince currently holds a high standing in the racket sales statistics, challenging Wilson strongly in the last three years for the number one spot.

The future of Price as a company remains bright as they are still to embrace global markets quite as effectively as they have done in the USA. It is a company that never stands still, perhaps a lesson learnt from its relative fall into obscurity in the past, and has a steadfast commitment to supporting players at every level by embracing innovation into its products to ensure they produce competitive and user friendly rackets and tennis products.

Research and development is at the centre of the success of a company in such a competitive and ever changing industry in which the smallest innovations and improvements in technology can have massive results financially in the competitive global tennis tour. Essentially, Prince have a hunger and desire to be number one and they want a Prince tennis racket in the hand of as many players as possible to help them achieve this goal.

Racket Reviewer reviews the latest and bestselling tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

The site also has news, articles and loads of information on tennis, squash and badminton with a real focus on tennis and tennis rackets [http://www.racketreviewer.co.uk].

Marco Bitran: Tips for Buying a Backyard Tennis Court

By Steve V White

Building a personal tennis court in the privacy of your backyard is a dream come true for extreme dyed-in-the-wool fanatics of the game. Playing your favorite sport with family and friends is an experience that keeps on giving. Having your own recreational space can provide a great opportunity for beginners who want to learn the game, or for anyone wishing to improve their techniques and become a pro! However, this can also turn out to be a costly enterprise.

One of the most unfortunate blunders made by customers interested in getting their own private tennis court is that they fail to do their research. It can be a highly regrettable - and expensive - mistake when a tennis court is professionally installed without thinking long and hard about the kind of playing surface you want for your court. For those offered the lucky opportunity to purchase their own tennis court, the best way to correct this possible fault is to examine the different court designs that suit your particular needs.

While court dimensions are universally identical, tennis court surfaces themselves can radically differ. Many tennis-playing traditionalists vehemently favor the naturalness of grass tennis courts. On the other hand, some players only entertain the idea of playing on concrete or asphalt courts, whilst others prefer a surface of either clay or synthetic materials.

1. Grass:

The overriding choice for purists to play on, grass tends to surprise owners with the amount of proactive upkeep that is required month after month. Grass courts are typically found at expensive private clubs willing to tolerate the continued bother and expense, so it might be the consistent maintenance requirements that stop prospective buyers from purchasing this type of court.

2. Concrete and asphalt:

Although concrete and asphalt surfaces are sturdy, hard-wearing and do not require the constant maintenance work related to grass courts, hardcourts sometimes suffer from cracks after a few years of play.

3. Clay:

Clay courts are usually considered slower than other courts, but are much better for sliding due to the surface's slack feel. Most natural clay fans cite the surface as providing less injuries. It is beneficial for these kinds of courts to be built in locations with an elevated humidity, so that the extra amount of moisture can be effectively absorbed. Red and green clay courts are a hugely popular style in the Southern and Eastern states of America.

4. Synthetics:

Synthetic hardcourts are the go-to surface for residential apartment complexes and public parks. These kinds of courts are manufactured with a subsurface made from a concrete or asphalt base, and then covered with an artificial vinyl layer of cushioning material that's ideal for small children to learn how to play the game on.

Choosing the right playing surface is crucial to the enjoyment of your beloved tennis court. That is why, when seeking out a potential professional installation service, it is vital to research for a highly-specialized expert installation contractor in the field. A well-constructed backyard tennis court can bring you many years of playing pleasure.

Hints and tips:

Decide a budget, and stick to it as closely as possible.

Don't be wary of comparing prices, and always shop around.

Determine the kind of court you need, and do extensive research.

With cutting edge products designed to reduce maintenance, Versacourt sports courts are built to maximize performance. We offer residential backyard tennis, shuffleboard, basketball and multi-game courts, as well as sports courts for indoor and exterior commercial uses. Our courts employ innovative technological advancements so we can offer a more safe and comfortable surface to play on. Please visit us online at http://www.Versacourt.com or, alternatively, you can call 800-875-2335 for more information about our expert gym flooring, outdoor tennis courts and backyard basketball court installation services.

Marco Bitran: Babolat Aero Pro Drive Gt Review

By Doc L Sholas

Being the tennis racquet of choice for Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Rafael Nadal, the new Babolat Aero pro-drive GT racquet is becoming very popular. This racquet is a unique mid-plus stick with various unique spin-generating features that will help improve your game in no time. So if you have been looking for some help defeating all your opponents, then this is the racquet for you and unlike all the other reviews this Babolat Aero pro drive gt review will explain to you exactly why this racquet is becoming more and more popular.

Using a unique hybrid material, which is made up of Tungsten & Graphite, this product offers you improved control and a little bit more solid feel as compared to its predecessors, thus making it a great racquet for all court players, baseline players and any other player who loves attacking the net. This product is perfect for anyone from the 3.5NTRP level to the professional level. A generous sweet spot provides you with a nice punch while its crisp feel will help you with precision.

This popular racquet comes updated with the cortex active technology, which links the frame and the handle with a cortex damping system. The cortex active technology helps improve your feed-backs by filtering out all the unwanted vibrations. Making this is a perfect substitute for the regulation Aeropro-drive.

This medium weight racquet blends excellent maneuverability with more stability to weather heavy-lifting. Just like its predecessors, this Aeropro drive is built with Aero-Modular technology's varying beam profile which the producer's claims will help increase the player's swing speeds and aerodynamics. This helps create more spin and power on serves and groundstrokes. In fact at net, this racquet is easy to maneuver and it feels fast.

The open 16 mains/19 crosses string pattern, the 100square inches head size plus the extra half inch (27.5inches throat to handle) & the solid throat region of this racquet makes it a spin-master delight. Although heavier at the top of its frame, this product has a light frame (weighing about 10.6ounces unstrung).

This affects your overall swing-weight and your entire game. The additional control and stability doesn't compromise on the spin control and maneuverability offered by the Babolat Aero pro drive GT racquet.

Measuring about 69centimeters in length, this medium weight tennis racquet is actually perfect for any player who uses both rapid stroke and maneuverability in his/her game. The back-court bashers will appreciate the aided feel of this racquet when it concerns the length of all their shots. Although it will take some practice to get used to the length of this racquet. Just like all the Aero Pro drive racquet range; this racquet is perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

What Is The Best Babolat Racket?

By Kayla Alves

Wondering what is the best Babolat racket to enhance your game? Many tennis players have no idea what to look for in a racket . Rackets are complex and come in different sizes. They also vary in thickness, materials as well as head shape and size affecting the balance, precision and power.

It is important to understand yourself as a player as well as your strengths and weakness when choosing a racket. Before purchasing a racket, ask for a demo to make sure that you are content with the weight and general feel of the racket .

The guide below will help you choose the perfect racket for your game.

Head size

Rackets with a great head size offer more power. You can choose head size from 85 to 135 square inches. The most general ones range from 95-110 square inches. Bigger racket sizes are best for beginners and smaller ones are more suitable for experienced players.

Length

A long racket gives you the power to produce powerful shot and it enables you to reach the ground strokes easily. The best racket sizes ranges from 27-29 inches. Sizes exceeding that are illegal for tournament play. Longer rackets are usually slightly lighter than the normal length rackets.

Racket weight

Weight affects power, control and maneuverability of the racket. Tennis weight ranges from 230g to 340g unstrung. The standard weight for tennis is 280g unstrung. Beginner should always play with lighter rackets . Experienced players choose heavy rackets since they provide more power and control.

String Pattern

The standard string pattern types include; 16*18 and 18*20. They are also referred to as open string and closed string pattern. Open string provides more spin potential and power, but lower control. Closed pattern provides lower pin potential and power, but more control. String durability is greater when using string pattern.

Racket Frame Stiffness

This is a very essential feature. A less stiff racket is likely to twist easily on the impact of the ball, hence, providing reduced power to the ball. A very stiff racket twists less, hence, provides more to the ball.

Grip size

The standard grip sizes ranges from, G2, G3, G4, and G5. A very big grip size can result in too much pressure on the elbow and the wrist. If you are not sure of the ideal grip size its better to choose the smaller one.

Head-light Rackets

They offer great control and are perfect for tennis players who can produce their own power.

Head-heavy Rackets

They are less maneuverable but offer greater power and stability. You can be able to add more weight using lead tape on the frame or handle.

Useful Information About Tennis Lighting

By Rajot Chakraborty

Tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world. People of all ages love playing this sport as a recreational activity. Playing tennis helps people in developing strength, losing weight and staying fit. The popularity of the sport can be ascertained from the fact that a lot of people around the world build tennis courts in their houses, so that they can enjoy playing the sport in peace, with their family and friends. The court needs to be properly illuminated so that the people can also enjoy the sport at night.

In order to keep the tennis court properly illuminated, you need to choose the right tennis lighting equipment and supplies. Here are a few tips that will help you in choosing the right tennis lighting equipment:

Maximum Illumination - the tennis court should be properly illuminated so that the players should be able to clearly see each other and the ball, in order to enjoy playing the sport. Hence, you need to opt for lights and equipment which will offer maximum illumination. If the court is not properly illuminated, the players, especially those who do not have perfect vision, might end up hurting themselves.

Energy Saving - the lights that you choose should not consume a lot of energy so that you will not end up wasting a lot of money on paying electricity bills every month. Also, should opt for environment friendly lights which do not consume a lot of energy and are very cost effective. These lights also offer maximum illumination required for providing proper lighting to the tennis court.

Affordable - the lights should also be affordable so that you do not end up burning a hole in your pocket. You can easily locate many dealers who will offer you with good quality tennis lighting and equipment at affordable prices. Such dealers can also be found on the internet and they can offer you with discounts as well. You can save a lot of money by purchasing the tennis lights from these online dealers.

Low Maintenance - you should opt for such tennis lighting equipment and supplies which will not require you to spend a lot of time, effort and money on their maintenance. These days, there are many excellent quality lights and other tennis equipment available in the market, which do not require any maintenance at all.
They are highly durable and are not overly priced as well.

Sneak Into a Tennis Shoe!

By Shem Ouma

 

The journey of how tennis shoes or athletic shoes come about is not less intriguing than the journey of a legendary sportsman and it dates back to the early eighteenth century. Since their invention, they have metamorphosed and evolved. They have now become style statements with their foray into fashion industry and their endorsements by leading public figures and celebrities.
Originally designed to be worn for sports or other forms of physical exercise, they made their ways into mainstream clothing with their increasing use in casual everyday activities. They are available in a surprisingly wide range. From casual wear to specialized sports, they have made their presence felt everywhere. Here are some of the interesting facts about them which you'll be amused to know.

Sneaking effect

With their rubber soles, they made it possible for us to walk with stealth. Boys started calling them 'sneakers' as early as in 1887 as they could sneak anywhere that too with style and comfort.

Rubber companies produced them

Small companies who were manufacturing vulcanized bicycle tires were lured by the lucrative opportunity and started producing sneakers. Gradually the rubber companies modified and transformed themselves into big sports shoes manufacturer. They applied marketing strategies taking stock of the consumerism; post World War I, America's inclination towards sports as a demonstration of spirit and patriotism added boost to this phenomenal invention.

No separate designs for men and women

Before the separation of deigns for males and females, anyone could just get their feet into any pair of sneakers. Designs were not gender based. But the 1930s saw a major breakthrough and men got their own designs suited for their broadness of feet with females getting designs which were more feminine and sleek.

Sneakers for kids were manufactured

The idea of making tennis shoes for kids gained momentum as children engage themselves in sports. With the baby boom in 1950s, more American families started dressing their young ones in sneakers or tennis shoes. Then the school dress code relaxed propelling the sales of tennis shoes at a scale never reached before.

Specialized sneakers for every sport

Jogging became a popular fitness regime which in addition to popularizing sports shoes made them a necessity for runners. This served as a precursor to the idea of making specialized shoes for different sports.

Soon, big players cashed in on this idea and now almost every sport has its own shoes.

Endorsements by movie stars and famous athletes

Celluloid stars like Dustin Hoffman, Woody Allen and Led Zeppelin wore them in films creating a style and fashion statement. Sports legends like Michael Jordan were given endorsements by companies such as Nike and Reebok, making them niche products with high end finishing. Revolution in the fashion and marketing skill and upgraded marketing budget made sneakers ever classier.

Birth of Sneakerhead Culture

Enthusiasts are so much besotted with sneakers that they have started collecting their favorite sneakers of different makes. They nurture this practice as a hobby bringing about the genesis of sneakerhead culture. We can find a sneakerhead talking at length about the quality and types of sneakers and it wouldn't be a surprise if he distinguishes between real sneakers and their fake replicas.

Tennis shoes or sneakers, as they are called generally, have gathered the attention of several couturists and much research and development has been done so much so as to devise a course in the history of sneaker collecting known as Sneakerology, which is being offered as a part of their Student College Program by
Carnegie Mellon University.

Internet has turned up to be a great place to buy various sports products. There are many dealers who have set up their websites. This is a simple guide which will help you to buy tennis shoes. Visit this website to find out more.

Tips Using Tennis Court Fencing

By Ador Talukdar

Tennis is a well loved sport all over the world. You can find many people who play the sport and even use it as a hobby. Playing tennis is not just for athletes. There are many people who play the game on the weekends. Public tennis courts allow you to do this easily. You can usually find them at parks and schools.

The key to using a great tennis court are the fences around the court. This keeps your balls in and people from getting harmed by foul plays. You can find great tennis fencing in many places but you have to look at the quality of the court fencing. There are many different kinds of fencing so you should do some shopping around before making a definitive choice.

Tennis court fencing is used to surround the tennis courts with a protective barrier. This barrier can keep the balls into the court when you make a foul ball or just hit one to hard. They will bounce off of the chain fence and rebound back onto the court. This also makes collecting tennis balls a breeze. Without tennis fences you could have serious injuries outside of the courts. Those tennis balls fly at a high rate of speed and can injure people, animals, or objects that are in its path. Having the proper fencing will allow you from having any of these problems happen while you are playing.

Tennis court fencing comes in many different kinds of materials. You can get chain mesh fencing, chain link fencing, chain mesh and wood fencing, masonry walls or thatched fencing. They all serve the same purpose in the game of tennis though, to protect. All sports players have to use safety first. That is basically what tennis fencing is. It is safety for you and your surroundings.

When you assemble your tennis courts, you have to remember that the players will need a way in and out.

This means you should have at least two gates allowing the players to come and go from the courts. That way they can easily maneuver in and out if they need to. Gates should be made of chain link fencing also and be securing enough that if the ball hits the gate it cannot go through. It should also cause no damage to the gate so you need a strong reinforced gate.

Tennis is a loved game by many and is actually not that dangerous to play. You do not have too many injuries from tennis unless it's being hit by a flying ball. As long as you make sure that your court is safely secured and you do not have to worry about the objects and people on the outside of the courts. Tennis courts are all wrapped by a great chain fence of some kind that should be at least eight feet high. You do not want the ball to fly over the top of the tennis court fencing and hit an innocent bystander or object. This makes tennis safe and fun to play.

When you are building tennis courts, make sure that you choose the appropriate tennis court fencing. Good court fencing will allow you to play safely. You can click this link for more information.

Tips on Buying Tennis Court Fencing

By Ador Talukdar

Tennis is a universal game for both men and women. It is very popular and is taught at a very young age to many kids. The reason is, because the sport is not very dangerous. It will eventually take a toll on your joints but there are not many tennis injuries. One of the reasons for this is because the tennis courts are covered with safety fencing. Safety fencing is great in so many ways. It helps keep the balls inside the tennis courts when one is fouled or out, and it protects the outside world from the tennis balls. This fencing is a great way to stay safe.

Protecting the outside world from flying tennis balls is important because you can actually get hurt by a flying tennis ball. The reason for this they travel at such a high rate of speed that when you come into contact with the tennis balls you can get injured. The safety link fence allows them to not hurt game watchers, bystanders, cars parked on the other side of the fence, and animals that may be playing around the courts. Tennis court fencing is really important for people who care about safety and want to use precaution while playing sports.

All great tennis courts have the correct fencing. This means that they take the time to look into the many kinds of fencing that is available and they see what is right for them. There are several different kinds of fencing available and they are different for each area the court is located in. Some schools and athletes are required to have a special kind of fencing so you should check into that before constructing your court. The many kinds of court fencing that are available are galvanized, timber, and vinyl fencing. These are secure ways to make sure that you have no accidents outside of the courts.

When you are putting your tennis courts up, you have to think about entrance and exit strategies. Tennis court fencing should allow for at least up to two doors in the whole court. That means you can have a door at opposite ends on each side of the courts. If the court is made up of the correct material the door should fit in easily and look great. It should also be sturdy and you should be able to rely on its strength during a game also.

When you are putting up your tennis court fencing, make sure that you have it as high as regulation calls for. It's different for each place so know your regulations before getting started.

Building a tennis court to play on is a great idea. If you ever wonder why they use such high fencing, you will know when you play a game. Sometimes the balls fly out of control and it is hard to tell which way they are going. Tennis is a great game once you have taken all of the safety precautions to make sure you play correctly.

Tennis court fencing is a great way to make sure that you are safe when you play. Using court fencing is important when you are building a proper tennis court. You can click this link for more information.

Invest In Trendy Tennis Racquet Bags For Ladies

By Emily Haythorne

Ladies tennis racquet bags are available in different shapes and designs. You can browse the online stores and make the right choice. There are many online websites and portals that sell high quality and trendy tennis bags. Invest in durable and stylish bag that would last longer. Choose an effective website that sells high quality products and tennis accessories.

Generally, all the sports require accessories. If you are a tennis lover, you should buy bags to carry or transport the racquets. Ladies tennis racquet bags come in different colors, shapes and designs. Girls can buy trendy and colourful tennis racquet bags to accumulate the stuff and transport it from one place to another.

The market shops are loaded with these types of accessories to accommodate the rackets. You can also place the shoes and other sports essentials. You can enjoy a comfortable and easy sports session when you have the right type of racquet bags.

A well-equipped tennis racquet bag is a great option that can help you enjoy your sports session. Tennis is a common game these days. This outdoor sport can add a new zing to your life. Hence, you should invest in a high quality bag for your sport session. Buy a roomy and good tennis racquet bag. The Rectangular duffel bag can accommodate the rackets and the shoes. It should be able to accommodate your tennis stuff.

Invest in a well-strung tennis racquet bag. Try to keep at least one can of a tennis ball in the bag. Also, add adhesives, dehydrated bag of ice cubes and some bandages. You can also keep some additional towels and t-shirts as the accessory. Do not forget to keep energy drinks, sunglasses, water bottle and sun creams in it. If you are fond of stylish and trendy accessories, you can keep hats, headgear and wristbands. An additional pair of shoes and shoe laces can also be placed in the ladies bag. If you have the habit of munching while playing sports, you can keep some snacks, refreshments and vitamins in tennis racquet bags.

Avid tennis players should do some research in the market before buying the bags. Find a durable bag that lasts longer. There are many companies and brands that sell high quality and trendy bags. You can buy tennis bags online or offline as per your requirements and preferences. The bags are available in innumerable shapes and sizes. Make sure that the bag you choose add a fresh personality to your looks. There are many online stores that sell high quality and durable accessories
.
You should check the different websites for the best discount offers. You can explore the online stuff and grab the best tennis bags. You would be able to save a lot of time and money when you shop for such products online. Make sure that you select the most effective and reliable websites for ordering sporty and trendy sports accessories. One should ensure that the bag chosen matches the taste and fulfils all the requirements.

Arrive on the courts in style with our Sassy Caddy, Inc. Tennis Racquet Bags. We use attractive, stylish and durable fabrics on our bags that are water resistant, stain resistant and have up to 1000 hours of UV protection. For more details about girls tennis racquet bags visit: http://www.sassycaddy.com/

Things to Consider When Choosing a Tennis Racket

By Lewis Blake

Whether you are a beginner or professional tennis player, choosing a tennis racket is never an easy task. There are so many different things to consider before buying a racket. However there are a few key things to take into account.

1. Racket Length and Weight
A traditional tennis racket is between 68cm and 71cm long, yet you can buy rackets up to 74cm long. The longer the racket, the more power you can give to a shot. Most tennis rackets are made from graphite, which is light and suitable for any beginner. Titanium and aluminium rackets are also rather light, but give a better feel when hitting the ball. Tennis rackets are normally either weighted more at the head or the handle. Players who play at the net normally prefer a handle-heavy racket whereas players who prefer to play at the baseline normally prefer a head-heavy racket. Handle-heavy rackets generally offer more control, however it is harder to generate more spin and power. If you are a beginner you should opt for a head-heavy racket.

2. String Type and Tension
Most rackets that you buy will be pre-strung with strings at a tension in the middle of the range. This is only recommended for beginners because the strings are not normally of very high quality. The lower the tension the harder you will hit the ball but the less control you will have. If you are looking for a string that is softer on the arm then you should consider a synthetic string like Synthetic Gut or Wilson Sensation. Unfortunately these strings break very easily and are rather expensive. A firmer, polyester string such as Volkl Cyclone will last longer and is more suitable for players who have a fast swing and can generate pace of their own.

3. Price
A quality tennis racket is not cheap and advanced players can spend more than $500 on a racket. Beginners should never spend more than $50-$150 dollars on their first racket. These rackets are not fully comprised of graphite and are normally suited for players who play every couple of weeks. If you play at least once a week then you should consider buying a racket made of titanium or aluminum, but you will have to spend a little more money. Intermediate players should take into account that buying a tennis racket is a long term investment and expect to pay between $150 and $250.

Purchasing a tennis racket shouldn't be overwhelming or confusing, it should be fun. Remember to consider these three points before buying a racket and talk to your tennis coach if you are not sure which racket will be the best for you.

Looking to buy your own tennis racket? Check out a wide variety at http://www.tenniswarehouse.com

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