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.
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].
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