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.
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.
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