Racquet Science: Did You Know? Racquet Tech Trivia

Here's some ideas that I call: DID YOU KNOW

a. Larger-headed racquets have to be lighter weight than smaller-headed racquets, just to

make them retain maneuverability???

b. Larger-headed racquets obviously have longer strings, and therefore hit the ball with more

power when the stroke is slow and short. This includes blocked shots, volleys and half-volleys.

c. Smaller-headed racquets have perhaps 20% less power on a volley, but they hit serves much

harder than larger-headed racquets. This is because the stringbed center is farther from the

player's hand, therefore increasing the velocity of the racquet head as it strikes the ball.

d. If you want to see this for yourself, just center the stringbeds of a largehead with a small mid-size

racquet and then check the length of the handles. The smaller head will have a longer

length handle, ie, the distance from the head's center to the butt cap is greater.

e. Howard Head noticed that a larger head gave him greater stability during the stroke. This aids

the beginner since the racquet will not change attitude as the player strokes it. Howard noticed

that stability or inertia is much greater when the head is farther away from the centerline of the

racquet. The weight remains identical, but the stability is immensely improved, which is a great

help on volleys.

f. Sometimes racquets should be shorter than the usual lengths. Normal length is now 27 inches,

with longer lengths of 27.25 inch and 27.5 inches. These longer racquets must be much lighter

in order not to be too difficult to swing. However, some players have played successfully with

shorter racquets as well. Lew Hoad, the great Aussie champion, played with a 26.5 inch racquet.

Lew could use a heavier frame and still take a full swing on his service return with the shorter

racquet. The added maneuverability, coupled with added weight, gave Lew excellent volley

skills as well. This shorter length could be a great help for doubles specialists.

g. When you get your racquet restrung, check out your bumper. If it's worn, have the stringer

install a new bumper as well as new strings.

2164 Views

Did You Know? Racquet Tech Trivia