Tennis Generation

Residence: Goeteborg (Sweden) Date of Birth: 14 / 08 / 1984 Birthplace: Tibro (Sweden) Height: 1m90 Weight: 81 kg Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand) Status: Pro (2001)

Residence: Basel, Switzerland Date of Birth: November 6, 1987 Birthplace: Belgrade, Serbia Height: 6'1 (1.86 m) Weight: 152 lbs. (69 kg) Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand) Status: Pro (August 2003)

• Lower string tensions generate more power (providing string movement does not occur).
• Higher string tensions generate more ball control (for experi­enced players).
• A longer string (or string plane area) produces more power.
• Lower string density (fewer strings) creates more power.
• Thinner string generates more power.
• More elastic strings generate more power. (Generally, what will produce more power will also absorb more shock load at impact.)
• Softer strings, or strings with a softer coating, tend to vibrate less.
• Thinner strings tend to produce more spin.
• Lower string density (fewer strings) generates more spin.
• The more elastic the string, the more tension loss in the racquet

• A heavier frame generates more power.
• A heavier frame vibrates less.
• A heavier frame has a larger sweetspot.
• A stiffer frame generates more power.
• A stiffer frame has a larger sweetspot.
• A stiffer frame transmits more of the shock load to the arm than a more flexible frame.
• A stiffer frame provides a more uniform ball response across the entire string plane.
• A larger frame generates more power.
• A larger frame is more resistant to twisting.
• A larger frame has a larger sweetspot.
• A longer frame generates more velocity and therefore more power.
• The string bed in a longer frame generates more spin due to increased velocity.

Grip Size:
A grip that is too big or too small could lead to wrist and/or arm injuries.
Grip Size are: 1, 2, 3, 4.
It is best to buy a grip too small for you if you are unsure. The grip can then be enlarged by fitting a thicker base grip or by adding overgrips.

Length:
Most tournament players play with a standard length racket (27 inches), but the extra reach and power (particularly on the serve and smash) offered by longer-framed rackets (between 27.5 and 28.5 inches) are desirable features for some players. You will, however, loose some manoeuvrability on the longer rackets.

Strings:
Rackets that are pre-strung when purchased often have cheaper, inferior strings.
Restringing the racket before using it will enhance the playability of the racket.
A gauge number is used for string thickness (usually accompanied by the string's thickness in mm). The majority of strings measure between 15-17 gauge.
Thinner strings (high gauge numbers) are more responsive but have a shorter life-span; thicker strings have the opposite characteristics. You can increase or decrease the power of your racket, to some degree, by altering the tension when restringing your racket.
String tension is usually measured in lbs or kgs per square inch.
A low tension (52 lbs per square inch) would increase the power of your racket while lessening the control.
A high tension (62 lbs per square inch) would decrease power while increasing control.
Find a string and string tension that suits your playing requirements. Strings come in a huge variety of colours and constructions and which are described in more detail on the Strings Construction page.

Weight:
The heavier the racket the more potential it has to generate power, but the harder it is to manoeuvre. Heavier rackets tend to feel more solid when hitting a ball but it is harder to generate racket speed.

- < 250gr ( light, less control, maniable, begginner's racquet )
- > 315gr ( Heavy, More control, less power)
- 250gr < ( Normal, Power and control ) < 315gr

Head Size:
The larger the head size, the larger the sweetspot, and the greater the power that can be generated.
However a smaller head size gives you more control. A standard mid-sized head is typically 95 square inches. Advanced players with big swings in their groundstrokes tend to favour smaller headsizes as they are not looking for help in generating power.

Frame Width(Beam):
A wide frame provides more power but less control. A standard width is typically 22mm.
Some rackets have a straight beam frame (the width is constant throughout the length of the racket) while others have a tapered beam (the width varies along the length of the racket).
A thin framed racket (19mm) will enhance feel for the ball as there is a better feedback from the racket to the player.

Stiffness:
A stiffer frame generates more power, but again, the disadvantage is reduced control.
A stiff frame transmits more shock to the arm after impact than a more flexible frame would.
Most rackets have in built anti-vibration features to reduce this, whether in the racket grip or in the frame.
If you still feel too much vibration down the racket then you can buy vibration dampers (or 'dumbies') that can be placed on your racket strings.
These vibration dampers must be placed outside of the main string pattern in accordance with the rules and come in many varieties.
- 65ra < ( normal ) <67ra
- > 67ra ( rigid )
- < 65ra ( comfortable )

Balance:
- from 310mm to 330mm ( Normal )
- < 310mm ( more control , and maniable )
- > 330mm ( more power ).