Can you change a raqcuet during a game (string not broken)?

[borisboris]

:P Can a player change a racquet during a game - say @ 30-30? I know if the strings pop it ok but what about a sound racquet? Thanks

[Camilio Pascual]

Yes, there is no rule against it. Just don't break any other rules while doing it.

[TwistServe]

Yes its okay.. I remember Venus Williams did it a few times during a set.. Kept grabbing a new racquet as if it was the racquet's fault..

[Bungalo Bill]

Yes its okay.. I remember Venus Williams did it a few times during a set.. Kept grabbing a new racquet as if it was the racquet's fault..

I understand where your going on this, but I think when pros reach for a new racquet it is because the string tension is not right for the temperature, humidity level, elevation, and court surface or a combination of things.

The pros have great feel for how the ball is hit, so when they reach for the bag it is usually for good reason.

[Camilio Pascual]

Yes its okay.. I remember Venus Williams did it a few times during a set.. Kept grabbing a new racquet as if it was the racquet's fault..
That is an astute observation, Gorth 97, and shows us what a smart player Venus is if she was upset with her play. Displacement of anger or frustration with one's self onto an inanimate object can be a wise psychological coping mechanism. She may have done it for the reasons BB suggested or for the reason I think you are suggesting. Do you remember if she played notably better or worse when she quit changing racquets? Did she win the set?

[TennsDog]

Forget in the middle of the game...I did it in the middle of a point. I was playing doubles in a high school tournament, down break and match point on my serve. I was playing with my racket that was strung longer so it lost tension and feel. I really did not want to double fault the match away, so after I missed my first serve, I went to my bag an grabbed a racket with a higher tension. It worked, my second serve went in, however, we did still lose...but not on a double fault. :)

[tetsuo10]

How is that in the middle of a point? I figured you'd tell some story of a rally where you hit the ball, ran to your bag to grab a different racquet, and then somehow got back in time to continued playing. 8)

[TennsDog]

Once you strike the ball, the point has begun. Even though the first serve was out, the point had started.

[tetsuo10]

If you break your string on the first serve and it's a fault, you can replace your racquet but you only get a 2nd serve. If you break your string during a rally, you have to play with the racquet. Big difference.

[TennsDog]

I know what you are saying. I didn't break a string, I just wanted a newer string and I hit a second serve. My point was just that it happened within a point.