matchpointread
Rookie
This is a revised question I first asked a customization expert:
Why don't racquet experts talk more about shortening a racquet as a possibility to get more control? The usual response I hear from most is tighten the stringbed or use poly strings.
I started playing tennis as an adult 4-5 years ago. Since I decided to play tennis regularly and started looking for a higher quality racquet, I've been seeking more control as I have very little issue generating my own power.
After trying more than a bunch of racquets and strings over these years, I got the courage to experiment, as others have done, with a shorter length racquet. I didn't want to cut any of my current racquets as this was the first attempt, so I bought an inexpensive 26" junior racquet. It's very light in stock form, but I knew after a few hits with it that I should have tried a shorter racquet sooner. I have since added weight (at about 12 oz now, and 11 points head light) for stability and comfort, and I play much better. I now have the confidence to take a full swing and feel like I can actually develop my game far better than before. Far less balls go long, and if a ball does, I can figure out what to do better on court.
Furthermore, my arm is feeling better. Serving has been far less stressful on my shoulder, and my elbow is nagging me less and less. I've heard a few of your podcasts, and it's evident you care about the health of players, especially when it comes to polyester, and which is why I'm asking you first.
I know there's a stigma to shorter racquets. I experienced it when I considered a "junior" racquet in my own mind and with others. Initially, I felt a little strange, wimpy maybe, walking around with a junior racquet, even with the added weight on the court. Also, I took different racquet (26.5") to my stringer today, and, basically, he was laughing at the idea. Sometimes, for better or worse, marketing really works i guess?!
Nevertheless, the results are undeniable to me. And with the added benefit of my arm getting better, I don't see myself using a 27" racquet anytime soon as my top choice. Time is needed to adjust, and I don't have the reach I once had, but gains far out weigh these changes. FYI, I don't
know where I'll land on length, but somewhere just beyond 26" is my guess at the moment.
Now considering this topic, I think we can keep racquet and string companies aside at the moment too? To me, a customizer that uses this option as a possible solution could, of example, give someone a shorter racquet to try before cutting a racquet. Or take off the buttcap, and make a faux buttcap at the base in order for a client to get an idea of how it would play. Yet, basically, I only hear about this option on the internet deep in a tennis forum.
I see this as a clear, relatively simple, and safe solution that is under-utilized to gain more control. What's going on? What are your thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Why don't racquet experts talk more about shortening a racquet as a possibility to get more control? The usual response I hear from most is tighten the stringbed or use poly strings.
I started playing tennis as an adult 4-5 years ago. Since I decided to play tennis regularly and started looking for a higher quality racquet, I've been seeking more control as I have very little issue generating my own power.
After trying more than a bunch of racquets and strings over these years, I got the courage to experiment, as others have done, with a shorter length racquet. I didn't want to cut any of my current racquets as this was the first attempt, so I bought an inexpensive 26" junior racquet. It's very light in stock form, but I knew after a few hits with it that I should have tried a shorter racquet sooner. I have since added weight (at about 12 oz now, and 11 points head light) for stability and comfort, and I play much better. I now have the confidence to take a full swing and feel like I can actually develop my game far better than before. Far less balls go long, and if a ball does, I can figure out what to do better on court.
Furthermore, my arm is feeling better. Serving has been far less stressful on my shoulder, and my elbow is nagging me less and less. I've heard a few of your podcasts, and it's evident you care about the health of players, especially when it comes to polyester, and which is why I'm asking you first.
I know there's a stigma to shorter racquets. I experienced it when I considered a "junior" racquet in my own mind and with others. Initially, I felt a little strange, wimpy maybe, walking around with a junior racquet, even with the added weight on the court. Also, I took different racquet (26.5") to my stringer today, and, basically, he was laughing at the idea. Sometimes, for better or worse, marketing really works i guess?!
Nevertheless, the results are undeniable to me. And with the added benefit of my arm getting better, I don't see myself using a 27" racquet anytime soon as my top choice. Time is needed to adjust, and I don't have the reach I once had, but gains far out weigh these changes. FYI, I don't
know where I'll land on length, but somewhere just beyond 26" is my guess at the moment.
Now considering this topic, I think we can keep racquet and string companies aside at the moment too? To me, a customizer that uses this option as a possible solution could, of example, give someone a shorter racquet to try before cutting a racquet. Or take off the buttcap, and make a faux buttcap at the base in order for a client to get an idea of how it would play. Yet, basically, I only hear about this option on the internet deep in a tennis forum.
I see this as a clear, relatively simple, and safe solution that is under-utilized to gain more control. What's going on? What are your thoughts?
Thanks in advance!