Can a change of racquet improve ur game?
- Thread starter wyutani
- Start date
Sure it can. The reason all racquets are different is because they all are built for different swing styles, kinds of play, etc... If you're using a racquet that wasn't meant for your style of play or whatever, and switch to a setup that does, your game can improve a little bit. Not a whole lot, but a little bit.
Terr
Semi-Pro
Yeah, have to go with Nick on this one. It definitely can. And sometimes quite drastically.
My coach broke his Head Microgel yesterday when it slipped out of his hands during a serve. He picked up one of my spares, a customised Babolat Drive Z Lite and immediately saw a difference in his swing speed. The strings were different to his usual poly/gut hybrid too.
My coach broke his Head Microgel yesterday when it slipped out of his hands during a serve. He picked up one of my spares, a customised Babolat Drive Z Lite and immediately saw a difference in his swing speed. The strings were different to his usual poly/gut hybrid too.
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Hidious
Professional
You saying he was better with your Z-Lite?
The_Question
Hall of Fame
Double edge sword...
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
Ill probably be able to help you if you want to...:???:you know, ive been using from yonex to fischer to babolat till nw, the wilson. i honestly can say that its not the racquet, the problem lies with me.
maximo
Banned
He might have to go to Sweden, no?
Terr
Semi-Pro
No. I don't think he was better. His shots certainly weren't going as deep as they were before. But he said he felt like he was a little faster.
But a different racquet can change your game. Good or bad would depend on the racquet itself.
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
No, not at all... Ill tell you within 30 seconds what type of racket you need tension etc if you tell me what style of play youve got,your level etc
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
Are you playing with customized Babolats? what model? Drive Z lite ok not sure which one that is...
THESEXPISTOL
Hall of Fame
That's because his microgel should be way more heavier than you drive z and he was used to a bigger swingweight.
maximo
Banned
aptennis91
Rookie
I'm sorry to just barge in like this OP, but couldn't resist hearing what this guy might suggest. I have the same problem..
I am 3.5. Big first serve. Kick second serve. Penetrating straight arm forehand (modeled it off federer and has been working well.)
(reason I rate myself 3.5 is not due to my strokes but my terrible mental game that seems to let me down in matches)
2hbh that is solid but won't do anything special.
Terrible volleyer but would like to get better.
Like to stay back and hit a good approach shot to finish the point.
I currently use LM Rad OS that I've been using since I first started playing...
I feel like it's holding me back in a lot of areas..
Terr
Semi-Pro
I think he's switching to something a little lighter than his old Microgel. He said he didn't really like the weight to begin with. He's definitely used to a bigger swingweight than the Drive Z Lite. That thing weighs as much as Federer's sweaty headband.
It's the tweener racquet. Just got updated with the new Babolat collection, I believe. HH and very light. Not awfully powerful, but really nimble and fast swing speed.
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
Im trying out different rackets right now, Fischer M Comp 95 and the Wilson PS 88 and the newest Head frame, i can pick a sponsorship deal with the one i want
(sorry, had to say that)
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
Alright, i am not very familiar with the NTRP-system...Hm are you sure its a racket issue, sounds more mental to me, what is it with your racket that you arent happy with?
aptennis91
Rookie
It may be too light for me.. The OS doesn't give as much plowthrough.. I used to think that it lacked control, but I think the problem is the lack of weight.
I know me losing matches is a mental issue, but my actual strokes are pretty decent.
Terr
Semi-Pro
I have a (off topic but very quick) question! Exactly what are the different advantages/disadvantages of a straight arm/slightly bent arm forehand?
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
What really bothers me is that when i was 19-22 years old i played with the Wilson Pro Staff original 85 SQ St-vincent model, i had 5 of them but after those 3 years i got sick n tired of them so i sold them to a guy for like 100USD/each...and now they are worth a fortune ive heard...
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
How much is the weight of the racket? How Big is ur frame? Whats ur tension? What racket is it?
aptennis91
Rookie
I think the straight arm naturally lets you hit deeper into the court and gives a more penetrating spin (meaning it goes forward more) while the bent gives more upward spin. I use an eastern grip so that might also have to do with it penetrating more.. For me, the disadvantage is that it's harder to hit when it's not in your strike zone so you need good footwork to compensate.
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
Just take a look at Federers forehand and then Nadals, there is the answer.
aptennis91
Rookie
The weight is 11.2oz. 107sq in. tension at 60.
It's the liquidmetal radical Oversize.
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/descpageRCHEAD-LMRADO.html
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
Ah that one, i see.
Ok, 60 might be a little to loose for a 107SQ in racket imo...
If youre technique is "decent" and you dont shank ur hits a lot (never seen u play and im unfortunately not familiar with the NTRP) you would be much more rewarded with a smaller head-size strung at 58-62 (thats my preference), if i were you i definetely would try out some 98-100 sq in rackets, you would very quickly( depending on how much u play) get a much better feel for the ball and of course a lot easier to control.
aptennis91
Rookie
OK sounds good I am actually thinking about trying out the MG radical pro, MG Extreme pro, and Aerogel 400. (They're all on sale for $100 somewhere) They seem to fit what you are suggesting. Thank you for your help.
Terr
Semi-Pro
I always feel I make better shots with a straight arm forehand. But it's less comfortable for me. Perhaps I'm doing it wrong.
Thank you for answering my question.
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
No problems at all, it would be a lot easier if i saw a clip of u playing but i hope you will find ur holy graal, its NOT an easy thing, ive played pro tennis for 5 years and even back then i couldnt make up my mind,i went through like 4-5 different models of Head,Fischer and Wilson in 4 years
My coach always told me "Its a good thing you dont change girlfriends as much as you change ur rackets" aptennis91
Rookie
I always feel I make better shots with a straight arm forehand. But it's less comfortable for me. Perhaps I'm doing it wrong.
It's less comfortable at start.. It's actually the more comfortable way of hitting it IMO. A good way to make it natural is to feel your elbow lock at the end of your backswing. (Just a very natural lock, not a stiff lock)
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
You should do the motion with a straight arm in front of a mirror with a rubber-band 100-150 times a day for a week or two (if u r a serious player) then ull never feel uncomfortable again.I always feel I make better shots with a straight arm forehand. But it's less comfortable for me. Perhaps I'm doing it wrong.
Lefty78
Professional
My coach always told me "Its a good thing you dont change girlfriends as much as you change ur rackets"
A shame. Girlfriends are like Luxilon... great at first but not made to last.
Seriously though, the common bond between girlfriends and racquets is that the grass is always greener on the other side. :twisted:
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
LetFirstServe
Rookie
Since this is in the "pro racquets and gear" section I assume "your" is referring to "pros".
No, it won't improve their game or yours if you are a pro.
No, it won't improve their game or yours if you are a pro.
Terr
Semi-Pro
OK, I get doing the motion in front of a mirror, but what about these rubber bands? Can you explain this a little more in depth for me please?
Dark_Angel85
Semi-Pro
well... a change can be improvement if it's done the right way. If you expect to get immediate changes after a racquet change... then you're really up for a sorry ride...
it takes time, it takes some trying... and adjustments
it takes time, it takes some trying... and adjustments
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
It will make your motion a lot more stabile,and youll feel more comfortable under pressure on that wing,nothing more nothing less. Try it for a week or so, youd be surprised! Try it for 10 min before youre next practice-session.
You'll like the Radical pros. I just picked up a second one when the price dropped to to 99 bucks.
Terr
Semi-Pro
Yes Magic, but what about these rubber bands you were talking about?
And what's wrong with Nadal's forehand? I quite like it. I might even dare to say that I like it more than our man, Roger's.
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TheMagicianOfPrecision
Guest
You are supposed to hit your forehand the way you want it, with a rubberband, repeatedly in fron of a mirror until you are happy with the swing.
Absolutely nothing wrong with Nadals forehand, it has given him a huge bank-account, its just a matter of opinion,either works, i like Federers a lot more. (no surprise i guess)
jevonclyde
Rookie
Ofcourse, it can.
Certain racquets generally benefit certain styles of play. For instance, string pattern; Open string patterns (16x18, 16x19) benefit players who hit with western, semi-western grips and use alot of spin, dense string patterns (18x19, 18x20) are more for flatter hitters, but there's also different feel to each string pattern. Heavier racquets are harder to use, generally, but have more stability and generate more pace. Lighter racquets are easier to whip around which helps with spin generation, generally have less stability, meaning they twist more on impact.
take me for instance, I like hitting a flat ball and use alot of slice and touch and approach the net all the time. I switched from a 100sq inch headsize and a 16x19, full polyester string pattern to a 98sq inch headsize and an 18x20, full gut string pattern. I won my next two tournaments because I had a racquet more suited to my game.
The short answer, yes it can improve your game. Good luck!
take me for instance, I like hitting a flat ball and use alot of slice and touch and approach the net all the time. I switched from a 100sq inch headsize and a 16x19, full polyester string pattern to a 98sq inch headsize and an 18x20, full gut string pattern. I won my next two tournaments because I had a racquet more suited to my game.
The short answer, yes it can improve your game. Good luck!
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