ionutzakis
Semi-Pro
As I play mostly on clay (semi-western grip) I always stayed away from 18X20 racquets thinking I would not be able to put sufficient spin on the ball to keep it in play.
The other thing is that I usually have trouble hitting flat on short high balls, 'cause I find it difficult ti hit flat with 16x19 (APD) or 16x18 (POG LB) racquets that I'm using. Therefore I end up with topspin ball but the opponent manages to get them due to the balls being slower.
But for couple of weeks I used for the 1st time a 18x20 racquet (PC600) and I was surprised to see that not only I managed to keep the ball in play easily, but also with extraspeed.
Not only that, but I was surprised to see how easy it was to pick up low balls near the net and give them a big cross-court whack with lots of pace, something I struggled for a long time with 16x19 racquets. Hiting down the line has never been easier for me, it's like I'm on autopilot. Also return of serve are more precise.
This 18x20 is a whole new experience, and I must admit a pleasant one. There is also a downside, my serve is not quite what it used to be, I dropped my 1st serve percentage, but probably I will adjust soon.
Anyone noticed the same thing?
The other thing is that I usually have trouble hitting flat on short high balls, 'cause I find it difficult ti hit flat with 16x19 (APD) or 16x18 (POG LB) racquets that I'm using. Therefore I end up with topspin ball but the opponent manages to get them due to the balls being slower.
But for couple of weeks I used for the 1st time a 18x20 racquet (PC600) and I was surprised to see that not only I managed to keep the ball in play easily, but also with extraspeed.
Not only that, but I was surprised to see how easy it was to pick up low balls near the net and give them a big cross-court whack with lots of pace, something I struggled for a long time with 16x19 racquets. Hiting down the line has never been easier for me, it's like I'm on autopilot. Also return of serve are more precise.
This 18x20 is a whole new experience, and I must admit a pleasant one. There is also a downside, my serve is not quite what it used to be, I dropped my 1st serve percentage, but probably I will adjust soon.
Anyone noticed the same thing?