when selecting a racquet, is it more important to go by your NTRP rating or you swingspeed? (are these 2 factors even in conflict? i dunno
)
i'm a 3.5. several instructors have said that i have very high racquet head speed on my strokes. when i hit with my rds 003 (for players @ 3.5 ntrp) i find myself slowing down my swing a bit to keep the ball in. should i try and slow down my swing anyway or should i go to a heavier racquet even if it for a higher ntrp rating? thanks for your insight in advance!
The instructors are telling you something that they observe without explaining what they really mean:
1. Higher racquet speed is needed to produce more power and spin.
2. The stroke machanics are always the same whether you are swinging slowly or fast.
3. Lighter frames with lower swingweight will allow you to produce more racquet head speed, thus more power and spin.
4. If the stroke is not correct, the higher swing speed will amplify that imperfection and reduce the margin for error. You will frame, shank and spray... The moral of this point is that lighter, easier to swing frames require advanced and consistent stroke production, thus are for more skilled players.
5. Heavy, mid plus or OS frame that is head light will allow you to gain more control over the stroke because you can detect your frame and string plane position and direction better during the stroke. A heavier frame is easier to keep on track once in motion due to increase in stability on contact and slower swing speed.
What they are also saying is that you are are lacking control in your swing, which is:
1. Not swinging in a straight line
2. Have an incorrect string plane angle in relationship to the ball during contact (too open or too closed)
3. Not maintainig you grip firmness and wrist angle during contact (When the frame head is appoaching the contact point, you most likely loosen your grip and break your wrist angle)
4. Are not allowing the frame to fully follow through after the contact (on groundstrokes).