Racket for 13 year old boy?

FedExpress 333

FedExpress 333

Professional
Well, i started playing tennis a year ago, taking lessons at the local club, always trying to imitate Roger Federer:twisted: Anyway, i have gotten better and really fell in love with the sport. I recently moved up to the advanced class in the juniors lessons, and they hit it HARD!!

Soooo, my regular racket ( a head no name racket for 15$) isnt good enough. It twists and just doesnt provide the stablity, control, and spin potential I am looking for. I need help looking for an intermediate/ advanced intermediate racket to buy. However, i cant really handle the heavy, 11+ ounce rackets, because i just am not that strong. I am an all court attacking player, who is offensive from the baseline, with a one handed backhand, and serves and volley/chip and charge often.

A couple i am contemplating: Wilson BLX six.one. team
Wilson BLX Tour limited
Head Youtek IG Speed lite
Head Liquidmetal Radical MP

Suggestions and help appreciated, thx!
 
Those are all fairly good choices. For the most part though, the one that is most highly recommended on these boards, and from me personally is the Radical MP. There is A TON of information on it if you do a quick search on the boards, and it's a great frame to improve your game with. You can always customize it over the next few years of your career as your game grows.

Thank goodness your not fooling yourself by "wanting to buy the Six.One. Tour because R-Fed uses it".

A stat I would be looking at very closely for you is stiffness. You're developing a game that is very similar to my style of play so I know your general out look on the game! You will want to avoid rackets with stiffness ratings of more then 70. Sure they will give you a bit of extra pop, but trust me, it's not worth risking injury because of your one handed backhand.

Since I take it your in lessons, your strokes can and will develop very well with the Head LM Radical. Ask your coach about customizing in a year or two, (s)he will be able to help you understand the benefits of it in a few years as your game grows, and your rating climbs a bit higher.

Any questions at all, and we will try our best to help! :) Also, Welcome to the boards!

-Fuji
 
Thx!

Thanks a lot , Fuji, for your help! Yes, I was gravitating towards the LQ Radical too, plus it is the only one i can buy from a local store and not online. Thanks for the stifness, il keep a heads up. so, il get the LQ Radical and see how it goes, will post about it later!
 
I would recommend the Six One Team highly and to me it is a bit more forgiving than the Radical MP and sounds like it would be a better starting racket for you. The Six One Team really helped improve my game dramatically over the 2 year period I owned it and it is very versatile to customisation etc.

I do however play a aggressive baseline type game and you won't see me at the net often so maybe the radical might be better for you style. It also seems that you might want to go for something lighter and more forgiving than the radical or team for a shorter period and then maybe progress up to them later once you have mastered the fundamentals.

I would recommend trying all of the above rackets out because choosing the right racket now can really help progress your game fast.
 
There are some great (amateur) players at my club who use the 6.1 team. They play really well with it, although I hated it when I held it in my hands (just an easy hit against the wall, shouldn't judge at all).
Besides, if you like Federer, it doesn't hurt to have a racquets that looks like his. ;)
 
I think that your coach will give you the best answer. Use the TW demo program and get his feedback. Have fun...
 
I would also recommend the radical mp. More forgiving. But you should really play test one of the babolat drive z's. They r oversized rackets great for learning the game…. thats how i learned. And after a year or so of using this i upgraded to the babolat aero pro drive cortex… Babolat is by far in my opinion best racket company
 
I really like what everyone is suggesting so far, but the only thing I would recommend against is going to an Oversized racket. You'll be progressing REALLY quickly over the next year or two, and you may want to be looking into a racket that can grow with you. A MidPlus will be able to provide that for you. Unless you have the cash to burn and buy a new racket every 6 months - A year, you'll want to find a reliable stick that you can keep for a while.

Just my two cents! :)

-Fuji
 
FedExpress 333 said:
However, i cant really handle the heavy, 11+ ounce rackets, because i just am not that strong. I am an all court attacking player, who is offensive from the baseline, with a one handed backhand, and serves and volley/chip and charge often.
Click to expand...

Good news, amigo. You actually can handle an 11+ oz. racquet - you just don't know it yet. Given the style of play you're leaning toward, a frame with some extra heft and inherent stability will only work in your favor.

Go find a really heavy racquet, even an old wood frame, and take maybe a dozen practice or "ghost" swings without hitting a ball. Keep it nice and smooth. Are you ready to fall over from exhaustion after that? Probably not...

Even a racquet that's 12 oz. or more doesn't require immense strength to put it to work. Instead, it demands the right timing to get it to the ball. That's a huge component of what you're learning every time you hit the courts these days. You're building habits right now that help you to move and set up your stroke with less delay. Since it takes just slightly more time to get a more hefty racquet moving, you just need to learn a little quicker stroke preparation so that you can swing at the ball without having to rush.

Be patient. This takes a little dedication, but you can absolutely do it.

As you try out different racquets in the near future, do not be afraid to have a go with some heavier gear.
 
Fuzz, you actually have a really good point! I started playing with my heavy sticks after my first year and a half of playing. Since the OP has very classic styled game and strokes, it could be actually a great decision to move onto something heavier! :)

He should just get the KPS 88, and lead it to 13.1oz like me! LOL! Just kidding, please don't! :)

-Fuji
 
Thanks a lot for the advice, guys! Fuji, I have definetely decided to stay away from oversized rackets, but I dont think im quite ready for 90 or below yet! And yes, I need a racket to grow into, since i will hav this racket for at least a year! And fuzz, thanks for the advice! I actually tried to play w/ my friends k90, and it was okay, but i think i need a larger headsize and a little lighter. However, My next racket is def. goin to be a players one!
tomp and eman resu, thx for the suggestion! however, the team is alot more expensive than the LQ radical, and that is one reason I think im gonna go w/ the radical! I cant get any court time this week ( bad weather), but on lessons thurs. my friend has agreed to lend me his LQ radical, and I will see how it goes!
 
That's great! :) I'm glad your staying away from OS rackets!

The LM Radical if you enjoy it, I think it will be a great stick for you to grow with. You can always upgrade to a players stick later on as well! :) The Radical will last you a while though!

-Fuji
 
FedExpress 333 said:
Thanks a lot for the advice, guys! Fuji, I have definetely decided to stay away from oversized rackets, but I dont think im quite ready for 90 or below yet! And yes, I need a racket to grow into, since i will hav this racket for at least a year! And fuzz, thanks for the advice! I actually tried to play w/ my friends k90, and it was okay, but i think i need a larger headsize and a little lighter. However, My next racket is def. goin to be a players one!
tomp and eman resu, thx for the suggestion! however, the team is alot more expensive than the LQ radical, and that is one reason I think im gonna go w/ the radical! I cant get any court time this week ( bad weather), but on lessons thurs. my friend has agreed to lend me his LQ radical, and I will see how it goes!
Click to expand...

It is pretty refreshing to hear that someone your age has thought this through and truly want to buy what's best for your game instead of what a pro uses. Welcome to the boards and good luck with your game. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Radical.
 
Hey Fed, the Radical MP is a great choice for someone looking to develop their game, I actually almost bought it when I was in your position a few years ago but instead went with the Prince Shark mp. However, I think the 6.1 team is slightly better for you because it is extremely customizable, and with just some lead, you can make a racquet that fits you as you improve.
Anyways, you can't go wrong with either.
 
To Ag30, thx, i hope this racket works for me! Also, @ anirut, i know, so does my coach, he absolutely loves me for my ohbh and net rushing. plus, so does the chick at court 4 ;) lol jk. Anyway, i just didnt want to play boring, moonball tennis, wanted to play the game and have fun. I just dont see how defense can be fun..at least 4 me...
 
FedExpress 333 said:
Anyway, i just didnt want to play boring, moonball tennis, wanted to play the game and have fun. I just dont see how defense can be fun..at least 4 me...
Click to expand...

Word! IMO, the most exciting points played are at the net. It's also refreshing to see punctuation from kids your age. It makes it much easier to read haha.
 
Net points are the only points worth playing LOL! ;) I love net play, it's why I play doubles so much!

-Fuji
 
dont be afraid of the oversize sticks. make sure you try some before saying they arent for you. i thought the same way, until i tried an oversize frame. and it, my racket, is a beast at net. i play an offensive game and this racket is great.
 
@weska: Exactly! The thing is, these days, juniors are obsessed with "early success". And when you are not fully developed, you will make more errors! So, defense is the "get rich quick" option. I mean, look at Agassi and Sampras. Not saying that agassi wasnt a great player w/ 8 slams and a career slam, but sampras has 14! Sampras said himself he wasnt good as a junior, with switching to the ohbh and all, while agassi dominated, but look what happened! Plus, Its just more fun and exciting. Thats why im a fed fanatic! Plus, i dont play on clay anyway. And thanks, at least here im not a "nerd" for using periods! Honestly, kids my age, theyre so immature( but so am i, a little) Also, nice vid! unbelivable point!

@Fuji: AGREED! continental for everything, live and die at net!!! LOL

@Larry: I have tried oversize sticks. my current racket is 108 in the head, but i want a smaller head size, just not to small, and 98 is a good number!
 
FedExpress 333 said:
... I have tried oversize sticks. my current racket is 108 in the head, but i want a smaller head size, just not to small, and 98 is a good number!
Click to expand...

If 98 is a good number, and if "feel" is what you live by, try the Pacific X-Force Pro. No-nonsense stuff for both baseline and net play.

I myself play a 90 head (OK, 93 per manufacturer), but the Fischer Vacuum Pro 98 that I have is just "plush". The Pacific is no different. It's actually Fischer afterall. My son, 17, tried my Fischer 98 and now he' using the X-Force Pro and he likes it all the same. (And, actually, he'd been playing with my 90"-head-size rackets from the begining since he was 10.)
 
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@Anirut: The only problem i have with that racket is is is jus too heavy! i cant maneuveur that stick, and it seems like a players stick, accordong to TW. I want more of a tweenerish racket.

Also, @ Fuji, Anirut, Larry, weska, and everyone else, how does the lq radical give spin? Of he reviews ive read, it seems like thts the only complaint. The reason im concerned is my slice serve, my favorite, nd my slice backhand, both helpful to approach, might not work as well w/ a 18/20 string pattern................ Just a ques b4 i buy.
 
You can always adjust string tension for spin! But inhearently, an 18x20 will GENERALLY give less spin by a 16x19 given the same head size. But in reality, you can drop your 18x20 a few pounds in tension, and get the same spin you would in an open pattern. Even from like 55 to 53. It's not that bad I find, although I do play with all open patterns. In my 88, the 16x19 is probably tighter then the 98 18x20, and I generate ample amounts of spin, its ridiculous.

Don't worry too much about it! :) Spin comes with technique, then strings, then string patterns. In that order I find!

-Fuji
 
FedExpress 333 said:
@Anirut: The only problem i have with that racket is is is jus too heavy! i cant maneuveur that stick, and it seems like a players stick, accordong to TW. I want more of a tweenerish racket.

Also, @ Fuji, Anirut, Larry, weska, and everyone else, how does the lq radical give spin? Of he reviews ive read, it seems like thts the only complaint. The reason im concerned is my slice serve, my favorite, nd my slice backhand, both helpful to approach, might not work as well w/ a 18/20 string pattern................ Just a ques b4 i buy.
Click to expand...

If I can jump in...

Don't worry about slices, 18x20 is actually a very good racquet for slices since it gives you a little less bite on the ball, which translates into a flatter slice that skids more (same with slice serves). You can also make the claim that string-patterns claims to spin potential are a bunch of BS and technique/string are the only factors you have to worry about.

Now topspin, and I'm speaking from experience since I'm switching back to 18x20 (went from 18x20 to 16x18, and now I'm switching back), is slightly different, and it is harder to get as much topspin out of a denser patterned racquet. But that's not important at this stage of your development. Good luck, and hope you enjoy your new toy (whatever it is)! :-)
 
@ Fuji: Thx for the tip! the only problem is im not gonna get the rcket restrung for 6 months AT LEAST, and will hav to go with the factory stringing.... sadly, my dad does not like to spend to much money on Tennis.... but ya, i agree, technique first, when i hav that, then worry about equipment...thx!

@ johnny s+v: Thx! Good, because i really love slicing and volleying, and volleying is better with the 18x20, from wat i know. Thx a lot! btw, its a Head liquidmetal radical MP
 
For sure! Don't worry, my parents weren't at all supportive for my tennis at the start. The only thing they've bought me are a few string jobs so far since I've been playing, (Because I broke a string at a tourney.) Don't worry too much about it though. The stock strings will do you just fine. It's a good gauge on what you need! Let's say in 6 months you find you need a bit more control, then you are able to up the tension, need a bit more spin after working on your strokes, then lower it a bit! :) It'll be a good gauge of your abilities!

-Fuji
 
Fuji: Ya, guess me and you are on the same boat, huh? I think you are right about it gauging my abilities, and il be able to see the right string for me! Also, if you dont mind me asking you an off topic ques, since ur kinda my tt mentor lol, is that since i want to develop an all court game, ive been learning a ohbh. however, i recently starting slicing, and it worked wonders, because i really ont have the arm strenth to hit a topspin bh as well as the two handed juniors. so, should i develop the slice, then, when im 14 and allowed n the weight room of my gym, uz u hav to be 14 to go to weights room, or try to get a topspin bh now?
 
Welcome! Yup, we're in the same boat for the most part! I have to work to support my tennis addiction! LOL!

Well one hand and two hands are totally different beasts. The order I learned my 1HBH is: Drive, Slice, Topspin. Topspin took some work, but it's a good shot to learn. You don't really need a lot of strength to hit the top spin shot though. If you are able to get some good kinetic chain movement going, the top spin will come naturally. When I was 14, I was using my PSC 6.1 I believe at stock weight, which was 12.6oz and 9 points HL. Needless to say, it was a bit heavy for my size. (I was like 5'5 and 130lbs LOL!) But I learned how to do a full body motion, really flowing upwards into the shot which helped get the technique down.

All in all, I find working on one stroke at a time worked the best for me. If your comfortable with the slice, get it to a point at which your happy with it, and it's a reliable shot. The move onto the top spin. There's no point in having two weak shots, when you could have one strong shot and working on a new one (IMO). (This coming from the person who has a huge bag full of trick shots, and almost every grip ever invented! LOL!)

Any questions, just ask! :)

-Fuji
 
Thx for he tip Fuji! Ya, I think that i should start w/ the drive, bcuz if i learn slice first, it might make me depend on it too much later. The only problem is that sometimes, idont feel like i have enough time to prepare. i dont have a huge loop backswing like gasuet, more like feds, but i still feel rushed, and the slice requires less time. but i knnow i av enough time, i just feel rushed in match play. any tips?
Also, for learning volleys in the beginning, should it just be a block, or can u try to impart some underspin?
 
FedExpress 333, don't be too worried about static weight. The Pacific plays much lighter than the weight says. And for your age, 13, shouldn't be too much of a problem. It's about balance and how you feel when the racket's in motion.

When I started playing at age 10 we had not much choice about racket weights. The wooden rackets were all 340+ grams and we learnt and no one complained. We learnt the "tricks of the trade" to get us through.

I'm not saying that you should play with a heavy racket that's too much to handle, but just want to give an idea of the times when we had no choice and how we got through those times. And, right now, I'm 46, and still play with 340+ grams rackets.

FYI: My BlackAce 93 is 380 grams, 12-13 pts HL. Anyone who grabs it says it's a log. But once they put it into action, they couldn't feel the "weight", but only the racket crushing the ball. Any they sort of enjoyed it a lot. :)
 
@Anirut: thx for the advice! I didnt know how different it felt when swinging. For my next frame i will def be looking for a heavier choice! My racket right now is 9.9 ounces, so i want to go little by little, and not make an abrupt change....
 
Just wanna add: other than the static weight, the swingweight has a lot to do with how heavy a racket feels (and ease of racket prep, stability and follow through).
 
FedExpress 333 said:
Thx for he tip Fuji! Ya, I think that i should start w/ the drive, bcuz if i learn slice first, it might make me depend on it too much later. The only problem is that sometimes, idont feel like i have enough time to prepare. i dont have a huge loop backswing like gasuet, more like feds, but i still feel rushed, and the slice requires less time. but i knnow i av enough time, i just feel rushed in match play. any tips?
Also, for learning volleys in the beginning, should it just be a block, or can u try to impart some underspin?
Click to expand...

That's very good insight about the slice! I have Gasquets backhand, it's my most natural shot. I'd never even seen him play before I developed mine, but after some people saw it, it has an uncanny likeness! Trust me, you have time with your shots. You just feel rushed because of lack of experience! Go out with someone who plays with you, and have them hit you some balls and just work on your back hand timing. Learn how much time it takes for your strokes to connect, and work from there!

Volleys are more of a feel thing, if your comfortable just blocking back, then go for it. If underspin is more your thing, then start with that. :)

-Fuji
 
@Anirut: thx! I will keep the swingweight tip in the back of my head.

@Fuji: Thx! Im a real tennis junkie, i know more about tennis from readng and websites than most of my instructors!And il arrange a hit with my furiend, so i can work on that backhand! Just one more qestion: do you reccomend a straight arm fh, like federer, or a bent arm?
P.S.: is ur name fron prince of tennis's character? cuzthats my fav anime!
 
I'm a tennis junkie too! :) I study the game as much as I physically can. Good luck with the BH! I personally use a straight arm, because my arm acts like a whip when I use my backhand. Proper whips don't have kinks in them! :)

Yes it is! :) I <3 POT! LOL!

-Fuji
 
LOL me too!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Its beast! Anyway, i gotta go, we can resume this conversation later. BTW, for the straight/bent arm, i meant on the fh.
 
Alrighty! :) For the forehand, I start bend as I bend my knees, but extend to straight as spring upward and forward! :)

-Fuji
 
@ FedExpress 333, on the issue of having enough time to set up your stroke -- I was working on that today. This is pretty simple and obvious, but it takes a lot of concentration: I found that I was able to get more time to set up when I focused and timed my split step correctly = landing on my feet at the same time as the ball leaves my opponent's racquet (or the wall if practicing) + reacting in the proper direction. I start sucking when I get lazy with footwork. Yeah, just practice. Lots. It takes conscious effort to get that extra ~0.5-1 second for set up.
 
FedExpress 333 said:
Thx for he tip Fuji! Ya, I think that i should start w/ the drive, bcuz if i learn slice first, it might make me depend on it too much later. The only problem is that sometimes, idont feel like i have enough time to prepare. i dont have a huge loop backswing like gasuet, more like feds, but i still feel rushed, and the slice requires less time. but i knnow i av enough time, i just feel rushed in match play. any tips?
Also, for learning volleys in the beginning, should it just be a block, or can u try to impart some underspin?
Click to expand...

Actually, you should learn the slice first since it's something you can rely on when you're topspin backhand isn't working. My coach started me with strictly slices (I picked up tennis when I was 13, so similar situation) on my backhand until I had mastered it, and he wouldn't work with me much on my flat/topspin backhand until then (not that I didn't work on it outside of lessons, but the slice was the emphasized stroke).

If you learn a good slice (especially in today's game), you're setting yourself up well for the future. Look at players like Fed and Nadal. Fed's slice is what helps him set-up for his amazing forehand. When Nadal first came on tour, all he had was a defensive slice backhand. Then, he started working on it (amongst other things) and now it's a great change-up for him (while still being a good defensive shot when necessary).

The greatest thing about having a reliable slice backhand (as a rally shot) is that you can hit it on the run more easily. Even tho my backhand is arguably my better, more reliable shot, it is extremely difficult to consistently hit flat/topspin backhands on the run. The slice (due to it's optimum contact point) can be hit further back and more extended (not to say that it should make you lazy), so it's easier on your body to be able to hit slices.

I hope this helped!
 
@ Fuji: thx, but ive already seen that website....ive seen every website on tennis!

@weska: thx for the tip! il try timing my split step better, so il see how it works!

@Johnny: I understand, and thats what i thought too. The thing is, my coach says that when some players start with the slice, they hav trouble learning the contact poin and the mechanics of the topspin bh. Also, they become addicted to the safeness of the slice, and dont use the riskier drive bh enough. What do you think?
 
FedExpress 333 said:
I understand, and thats what i thought too. The thing is, my coach says that when some players start with the slice, they hav trouble learning the contact poin and the mechanics of the topspin bh. Also, they become addicted to the safeness of the slice, and dont use the riskier drive bh enough. What do you think?
Click to expand...

What he says does have truth to it, however, you're not excluding the flat/topspin backhand completely, just focusing on solidifying the slice as much as possible.

As for the contact point, it CAN be difficult, but as long as you are taught where to hit it, it's a pretty easy transition.
 
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