ASK THE EXPERTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Want to know the best tennis racquets for power? How about when you should replace your Racquet? How about questions about your shoes? Find the answers to our most asked questions below.
Q. What are the best racquets for tennis elbow?
A. A heavier racquet will absorb more of the shock from the ball, so we recommend you choose the heaviest racquet that you can swing comfortably. Stay away from longer, stiffer frames to minimize strain. racquet can also impact your elbow. Try a few A more open string pattern and larger head size allows for better deflection of the ball, putting less strain on your arm. Lowering the string tension and choosing a softer string can also provide relief to your elbow, but will also reduce your directional control. Make sure your grip size is correct and that the grip surface provides good traction. According to the USRSA, players will need to restring more frequently if they are sensitive to shock or prone to arm injuries. Read more about the best racquets for tennis elbow here!
Q. What are the best tennis racquets to create power?
A. Looking to add power to your game? Your best bet is a heavier racquet with a larger and stiffer frame. A larger frame is more resistant to twisting on impact and has a bigger sweet spot. A longer heavier frame generates more velocity and therefore more power. Find the best power racquets here!
Q. What are the best racquets for juniors?
A. Choosing the right size racquet for your child can make a huge difference in their play. If the racquet is too short,, it will be harder for them to hit the ball over the net. A racquet that is too long will make it hard to have enough control to even hit the ball.
When shopping for a racquet, you can compare the height of your child to the length of the racquet. Have your child stand straight up with a racquet in their hand and their arms hanging down by their side. If the racquet is just above the ground or slightly touching it, this racquet is a good size for them. Observe how your child holds the racquet during play to ensure you chose the correct racquet size. If your child grips the racquet at the top of the grip, this could indicate that the racquet is too long or heavy.
If you cannot compare the racquet to your child’s height, the standard junior sizes by age are:
Up to age 5 19-inch racquet
5 - 7 years 21-inch racquet
6 - 8 years 23-inch racquet
9 - 10 years 25-inch racquet
10 - 12 years 26-inch racquet
Q. When should you replace your racquet?
A. Has your racquet lost its "pop"? Some things in life are designed to last forever – your tennis racquet isn't one of them. Each time you hit the ball, your racquet frame distorts backward to absorb the impact, then bends forward as it returns energy to the ball. Over time, this damages the bond between the thousands of graphite fibers and the resins that hold them together. Eventually, the frame becomes soft and begins to lose power and control. If you can answer "Yes" to any of these questions, it might be time to think about taking a new racquet for a spin.-Is your racquet more than 3 years old? -Do you see visible cracks? -Has your racquet become soft and lost it's "pop"? -Are you a club player that plays 2+ times a week and you've had your racquet for more than 2 years? -Are you an aggressive baseliner? -Has your racquet been restrung more than 6 times? Come on, you and your game deserve it! Try before you buy (Demo program) Racquet Deals?
Q. What is the difference between Clay Court shoes vs Hard Court tennis shoes?
A. Clay courts call for a different type of shoe. The balls are slower, they bounce higher and the points are much longer. Your movement on clay is more lateral so you'll want a shoe that has a tight upper for a locked-in feel that gives you stability and lateral support. This will give help with all the quick transitions you make on the clay. Clay moves as you run, so having a lightweight shoe is a good option. Since clay isn't as tough on your shoes as the hard court, there's less worry about wearing the shoe out quickly. Finally, make sure your clay court shoe has wide tread that won't get clogged and will provide you with a solid level of traction. Try our top Clay Court shoes!
Q. When should I replace my tennis shoes?
A. Is it time for a new pair of shoes? If your shoes don’t squeak anymore on a hard court; if they’re no longer providing the traction to which you’ve become accustomed, or you’re feeling more foot and ankle soreness than usual after playing, those are all tell-tale signs that your shoes have seen better days. But even if you don’t notice those signs, the general rule of thumb is if you play once a week for an hour, you should be replacing your shoes at least once a year. Take a look at our top tennis shoes of 2023!
PURETENNIS MAILBAG
Stay up-to-date on the latest questions and answers asked by tennis fans just like you. To submit a question for our monthly mailbag, please fill out the Ask the Experts form below or look for a #PureTennisMailbag on social media.
Q: @ToriGilin, “What is the secret to putting more topspin on the ball?”
Q: @stuartalittleton, “What is the best all around tennis shoe?”
A: The key to maximizing topspin is getting the racquet below the ball (dropping the hands/knees) and finishing above the contact point (typically through the opposite shoulder). Wrist action also creates heavier spin. [Keep the elbow tucked in!]
Q: @iamaleks_07, “What is it about the Djokovic forehand?
A: His ability to take the ball early (on the rise) cross court, or hold it and flip it down the line is exceptional. Novak is able to consistently take time away from his opponent. [contact point * precision = A+]
A:The best all around shoe on the market is the Barricade which made the anticipated comeback. Durable, supportive, comfortable.
Q: @keatonnguyen, “How do you strengthen your mental game?”
A: Mental Game Tips
1. Keep self talk positive. Encourage yourself. Best way to change momentum is with good energy
2. Have 1-2 rituals/habits at changeovers when things are going south (check notes, deep breaths, meditate)
3. Visualize the pattern/strategy you want to play before the match begins
ASK THE EXPERTS
Ask any question that you have about tennis and we will try to answer it in a timely manner. There will be new videos and blogs to help answer your questions so you can stay informed and continue to improve your game.
