COACH SHELBY'S TENNIS NOTES

Does Your Racket Fit the Way You Play?

Over the years, I've had plenty of conversations with players about their equipment. They can tell me why they picked the color. But ask what string they use, what gauge it is, or what tension it's strung at, and sometimes they have no idea.

There's nothing wrong with liking a pretty racket. You should like what you carry onto the court. But you should also know what it helps you do.

I started playing tennis at 28. I'm 58 now, and I've bought Prince rackets throughout those years. But I didn't start with the Tour 95 I play with today.

In the beginning, I used larger-headed, lighter Prince tweeners. Those rackets fit the swing I had then. As my game changed, what I wanted from my equipment changed too.

That's something I want you to think about before buying your next racket.

How much help do you need from the frame?

Prince has a Power Level rating that gives you a starting point. Higher numbers indicate more power assistance. Lower numbers put more emphasis on control.

If your normal swing is short and compact, you may appreciate a racket that helps you get the ball deeper. If you comfortably generate your own pace with a longer, faster swing, you may want less help.

But don't confuse a fast swing with a fast ball. I can whip my racket quickly and send you a very slow ball with a lot of spin. What the racket is doing and what the ball is doing are two different things.

Pay attention to what happens when you play.

Are you constantly working harder just to get the ball past the service line?

Are you holding back because your normal swing sends the ball long?

Does the racket feel manageable at the start, but difficult to prepare after you've been playing awhile?

Those are useful things to notice. They don't automatically mean you need a new racket. Your strings and tension are part of the setup too.

Before you spend money, understand what you have.

Coach Shelby's Quick Tip

Before your next session, write down your racket model and head size. Ask your stringer for your string name, gauge, and tension.

Then pick one thing to watch during play: depth, control, handling, or feel.

You don't have to become an equipment expert. Start by learning why the equipment in your hand fits the game you're trying to play.