That Underrated Backhand

The backhand may be tennis' most undervalued and intimidating stroke. The very word backhand is known to instill fear and trepidation in otherwise upstanding characters.

This is both a pity and a shame. With appropriate props to the forehand, the backhand is the jewel of groundstrokes. If approached with affection and confidence, the backhand can be friend and weapon. By applying solid technique and regular practice, you can turn the backhand into your favorite shot. We love the backhand.

The backhand stroke takes place on the non-dominant side of the body. This is the left side for right-handers, the right side for lefties. The backhand swing - specifically the one-handed version - is a natural swing, given the proper setup. Where the forehand actually involves swinging across or against the body in some measure, the backhand is in concert with the body's natural impulse to move forward. You use the legs and dominant shoulder to 'lead', contacting the ball well ahead of the body.

We might call this backhand physics partly to demonstrate why the one-handed backhand is a natural, clean shot. Assuming you set up your hitting platform well, turning sufficiently to allow the coiling and uncoiling of your legs, torso, arm and shoulder, this is a satisfying and very useful stroke. Moreover, learning to hit a single-handed backhand makes learning the one-handed slice a natural step. The backhand slice is a very useful stroke for varying baseline rallies and for approaching the net.

The two-handed backhand is a different stroke. It doesn't require the lower body turn into the hitting platform, which is more upright and uses an open or semi-open stance. The two-hander also employs the upper body far more. This makes it easier for many people, more like the forehand, and less smooth.

The two-handed backhand has become a default stroke for young baseliners. It is easier to teach, given that students see results faster, and it promotes more control of topspin. Considering that topspin tennis is the order of the day, coaches gravitate towards teaching this stroke rather than the one-hander. Its limitations include the dependance on precise upper-body timing and health. Additionally, learning the one-handed slice becomes more of a challenge, given the distance between the two-handed topspin and the slice in conception and execution.

NOTE: Because the one-handed and two-handed backhand are fundamentally different strokes, we will treat each one separately. Discussions of grips, stances and individual backhand shot variations fall in the appropriate sections.

The One-Handed Backhand

The one-handed backhand remains a viable and artistic stroke, despite the increasing popularity of its two-handed counterpart. When we discuss the one-handed backhand, we are really referring to the topspin one-hander. The slice, which we discuss a bit later, is almost a separate stroke because of the disparate technique involved.

The one-hander depends on consistently implementing these elements:

A secure grip which can vary from standard to extreme;
Creating a solid hitting platform that depends on a full shoulder-hip turn and bent legs;
Making sure your contact point is ahead of the body and that you swing smoothly and with a full follow-through.

We get into these aspects of the one-handed backhand in more detail following the sections on grips and stance.

Grips Overview

There are basically two grip options for the one-handed backhand. As with the forehand, the Continental grip, once popular, has gone the way of the tennis dinosaurs. Though people don't talk much about the different grips, we can identify them as:

Eastern. Like its forehand equivalent, this grip is one stop away from the Continental, but in the opposite direction. It is an easy grip to learn and use, enables quick changes, and is well suited to hitting with light or moderate topspin (though not with heavy topspin). One disadvantage is that it offers less inherent power than an extreme backhand grip.
Extreme (Eastern). The extreme is another quarter-turn away from Continental. This is a topspin-friendly grip. It presents challenges for grip changes and makes hitting a flat ball difficult.

We would recommend the Eastern backhand grip for most one-handed players. Use the grip that fits best for you, keeping in mind that extreme grips

1) force you to hit major topspin on every stroke,

2) require a big adjustment when changing to a volley or forehand grip.

NOTE: You are not limited to using a single grip. You can learn the Eastern and extreme, for example, and switch depending on the game/rally situation.

The One-Handed Backhand Stance

The heading is specific and intentional. Where the forehand depends on a hitting platform that enables a variety of 'derivative' stances, the one-handed backhand promotes a single stance.

NOTE: We are discussing the topspin (or drive) backhand. The slice backhand has its own stance rules.

There is really only one good way to hit a one-handed (drive or topspin) backhand with consistency, power and depth. And that is to turn sideways to the net, with knees bent. Yet, there is more to the one-hander than this, so we will go point-by-point:

1. Make sure your footwork brings you within range of the approaching ball, but not so close that you are crowding it.

There is a critical difference in running to the backhand versus to the forehand side. When you run towards the backhand, you keep your 'off' hand on the racquet handle, near the throat. This is a vital component of racquet preparation, as this 'off' hand helps guide the racquet into position for the stroke.

2. As you reach the ball, step across your body with your lead (right - assuming a right-handed player) foot so that it points towards the sideline. As you do so, you will turn your shoulder;

NOTE: Your right, or dominant foot, is still in the air until you swing. Your weight is placed on the left leg once you turn. You only plant the right leg/foot as you begin the forward swing.

3. Concurrent with this, you pull the racquet back using the left hand as a guide;

4. This creates the stance. The knees are also bent (it is important that the back leg also be bent). Your right shoulder blade should either be 'pointing' to the net or along the plane of the intended shot direction.

That is the stance for the one-handed topspin (and drive) backhand. Many players fail to turn completely and set themselves, either because of a lack of correct practice or from fatigue. Practicing this one-set-piece move to create a solid platform for the one-hander is simply vital to solid technique and execution.

The Single-Handed Topspin

As with the forehand, the typical modern backhand stroke is topspin. The racquet stroke travel from low to high, the angle applied conforming to the amount of topspin you want to deliver. The shallower the 'ascent angle,' the milder the topspin. The steeper the ascent, the greater the topspin applied.

Less topspin equals more pace and depth, and a smaller margin of error - both for net clearance and for keeping the ball inside the baseline. More topspin translates to more spin off the bounce, greater safety of shot, and reduced ball speed.

The progression of the stroke really includes setting up the platform as the first piece:

Turn and set up a balanced platform, as described above. Make sure to stay low as a priority: this involves the legs which are an important power source in this shot. The one-handed backhand actually resembles the serve in that it features a 'kinetic chain' that starts with the legs. The player coils and uncoils, using legs, torso, arms and shoulders in sequence.
NOTE: Assume the backhand as soon as possible while moving towards the ball. This is very important as once you create the hitting platform you won't have time to 'find' the grip.
Set the racquet behind your body, preferably low. The off-hand is still on the frame up near the racquet throat at this point, helping maintain its position for the swing. Your weight is on your back leg;
Begin the swing, releasing your off-hand from the frame and staying low to the ground;
Plant your right (or dominant) leg so that it points about 45 degrees to the left of the target. This is not a precise requirement: the arm coming forward will help 'tell' your foot how to position itself;
Strike the ball ahead of your body, watching the ball to impact;
Complete a full follow-through, with your racquet finishing out in front. You will feel your wrist 'flip' over at and after impact.

Focus on finishing the stroke. 'Pulling off' the ball results in frequent mishits: finish the stroke.

Players relatively new to the game will naturally start their recovery too soon in an effort to regain a good position for the next stroke. This is almost always a mistake. Instead, emphasize the finish and you will hit reliably effective shots that will make the opponent run. You will have plenty of time to recover for the next ball.

The Drive Backhand

The drive or 'topspin drive' is merely a variant of the basic one-handed topspin backhand. It relies on all the same principles and mechanics. The difference is that you swing on a flat trajectory. This is the backhand equivalent of the flat forehand.

We will not spend additional time on the drive backhand for a few reasons - it should only be used by advanced players because of the difficult racquet-ball timing and arm strength required. It is rarely used, given the many advantages of applying topspin to the backhand - including the fact that you are typically engaged in a backhand-to-backhand rally when hitting crosscourt backhands. By using topspin, you stress the opponent and his reactions. It's just harder to return topspin with your backhand than with a forehand, so why not oblige the odds?

Summing up, the one-handed backhand is similar to the forehand. You set up a platform that relies on legs well set, a consistent backswing and acceleration through the ball. The legs, torso and arm all play a role in the stroke itself.

As you swing the racquet forward with the right arm and racquet to meet the ball, pull the left arm back. This creates balance and power and stabilizes the body prior to recovery.

NOTE: As with every stroke in tennis, you benefit by visualization. Picture the desired swing, and your mind is likely to 'tell' your body to repeat the image.

The Backhand Slice

The backhand slice can be considered either a variation of the one-handed backhand or as a separate stroke. It does not share much in common with the topspin backhand, as setup and stroke technique both differ substantially from the topspin shot.

The backhand slice is a very important shot, both as a rally variation and as the backhand approach shot. Its role is thus very similar to that of the flat forehand, which shares this specialization in the modern game. The two-handed backhand players will attempt to approach the net behind topspin, but exposure to the slice should cure them of this proclivity fairly rapidly.

NOTE: Topspin approach shots tend to bounce too high and give the opponent time to hit an aggressive shot or even a passing shot as you run towards the net.

To hit the slice backhand use a closed stance as well. You start with the racquet held at shoulder height and finish with it about waist height. The shoulder, arm and wrist work in concert.

The follow through is abbreviated and is nearly a chopping action. This increases the spin applied to the ball. You can even think of 'stopping' the racquet right after contact. (Some follow-through will happen naturally. Body momentum takes care of that.)

NOTE: Bend the knees thoroughly when hitting the crosscourt rally slice, for this stroke requires both strength and precision. When slicing straight ahead or hitting the backhand slice approach shot, bending the knees becomes optional.

Here are the uses of the backhand slice in more detail:

A rally variation. The slice is a great change of pace. It forces your opponent to adjust to different ball spin and movement (spin is not just forward and back, and a good rally slice will have sidespin), while creating an in-rally timeout from the rigors of topspin hitting. While topspin strokes are the core of a rally, they require more player preparation and energy.

When used as a rally shot, the slice should be hit low and crosscourt, or up the middle. It is no different from a forehand in that all shots should reflect awareness of court geometry. People are creatures of habits, so upsetting the opponent's rhythm is helpful. Introducing slice to rallies accomplishes this.
As an approach shot. Slice is the preferred backhand approach shot, hit either straight ahead or towards the opponent's Deuce court corner. Slice approaches are especially effective when hit low and skidding. This makes the opponent 'dig' the ball out and float back his shot, and that makes your first volley easier.
As a defensive rally shot, especially on the run. Hitting topspin backhands while moving is difficult. The fact that the backhand slice engages more 'upper body' makes hitting this shot on the run easier.

Slice Tips

Slice begets slice; it will be difficult for your foe to stay with topspin. This can be a big advantage if his topspin stroke is effective and if he is less comfortable hitting slice backhands. If you enjoy hitting slice backhands and are proficient at them, you can immediately turn the rally to your advantage.
Do not replace the topspin with slice as your default rally stroke. You simply reintroduce predictability and remove the element of power inherent to good topspin backhands. The slice's power as a tactical weapon is partly the power of suggestion; letting the opponent know it is there is part of the game.
Slice is a finesse shot. Its utility is enhanced if you don't hit the ball too hard.

The Two-Handed Backhand

The two-handed backhand is the 'default backhand of modern tennis. The two-hander, which involves rather different mechanics than the one-handed backhand, requires less body turn, more upper body and uses a more upright stance.

The two-handed backhand produces more consistency than its single-handed counterpart, which is a big part of why it has become so popular. It is simpler to recreate, stroke after stroke, and it promotes the application of topspin. To rally from the baseline against a good player, you must have the ability to create topspin.

The primary reason for greater consistency with the two-hander is that you can use your arms to adjust the racquet angle at the last second. The one-handed backhand dictates that you set the racquet sooner. Changing the racquet angle during the swing is a big risk, given that you interrupt the swing to do so. Another way to explain this is that the backswing for the two-hander is shorter and does not commit the racket to a specific swing path (given the role of the arms).

Two-Handed Grips

The two-handed backhand has the dominant hand lower, close to the racquet butt, while the off-hand clasps the handle above the dominant hand. The top hand's side and wrist will touch the lower, dominant hand's thumb and forefinger.

The two-handed backhand grip is unique in one very important way. It is basically a combination of two separate grips:

The lower hand grasps the handle in a Continental, neutral grip;
The top hand grabs the handle in an Eastern grip.

What does this mean? It means that the top hand's palm faces up and away from the court. It's as simple as that.

The Two-Handed Stance

As with the one-hander, the double-fisted backhand includes a turn. However, it is a partial turn. The stance is not closed but partly closed, or semi-open.

In rare cases, highly advanced players may hit this stroke with an open stance. We don't recommend this adaptation, but for very strong or tall players with natural leverage deriving from long limbs, the open stance is an option.

Even if the stance is semi-open, the shoulders are well rotated. You can bend the legs, but a deep bend is not as essential. Most of the stroke's power comes from the uncoiling of the shoulder and arms. The legs are more of an anchor; in the one-handed shot they are both a source and trigger of the stroke.

NOTE: The left arm is a key part of the stroke, helping both with power and shot direction. Advanced players will use the top wrist to help with directional control, especially if they late in setting up to the ball. Strong wrists are a boon to a good two-hander. If you have them, use them. Strengthen your wrists by squeezing a rubber ball or 'sports' ball.

Two-Handed Topspin

The topspin backhand is the standard rally backhand. This doesn't change because of grip. The only reason it would change is if a player becomes slice-happy, which is more likely to happen with one-handed players.

The topspin rally stroke is indispensable for multiple reasons: it is the perfect stroke to maintain your position in a crosscourt rally. A good topspin stroke either keeps the opponent locked in position or can force him to back up. The topspin backhand lets you rally safely and with depth, neutralize an opponent's offensive purposes, and wait for an opportunity to hit a forcing shot or outright winner.

The two-hander involves your upper body more, which is a point worth stressing. This gives you

1) more consistency, and

2) the ability to vary the shot.

These are considerable advantages. Like many other good things, however, the two-handed topspin backhand can be spoiled by too much human cleverness. Two-handers love to use the strength inherent in their technique to go up the line. Beware of going to excess (as with all things).

The two-handed backhand's mechanics really provide you a range of options. You can use different stances, from semi-open to open. You have the advantage of both hands 'working' to produce the shot. So take advantage of its possibilities.

Two-Handed Slice

There is no such thing. Two-handers, read the Backhand Slice section above for more.:)

We will also not explore the mysteries of the two-handed backhand drive in an independent section, as the principles of the 'drive' are the same for both one and two-handers. See 'The Drive Backhand' section above.

Backhands are great. Backhands are underrated. Develop a consistent arsenal of backhands and find yourself rolling in tennis clover.

Learn more at: http://uptofitness.com

Larry Hall is a writer who still plays a bit of tennis.

JAVOedge Tennis Axis Case for the Apple iPad [FREE Shipping]

[Tennis ball not included] Show your love of sports with JAVOedge's limited edition Tennis Axis Case for the Apple iPad. The case's felt-like cover adds an athletic feel for your iPad's on-the-go carrying. Prop up your iPad for hands-free viewing in a horizontal or vertical position. Tilt the angle of your iPad for better viewing. A magnet flap closure offers hassle-free access to your iPad. Case design includes access to iPad control and outlets while encased inside. The JAVOedge Tennis Axis Case for the iPad is made of animal friendly materials. Have fun playing with the JAVOedge Tennis Axis Case for the iPad.

Price: $54.95

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Tennis Clothes - A Revolution in Style

Tennis clothes have changed drastically in style, fabric, and color over the last 100 years. The first lawn tennis players in England wore formal attire when playing. Standard tennis clothes for women were full-length dresses. Men wore long pants and formal, long sleeve shirts. The tennis clothes of both men and women were entirely white in color. Contrast this formal style with the tennis clothes worn by the tennis players of today. Modern tennis players favor synthetic fabrics, more athletic clothing styles, and a greater variety of colors.

The evolution of tennis clothes has mirrored the changes in everyday fashion. For example, male tennis players in the 1970's and 1980's favored short, tight-fitting shorts and traditional polo shirts. In the late 1990's and 2000's, male tennis players began to wear larger, looser shorts and more casual shirts. In addition, female tennis players of the 1970's and 1980's favored traditional tennis clothes with an updated style. Popular clothing included shortened tennis skirts and dresses. Today's women tennis players wear a variety of tennis clothes, ranging from tennis skirts and dresses to shorts and t-shirts. While tennis players still wear white at more traditional clubs (e.g. Wimbledon), there is a much larger variety of colors in modern tennis clothes.

Another factor contributing to the evolution of tennis clothes is the increased athleticism in the modern game. Tennis is now a high intensity sport, requiring tremendous physical effort and exertion. Tennis players must be able to run, cut, jump, and twist all while executing precise tennis strokes to hit a ball often moving at high speeds. Consequently, comfort is a major concern of players. Modern tennis players prefer tennis clothes that are lightweight, fit well, repel moisture, and are generally comfortable. Tennis clothes that keep the body cool and dry can help players counteract the physical toll that playing tennis, especially in hot weather, can exact.

Advances in clothing technology have also contributed to the evolution of tennis clothes. For years, cotton was the fabric of choice for tennis clothes. In the last few years, however, many tennis apparel makers have introduced garments made of new, synthetic fibers. Tennis clothes made of these synthetic fibers help remove sweat from the skin and clothing by wicking moisture away from the body. Examples of these clothing technologies are Adidas's ClimaCool brand and Nike's Dri-FIT. Most professional tennis players and many recreational tennis players now wear tennis clothes made with these new technologies because they keep them cooler and drier than traditional tennis wear.

In conclusion, tennis clothes have seen many changes over the years. While tennis clothes maintain some of their formality and traditional style, modern tennis players value comfort and individual style over tradition. Increased athleticism, advances in technology, and changes in general fashion have greatly affected the tennis clothing industry. In addition, breaking from their traditional roots, tennis clothes have become a medium for personal expression of individual style and important pieces of equipment in an increasingly physical sport.

For more information on tennis try visiting http://www.TennisQuestions.com, a website that specializes in providing tennis related tips, advice and resources to include information on the best tennis clothes.

Tennis Training Aids - Great For Tennis Teaching Professionals

Tennis is a sport that can be done anytime of the year, but most especially during summer. There are tennis camps that abound which usually make us of tennis training aids to make sure that their students, and even professionals, stay at the top of their game.

Anybody can enjoy training aids, whether you're a man or a woman, whether you're young or old. You can make tennis as a leisurely sport, as a form of play and recreation, or as a means to improve yourself. Just spend a few minutes in court and see your physical prowess increasing. Tennis can indeed boost your health.

If you are just starting with tennis, or probably you've played before and you want to get back into it, let me share with you some aids. These would be great for beginners and professionals alike.

Lightweight Tennis Racket - One of the tennis training aids you will be needing is this one. Your racket must have a big face to make sure that the ball can be hit and returned to the other side of the court.

New Tennis Balls - These are the aids which always need to be replaced in time. They lose some pressure once they are out of the can and if you let them be that way, they could cost you your game.

Proper Attire - One of the vainest tennis training aids that you will need is a proper attire. Make sure your attire will allow you a lot of physical movement that won't hamper your game.

For intermediate tennis players, the following are some guidelines for tennis training aids perfect for you.

You should have more than one racket - Your other racket must be an identical one with the same string tension. In the event that your racket breaks, you immediately have a spare to use.

Use The Right Shoes - The tennis shoes you should use must be the ones with rubber over-toes. They will protect your feet when you do toe drags.

Wear Skirts or Shorts with Pockets - You have probably seen this on TV when you watch tennis games. The player always has a second and third ball inside his/her pockets. This makes the game move along faster.

Tennis training aids are great for professionals. If you are one, with the help of tennis training aids, your game would most definitely improve.

Aside from having quality tennis equipment, the tennis training aids will make you swing and hit faster, your racket will be easier to handle, and you will be able to make stronger and more powerful shots. Your game will be so much more enjoyable because you can be sure that you are playing your best game every single time. And so, for professional tennis players, the following are the tennis training aids you must always keep inside your tennis bag.

At least four or more if possible, similar if not identical, superior-quality titanium, or graphite tennis rackets that must be newly strung before every match,Brand new tennis balls for each game,spare over-grips;special string for your racket, and spare tennis shoes.

All of these demonstrate that anybody can play tennis - beginners, intermediate, professional players. If you are a tennis teaching professional, so much the better because this means that you can teach the importance of tennis training aids to your students. By following the tips laid out here, anybody will surely become a great tennis player in time.

For more information, tips and advice on Tennis Training Aids, visit tennisdrills4u

Tennis -- How Vulcanized Rubber Changed the Game

In my mind, the true history of tennis does not begin until the 1850's, when the first "modern" tennis balls were invented and used. Before this point, the history of tennis is the history of a completely different game - "real tennis."

Real tennis is played on indoor courts. In fact, real tennis cannot be played outside - the players use the angled walls of a real tennis court to strategically hit and return the ball to their opponents. Yes, real tennis his very similar to today's modern tennis, or "lawn tennis," but only in the same way that handball, badminton, croquet, and racquetball are similar to lawn tennis!

That is why I choose to start my history of tennis at the point in which lawn tennis diverged from real tennis, and this happened in the 1850's. It was in the 1850's that Charles Goodyear, of Goodyear tire fame, invented vulcanized rubber. Vulcanized rubber is a process that prevents natural rubber from deteriorating so quickly (without the vulcanization process, natural rubber could deteriorate within just a few days.)

So, with the vulcanization of rubber came rubber tennis balls. The rubber tennis balls could be used outdoors on lawn courts. These rubber tennis balls were a nice change from the wads of wool, hair, wool, or cork wrapped in leather or string and cloth - these are what had been used in real tennis.

And because these vulcanized rubber tennis balls could be used outdoors, on lawn courts, without walls to bounce them off of, new rules had to be invented for this new game of lawn tennis.

Walter Clopton Wingfield is usually the man who is given credit for the invention of modern tennis, or lawn tennis. Around 1874, Wingfield actually patented the game. And the game became popular among the leisured classes throughout the end of the 1800s.

The popularity of tennis spread relatively quickly. Tennis clubs were set up around this time. The first tennis championships were held in 1877 in Wimbledon... a precursor to the Grand Slam tournament held in Wimbledon every year, even today.

The rules of tennis changed gradually throughout the later 1800s, changing the shape of the court and the height of net and thereby changing the history of tennis in the process!

So, as you can see, it makes sense that I choose to start the real history of tennis around the 1850's when Charles Goodyear's invention of vulcanized rubber made modern tennis possible.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and sports. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on tennis, please visit E-Tennis.

The Different Types of Tennis Balls

If you think that tennis balls are simply yellow fuzzy balls, one no different from another, you are most definitely wrong. Tennis balls are much more than that. Here are some facts about tennis balls that you may or may not already know:

Pressurized vs. Pressureless Tennis Balls:

· There are two main types of tennis balls: pressurized and pressureless.

· Pressurized tennis balls have a hollow core, filled with air. Some tennis ball manufacturers use nitrogen in the center, because this air tends to last longer - pressurized balls will lose their pressure after about a month or so after opening the pressurized can that they come in. As they lose their pressure, they become "dead" and do not bounce so well.

· Pressureless balls have a solid core. These tennis balls are great for anyone who does not play tennis that often and/or to use and training tennis balls. These tennis balls do not lose their bounce. However, the felt will slowly wear off, and they will eventually need to be replaced.

Regular Duty, Extra Duty, or High Altitude Tennis Balls:

· When you buy tennis balls, the container that they come in should be clearly marked with what kind of balls it contains - regular duty, extra duty, or high altitude tennis balls.

· Regular duty tennis balls should be used on indoor and clay courts. Extra duty balls would get too fuzzy if used on clay courts.

· Extra duty tennis balls are used on grass courts and tennis courts.

· High altitude tennis balls are used in places like Denver where you are playing 4,000 feet or more above sea level. These balls have different pressure - regular balls would bounce too much at this elevation.

Tennis Ball "Fuzziness:"

· Without the yellow (or white...) fuzziness of tennis balls, the game of tennis would be a whole lot different. The fuzz of the tennis balls creates friction. The fuzziness of the balls creates dray in the air, making topspin and backspin more pronounced and more possible.

Numbers on the Tennis Balls:

· Have you ever wondered what the numbers on your tennis balls meant? Do they reference the weight or style of the tennis balls, etc.? No.

· The numbers on the tennis balls are simply for your benefit - if you are playing with Wilson 1 balls, and the people on the court next to you are playing with Wilson 2 balls, it is easier to retrieve your tennis balls when they wander onto another tennis court. The numbers help you tell your balls apart from other players' balls (assuming that you are not using the same brand and same number of tennis balls!)

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and sports. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on tennis, please visit E-Tennis.

Tennis Rackets - A Selection Guide

The single most important piece of equipment a tennis player will purchase is a tennis racket. With the wide variety of tennis racket brands, models, types, and specifications on the market, selecting a tennis racket can be a daunting task. Prospective tennis racket buyers should consider several important criteria. These criteria are brand, racket weight, racket length, grip size, balance, and head size.

Many tennis racket manufacturers produce multiple racket models with varying specifications. Popular brand name tennis rackets include Avery, Babolat, Dunlop, Fischer, Gamma, Head, Prince, ProKennex, Volkl, Wilson, and Yonex. Each racket manufacturer has its own unique characteristics and nuances that pervade their entire tennis racket line. You can consult your local tennis professional or tennis racket expert for advice on the brand of racket that is most likely to fit your needs. Ultimately, however, testing out different brands of tennis rackets is the best way to find the right match.

Weight is another important consideration when selecting a tennis racket. Most tennis rackets weigh between 8.5 and 12.5 ounces. In general, lighter rackets are easier to swing and players that lack strength (e.g., older players, children) will be able to swing lighter rackets faster, generating more power. The overall effect of tennis racket weight is somewhat ambiguous, however, as heavier rackets, while more difficult to swing, are more stable and transfer more force to the ball upon impact. Thus, when choosing a weight, comfort is the most important consideration. Typically, players that are more skilled prefer the stability and control offered by heavier rackets.

While the length of tennis rackets is fairly standard, many manufacturers have begun to offer longer rackets in recent years. The standard tennis racket length is 27 inches. While the rules of tennis allow rackets to measure up to 32 inches, most tennis rackets measure from 27 to 28 inches. The benefits of increased tennis racket length are increased reach and increased power. Longer tennis rackets can provide more power because the arc the racket travels during the swing is longer (especially on the serve). Players that are more skilled generally prefer the maneuverability of standard length rackets.

Because the grip is the tennis player's link between the tennis racket and his or her body, grip comfort is of supreme importance. Tennis racket grips typically range from 4 inches to 4 7/8 inches in circumference. Most adult tennis players use grips between 4 1/4 inches and 4 5/8 inches. The easiest way to determine your grip size is to grip a tennis racket and place the index finger of your other hand in the space between your fingers and thumb/palm. If your index finger fits comfortably, the grip size is correct. If your index finger does not fit, the grip size is too small. If there is a large amount of space around your index finger, the grip size is too big. Selecting the proper grip size on your tennis racket is important not only for comfort and for performance, but also for injury prevention. Using a tennis racket with a grip that is too large or too small can lead to arm injuries.

Tennis rackets are also classified by the balance point or how the weight is distributed in relation to the head of the racket. The two balance classifications of tennis rackets are head heavy and head light. Head-heavy rackets provide more power because they place more of the tennis racket's weight behind the ball on impact. Head-light rackets, on the other hand, provide more control because they are easier to swing and maneuver and absorb more of the ball's energy on impact.

One final consideration when selecting a tennis racket is head size. Typically, tennis racket heads range in size from 85 to 135 square inches. In general, tennis rackets with larger heads provide more power while tennis rackets with smaller heads provide more control. Players that are more skilled generally prefer the control and maneuverability offered by midsize tennis rackets (85 to 95 square inches) and midplus tennis rackets (95 to 105 square inches). Older adults and those who lack strength and precise strokes may benefit from oversize tennis rackets (110+ square inches). Oversize tennis rackets can lead to sloppy strokes, and are therefore not recommended for junior players.

Tennis racket selection can be a daunting process. However, understanding the specifications discussed in this article, brand, racket weight, racket length, grip size, balance, and head size, will help simplify the tennis racket selection process.

For more information on tennis try visiting http://www.TennisQuestions.com, a website that specializes in providing tennis related tips, advice and resources to include information on the best tennis racket.