As a tennis professional, with over 30 years of experience, I’ve been advising and helping players from the tour level to beginner level choose a racquet that will help them play their best. It’s been my experience that a large majority of tennis players do not have a clue as to what type of racquet will help them play their best. Many are swayed by who on the pro tour is using a certain racquet or they mentally buy into the big buck advertising, that basically, is many times just selling the latest gimmick.
Do you know the weight, balance and flex of your current racquet? If you don’t you’re probably playing at a disadvantage. I’ve seen this even at the pro level. Many players are oblivious to the second most important tool you have as a tennis player, your racquet, and your body being the most important tool
A few years ago I was watching Serena Williams playing Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open on TV. On one point, Serena came to the net and Sharapova set up and nailed a passing shot, Serena stuck out her racquet and her racquet literally twisted in her hand and the ball fell weakly in the net. I turned to my wife and said, “Wow I can see from here, watching on TV that Serena’s racquet is too light.” I also noticed that Serena was grunting louder and louder and her groundstrokes were landing around the service line. It was so obvious that she had no coaching as to what she needed as far as weight, balance and flex. At the time she was probably playing with a super light, wide body, stiff, head heavy racquet, off the shelf. Serena is definitely one of the best athletes on tour, so for years I think she got away with the light racquet and would win on sheer athleticism and will. But, the other women were catching up and they were not playing with a super light off the shelf. It’s safe to say most touring professionals’ racquets are custom made (with added weight) and the model you buy at the local shop is definitely not the same specifications. Interestingly, the following year Serena showed up at the Australian Open with a new racquet. It had no name on it; it was a thin beam approximately 95 sq. in. head size. As soon as I saw her hit I knew someone finally gave her a racquet that would allow her to play her best. Her serves were deep with big time power; groundstrokes were penetrating, deep and powerful. Serena played Sharapova that year in the final and completely thumped her 6-0, 6-1. She overpowered Sharapova.
So, what’s the moral of the story? Find out what your racquet’s weight, balance and flex are. Somebody in Serena’s camp finally woke up and realized, hey, she needs a heftier racquet. Even Serena could not play her best with a mediocre tool in her hand. Why play with a YUGO when could be playing with a FERRARI.
I totally stand behind AVERY Racquets as solid performers. Personally, I’m a results oriented type of person. If something is getting good results, to me, that’s what counts. I can honestly say AVERY racquets get good results.
There are plenty of tips in the Extensive Video Lessons Archives that will help you take your game up a notch, I invite you to check it out, it’s well worth it.
As your personal coach, I look forward to helping those in the AVERY Tennis Inner Circle and answering any questions or concerns. My goal is to help you improve and keep growing as a player.
All the best and happy hitting,
Tom