Choosing the Right Racquet

Choosing the right tennis racquet can be a daunting task with the many different types available. The range of racquets can be categorized into three main types.

There are power, control and tweener racquets. While these are the three main racquet types there is a vast amount of customization that can go into choosing the perfect racquet for a player.

 Brands like Wilson, Head, Babolat and Yonnex all offer racquets that fall into the three categories. The following descriptions are common characteristics of each racquet type.

Tennis Warehouse - Over-size, Mid-size, Small head

Power Racquets

• Over-sized head
• Longest of the three
• Lightweight build
• Recommended level: beginner, intermediate 

Power racquets allow for easy generation of power. The over-sized head offers players a larger sweet spot. This is the center of the racquet head.

The length offers more maneuverability and the lightweight construction allows for an easier swing. Power racquets are great for beginners because they offer more consistency when skills are lacking. 

Control Racquets

• Small racquet head
• Shorter length than power racquets
• Heavier build
• Recommended level: intermediate, advanced

Control racquets are for players who have developed their ground strokes and footwork. The smaller head means less power from the racquet, so the player must generate power from their swing. This allows the player to have better control over the depth and height of a ball. 

Tweener Racquets

• Mid-sized head
• Mid-sized length
• light to mid-weight 
• Recommended level: beginner, intermediate, advanced

These racquets are a middle ground for tennis racquets. They offer a combination of power and control to suit the needs of various playing styles.

They are great for players who want a well-rounded racquet. Due to the versatility of the racquet any level of play can benefit from using a tweener racquet.

You can check out a more in depth racquet choosing guide at this link from Tennis Warehouse. 

The Forehand

Imagine picking up a tennis racket for the first time. Your hitting partner hits a tennis ball your way and you decide to swing at the ball with your dominant hand.

You may return the ball inside the court or, more likely, it's now bouncing into another court. What you just attempted was one of the fundamental ground strokes of tennis known as the forehand.

Most beginner players will learn this stroke first because it follows a natural swing pattern. While the development of a forehand is personal to the style of the player there are a few key steps any good forehand will require.

How to: Forehand

Step 1: Position

With every stroke you will have to prepare for the ball coming at you. Without preparation you will be out of position and make a mistake while hitting.

You want to have an open position, meaning your body is facing outward toward the net. As the ball approaches, you will want to move until you are in place to receive the ball on your dominant hand.

Step 2: Bend the Knees

As the ball approaches you will want to bend your knees. The bending motion will help generate power in your stroke and keep the ball low so it doesn't go out.

It may seem that all the power in a forehand is generated from the arm, but it is a combination of bending the knees, hip rotation and swing pattern.

Step 3: Shoulder Rotation

This step is almost synchronous with the bending of the knees. As you bend the knees you will naturally begin moving your arm to strike the ball.

The most efficient way to begin the swing is by rotating the shoulder back and then straightening your arm out into a lock position.

Step 4: Forward Motion

Now that you're in the lock position you will begin to pull your arm forward to complete the ground stroke. As you swing forward be sure to keep your arm loose but firm.

Make contact with the ball where the racket is completely parallel to the ground. If the racket is tilted too high it will go very high, known as a lob, or very low into the net if the racket is tilted downward.
Once contact is made the stroke is not over. You  must follow through with your arm just as if you were hitting a baseball or throwing a football.

A general rule of thumb is when you swing and your elbow now faces forward you have successfully followed through.

Step 5: Hip Rotation

Once you have followed through you will rotate the hips and extend your knees. Now you will need to prepare for the next shot.

Check out Novak Djokovic's forehand technique. He is currently the world number one in tennis. The video shows his forehand during practice, so there will be a considerable change in power.