How to Handle Pressure

“It’s just one match, the court dimensions are exactly the same, and it counts the same.”

“the first step is to demystify the grandeur of these events and help them realize that pressure is self-imposed “

Here are some specific guidelines to help you manage competitive pressure more effectively in tennis:

• Play out many different kinds of points in practice. Training sessions should be as realistic as possible, with lots of competitive opportunities that mirror what might happen in the upcoming match. It is never possible to completely simulate center court at Wimbledon, but why not try?
• Do not allow your coach or practice partner to camp in one place on the court and feed balls all day. This is not tennis, and only ensures that you will look great in lessons and practice. It does little for your pressure management skills when the opponent will not cooperate like your coach.
• Play as many tournaments as you can to gain necessary experience in a competitive pressure environment. The only way to really learn to thrive on pressure is to experience it full force. There is no substitute for the real deal.
• Believe in yourself when the going gets roughest. Nervous energy is a natural part of the game. Trust your preparation, stay focused, and hang in there to win the internal battle. Interpret the excitement in tight situations as part of the test that makes you stronger in the future. What doesn’t kill you improves you.
• Welcome the uncertainty of competition as one of the most thrilling parts of the game. It never gets boring when you have a good struggle on your hands. Your ability to cope in adversity encourages creativity. Find joy in the struggle, and pressure will be an ally rather than foe.

Selecting a Racquet - Last part

STRING PATTERN

Often overlooked by many recreational players, string pattern density influences many aspects of a racquet’s overall performance and feel. When we discuss string pattern density, we refer to open and dense (or closed).

An open string pattern will deflect more on impact than a denser pattern, providing greater ball rebound. Strung at the same tension (in similar racquets) an open string pattern won’t feel as “tight” as a dense string pattern. Open string patterns also allow for more spin potential, as the ball can embed itself into the strings more, due to their wider spacing. Players seeking more spin will benefit from a more open string pattern. The price one may pay for this, though, is reduced string durability. Open string patterns allow the strings to move more freely, increasing abrasion which causes string breakage.

A denser string pattern won’t deflect as much upon ball impact, resulting in less rebound energy. More closely spaced strings will also offer less spin potential but will last longer than a similar racquet featuring a more open string pattern. Players who don’t hit with much spin and are seeking enhanced control will generally prefer racquets with denser string patterns, as will hard-hitting topspin players seeking increased string durability.

Coming soon : "Measuring the correct grip size of Racquet."

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Selecting a Racquet - Part 4

Frame Stiffness

The amount a frame deflects during ball contact directly affects its power potential. A stiffer racquet bends less, thus depleting less energy from the ball. A flexible racquet bends more, resulting in more energy loss. A common myth among players is that a flexible racquet, that bends back more, returns more power to the ball due to a catapult-effect. The ball remains on the strings for 3-5 milliseconds, much shorter than it takes a frame to recover. Consequently, a racquet frame doesn’t “return” energy to the ball, it absorbs energy - either more or less, depending on stiffness. Stiffer racquets don’t deflect as much on impact, resulting in less power drain than a flexible racquet.

Frame stiffness doesn’t only affect power though. Control and comfort are also at stake. Generally speaking, a racquet that offers more power provides less control. However, this is largely dependent on player type and ability. An advanced player may prefer a flexible racquet because he or she has a long, fast swing and provides plenty of power. A stiff racquet might be too powerful for this player, resulting in too many balls landing long. A beginning or intermediate player though, may find a stiffer racquet that doesn’t deflect as much on impact, provides better control. This may also apply to a more advanced player with short, compact strokes. To a certain point, stiffer racquets are generally less comfortable than more flexible racquets. A very stiff frame will transmit more impact shock to the wrist, elbow and shoulder than a medium stiff frame. Comfort is difficult to measure - each player has a different perception of what feels comfortable. However, players with arm and/or shoulder problems will generally benefit more from a flexible to medium-stiff frame and should likely avoid stiff or very stiff frames. A lesser known effect of frame stiffness is the amount of spin that can be generated. Generally speaking, stiffer racquets provide less spin than flexible racquets because the ball leaves the stringbed more quickly.

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Selecting a Racquet - Part 3

Weight and Balance

These two characteristics most influence how a racquet feels when you pick it up and when you swing it on the tennis court. Some basic concepts - a heavy racquet is more powerful, more stable and transmits less shock than a lighter racquet (all other things being equal). A lighter racquet is more maneuverable and thus, a player is able to swing it faster. If this is true, won’t a lighter racquet that is swung fast generate the same power as a heavier racquet that’s swung more slowly?

This question has been hotly debated ever since Wilson introduced their Hammer racquets back in 1990. Until then, racquet weights averaged 12-13 ounces and were balanced head light (or handle heavy). Wilson’s Hammer “technology” reduced overall racquet weight (10-11 ounces) but distributed more mass in the head, resulting in a head-heavy balance. The idea was to improve maneuverability without sacrificing power by keeping weight in the racquet’s hitting zone.

Since then, racquet weights have steadily dropped and now we have sub-10 ounce offerings from most manufacturers. Is lighter better? Not necessarily. Well then, which racquet weight is best for you? What about racquet balance? Is head-light, head-heavy or even balance best? In order to answer this question, you need a point of reference. How heavy is your current racquet? Is it head light or head-heavy? How much?

Next, do you want a lighter, heavier or similarly weighted racquet? Head-light, head-heavy or evenly balanced? Chances are you don’t know what you want until you play with a racquet. If this isn’t feasible, here are some guidelines on the advantages and disadvantages of different weights and balances.

Heavier, head-light racquets- preferred by most professional players, these racquets are often referred to as being “traditionally weighted and balanced” racquets. They typically weigh 11-13 ounces and are balanced 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches head light in order to retain maneuverability. In most cases, these racquets are also referred to as “player’s” racquets because they are generally more control-oriented and designed for players who provide their own power.

Lightweight, head-heavy racquets - several years ago, Wilson discovered it was possible to make a racquet more maneuverable without reducing weight in the head. By removing weight in the handle, the racquet was lighter overall, while still retaining mass in the upper hoop, where ball contact occurs. This was the concept behind their Hammer and Sledge Hammer designs. Several other racquet manufacturers have subsequently introduced lightweight, head-heavy (and evenly balanced) racquets. The advantages of this racquet type are increased maneuverability without sacrificing power, especially on groundstrokes. The disadvantages are less clear - some “experts” argue that reducing weight increases the amount of shock transferred to the wrist, elbow and shoulder. Some players who have switched from traditionally weighted and balanced racquets to lightweight, head-heavy models claim the racquets don’t feel “solid”. Clearly, you can’t get something for nothing. Reducing racquet weight will alter its feel - for better or for worse. Keep in mind, you can always add weight to a racquet if it’s too light. Reducing racquet weight, however, is almost impossible.

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Selecting a Racquet - Part 2

Length

Racquets are available in lengths ranging from 27-29 inches, the legal limit for tournament play. Standard racquets are 27 inches long. A longer racquet provides more reach on groundstrokes, added leverage on serves and slightly more power overall than standard length racquets, all other things being equal. For most players, switching from a standard length racquet to one that is 1/2 -1 inch longer doesn’t normally present much of a problem. Most (but not all) longer racquets are lighter than their standard-length counterparts to keep them maneuverable. As racquet length increases, so does dynamic swingweight. Simply lengthening a 27 inch racquet without reducing weight would result in a very unwieldy “club”.



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