A great player will beat a beginner no matter what piece of equipment he or she uses.  However, the right piece of equipment can improve your game whether you’re just learning the sport or have been playing for many years.  There are numerous variations of racquets, strings, shoes, and other tennis equipment and choosing the appropriate ones for your game will make a huge difference in your on court performance.

Racquets

Today’s racquets employ various technologies to bring out different qualities in the racquet.  The style of game a person plays will determine the appropriate racquet for that individual.  Some racquets are designed for power while others are built for control.  Players who are unsure of what type of racquet will best suit their game should seek a USPTA tennis professional for an evaluation.

I currently work with Wilson and carry an assortment of their latest racquets for my students to try.  Matchpoint Tennis on Campbell Avenue and Racquet Shack located on Fort Lowell carry demo racquets from the majority of today’s leading racquet manufacturers.  Both these stores allow customers to try out racquets and can offer recommendations on which racquets will best suit a players game.

Strings

Just as important as the racquet a player uses are the strings he or she chooses.  The three main types of string are synthetic gut, nylon, and natural gut.

Synthetic gut strings are the most commonly used string due to their longevity as well as their feel.

Nylon strings can be found on cheaper racquets that are pre-strung.  These strings are best suited for players who don’t care about sacrificing feel for a string that last longer. 

Natural gut strings offer the greatest feel; however, they have a tendency to break quicker than other types of string.  Natural gut strings are also typically more expensive than synthetic gut and nylon strings.