LAWN TENNIS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LII, Issue 91, 12 November 1931, Page 5

LAWN TENNIS

CHOOSING A RACQUET.

IMPORTANCE OF BALANCE

VARIATION IN WEIGHT

The choice of a new racquet is one of the most important factors to be considered by a player at the opening of the new season, and too great care cannot be exercised in selecting one, even by the novice who is just learning to play his strokes. It is poor economy" to buy cheap racquets, for a better one is generally cheaper in the long run. A beginner should decide against all but the first-class makers. No hard and fast rule can be laid down regarding the weight and far too much importance is given by most players to the stated weight of their r&cquets. In many cases it will be found that there is a considerable difference between the stated and the actual weight. What is of importance is the balance. The racquet must not be too heavy in the head or it will interfere with quick work at the net, and it must not be too light or driving power will be lost. The average man should use a racquet between 13 _. and 14 ounces, and the average lady between 13 and 13?; ounces, and the best results will probably be obtained by an almost even balance. The thickness of the handle is a matter for the individual, but it is better to err on the small side-rather than the large, because the large grip tends to destroy delicacy of touch and also makes for clumsiness. The best gut for all purposes is of medium thickness. A fine gut will not stand hard play and a coarse gut >s not sufficiently resilient. It is possible to have a racquet too tightly strung, and for the average player until he knows what he really wants a medium, tight stringing is to be preferred, as it will last longer and there will be a certain amount of give which will assist control. If a grip is used it must be one that will not fail at a critical moment. Adhesive plaster or some of the leather grips now available are the best obtainable. It is interesting to note that in 1918 Tilden used a 14i-ounce racquet and W. M. Johnston a 15-ounce one. In 1925 there was a trend towards lighter ones and Tilden came down to I racquets between 131 ounces and 134 ounces. Johnston also dropped to 131' ounces. Lacoste, at the height of his game, used a racquet a fraction over 14oz. He considered that a player with a quick reaction could use a heavy racquet, while one 6f slow reaction should use a light one. A light racquet makes for speed of movement, a heavy one slows it.