Searching for the sweet spot
By Ajay Menon
WHEN a 16th century Italian priest wrote the first ever book on tennis, the Trattato del Ginoco della Palla he could scarcely have foreseen that the game which occupied so much of his attentions would develop into one of the most popular ball games in the world. Tennis has its appeal for the young and the old and there are many who say that it provides the most comprehensive exercise for the human body and at the same time, unalloyed delight for the protagonists.
The modern game of lawn tennis may be set to have evolved in the 1860s and the first club for the game was formed at what is now called the Manor House Hotel in England in 1872. The equipment that is used in the modern game of tennis and indeed for almost all racket sports is honed to perfection by extraordinarily resourceful technology. Our Italian priest for whom the game was such a passion was the pioneer in this aspect too. He was the first person to introduce strung rackets to the game.
Tennis is a game of consummate skill but there is no doubt that the choice of the right equipment is vital. Beginners often choose large rackets in the hope that they can strike the ball more easily and with power. Coaches too, sometimes recommend using such rackets as the initial confidence is what helps players to move towards the next level in the game. Ultimately, the choice of a racket is dependent on the player’s comfort. However, a few rules could provide the enthusiastic beginner the wherewithal to make up his mind.
Determine your swing style and swing speed. Your swing style could be compact, (as in the case of most players), a full swing style or long and loopy. Additionally, your swing speed could range from slow or moderate to fast. Once you have homed in on what constitutes your style, you need to decide on your desired sweet spot size. Combining all these factors. you can make an informed decision but remember, it is the ‘feel’ which is all important.
Racket sports no doubt require skill but without the right equipment, your strokes may not pack a punch
Today’s rackets are becoming lighter than ever before.
Consequently, the weight is maintained in the head region. Most of the lightweight rackets with mass in the head provide room for tremendous manoeuvrability and have increased power and excellent stability. Correspondingly, we find that the weight is reduced in the shaft and handle. This automatically provides for a higher and larger sweet spot. So if you hit the occasional shot like a Venus Williams or a Pete Sampras, there is no need to be puffed up with pride —it’s just the technology!
Chandrakumar Chopda of ‘The Pavilion’ (a major sports goods shop in Chennai) says that Wilson, Head, Yonex and Prince are the major brands that are now eagerly sought after by tennis fanatics. “The beginners go in for metal rackets and brands like Cosco and Silver.” The major brands have rackets made of composites of graphite and titanium, and provide a choice that is exciting to say the least. Wilson rackets are the number one world-wide and they are used by a few players who hit the tennis ball with not a little finesse – Sampras and the Williams sisters, among them.
Wilson rackets have the ‘Power Holes’ technology and some unique features. So you get more power on `off the centre’ hits; power variation is equalised throughout the entire frame. Additionally, the ball stays on the string bed for a longer period of time giving the player increased directional control and feel. There is also what is known as the ‘Rollers’ technology where carefully engineered rollers are used instead of conventional grommets in the racket head. This provides vertical string movement and the force of the ball results in an increased trampoline effect on the string bed. The strings also move freely in a pulley motion. The result of all these is that the energy transfer is the maximum possible. The extension of the sweet spot is another benefit from this exciting technology.
Wilson rackets cost between Rs 3,000 and Rs 10,000. Head, which has come out with several new models is also at a similar price range between Rs 2,000 and Rs 11,000. Cosco rackets are much cheaper and can be picked up for prices between Rs 700 and Rs 1,300.
Chandrakumar Chopda says that the demand for badminton rackets has increased dramatically over the years and he reckons that it is the most popular game after cricket, cutting across the barriers of sex and age. Badminton rackets whose frames can receive the full strength of the opponent’s shot and help to snap the shuttle cork away — these are the ones most sought after. This involves stability and durability and what may be called complete unity of the frame and the string. The racket should be able to `play’ across the entire string bed. Yonex is quite the undisputed number one choice cutting across all sections of the sporting populace. Their rackets have incorporated in them the best and the latest. The titanium mesh rackets developed by Yonex are able to resist the huge twisting forces generated on impact. This means that the mass is correctly balanced for faster head speed and face stability.
Isometric square head shape provides a larger hitting area than those seen in conventional rackets. This design equalises the length of the main and the cross strings in the string bed. As a result. the sweet spot is also enlarged. Yonex badminton rackets can be purchased at prices ranging from Rs 560 for an aluminium frame, steel shaft to a titanium one at Rs 4,010. Other models like Gosen from Japan can be found in the range Rs 1,800-2,700 while Cosco, preferred by many beginners have an aluminium frame, steel shaft racket for as low as Rs 205.
Table tennis, also rapidly increasingly in popularity has seen suitable improvements in equipment technology. Stag rackets are preferred by most players and these range in price from Rs 360 to Rs 2025. Stiga is also sought after and the price range is between Rs 400 and Rs 900. Tennis tables, folding type and with wheels, are now preferred at most clubs and these are found at prices ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 22,000.
The Pavilion can be contacted at 8532975/8546171 (Chennai); 2281151/6524126 (Bangalore)
