It is no secret that 2013 will soon be gone!  I hope it has been a really good year for all of you…it has been very good for me.

Racquet Quest, LLC has seen a tremendous increase in clients!  Thanks to all of you!

This post is the first in what I want to become a “series” of discussions.  Each topic is important enough to warrant it’s own “post”.  So, let’s get started!

2013 has seen a substantial number of new racquet and string offerings so I want to review a few of the options I have been involved with this year.

“Spin” has always been a “buzz” word but this year put it over the top, indeed!  There are several “spin” racquets, even more “spin” strings, and several “spin” stringing techniques.  Along with “spin” comes the very distinct possibility of “spin” injuries.  These may be nothing more than low grade pain to full blown “tennis elbow”!  Injuries may include wrist and shoulder issues as well.

Some believe these injuries are not a big deal for adults and I will give them a little slack here, but for younger players it can be “game ending”!  Think about what happens if these youngsters can not continue to play.  Obviously tennis will see fewer growth years.  That is not good for anyone!

What I am suggesting is that we, as parents, players, racquet technicians, coaches, physicians, manufacturers, and others, begin to address this possibility and concentrate on real long term answers.

Todays tennis racquets and string are outstanding examples of technology and manufacturing.  The important thing to focus on is the best combination of these components for each player.  It is not possible for an eleven (11) year old to play with the same setup as a tour player.  If you have followed me at all you know I am a big proponent of “heavier” racquets but heavy is different things to different people.

When considering a racquet think in terms of “mass” or “weight” as we normally call it.  Weight, in the simplest terms, adds stability to the racquet that in turn adds power, control, and comfort.  If the racquet is driving through the ball, as opposed to the ball dominating the racquet, it is not transmitting as much shock to the arm.

When considering string think in terms of elongation, and/or dynamic stiffness.  Avoid putting a high “dynamic stiffness” string in a very stiff racquet.  How do you know all this stuff?  You may not but there are those that do, myself, included.  Every string I use, and some I don’t use, have gone through my testing process so I know the “stiffness” of every string I may suggest for a client.  This suggestion will be based on several factors, like, player size, age, injuries, racquet, play frequency, and of course value.

This is a continuing series so please send me your comments, suggestions, and stories.

The next “installment” in the series will be focused on racquets.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hanukkah.