Archive for the ‘Baseline Tennis’ Category

What Do You Say On Steroids In Sports Of Tennis?

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

What Do You Say On Steroids In Sports Of Tennis?

The world of Tennis sports was shocked when Greg Rusedski revealed one of the dismaying instances of the use of steroids in sports history of Tennis. The 1997 U.S. Open finalist, Gregory “Greg” Rusedski divulged that he was tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone in July, 2004, but he claimed that the banned substance might have come from a supplement provided by ATP trainers.
Another of the disappointing instances of steroids in sports of tennis was, Argentinas Mariano Puerta, who was suspended for nine months by the ATP for testing positive last year for
Clenbuterol, just two days before the news of Rusedskis positive test.
Nandrolone is one of the most controversial steroids in sports in the recent years. In the majority of cases, athletes said they took the banned substance unknowingly in nutritional supplements. Clenbuterol, the drug that works like anabolic steroids in promoting muscle growth, also does belong to the category of the debatable drugs in sports.
Petr Korda, the 1998 Australian Open champion, tested positive for nandrolone at Wimbledon later that season and was banned for one year.
However, Rusedski said, I know Im innocent Im not going to hide; other players were exonerated after their positive samples showed a similar fingerprint,
He said, Im not the only person in this situation. The facts speak for themselves,
Rusedski told that his was one of 47 cases where traces of nandrolone might be attributed to supplements provided by ATP trainers.
These revelations also did bring out opinions and comments from many former tennis stars.
Bohdan Ulihrach, who was one of seven players to initially test positive for nandrolone, but later cleared after the possibility was raised that ATP trainers might have unwittingly handed out contaminated supplements, came forward in support of Greg Rusedski.
Ulihrach told Britains The Guardian newspaper, I believe Greg 100 percent, Im sure its some mistake.
McEnroe, the 7-time Grand Slam singles champion, said, he was given a strong but at the time legal steroid for six years without knowing it, and he suspected players were taking drugs when he was playing.
However, the fifth-seeded woman tennis player, Davenport reckoned that steroids in sports of tennis have limited benefits.
Davenport said, Im sure some players unfortunately do go down that path, but ultimately, tennis is still a game of skill, so I think although it probably would help in some aspect, ultimately, it comes down to how well you can make contact with the tennis ball, and no drug is going to help you get better at that.
Drug testing in tennis started in the late 1980s by the Mens International Professional Tennis Council, initially for recreational drugs. Other substances that were considered performance enhancing have been added to the banned list. The ATP is part of the tennis anti-doping program along with the International Tennis Federation and the WTA. Yet, the presence of steroids in sports cant be denied.

Joining The WTA Tour

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Young girls who have taken serious interest in tennis are almost always dreaming of joining the Women’s Tennis Association, or the WTA Tour. Who doesn’t want to join the tour – the women’s counterpart of the ATP Tour – after the Williams sisters, Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova, and other contemporary women tennis players have shown that playing tennis can both be intense and glamorous?

Requirements

If you are interested in competing on the WTA Tour, which changed its name to Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in 2005, the first thing you have to do is submit a duly accomplished Mandatory Player Form. This form, which is submitted before every tour year by everyone who wants to join the tour, is available on Sony Ericsson WTA Tour website and must be forwarded to the Tour’s office in Florida through fax.

Aside from the usual information collected, such as name, birth date and complete address of the player, the aspiring players of Sony Ericsson WTA Tour must also submit coach and agent information. Furthermore, you also need to sign Anti-Doping Consent and Player Agreements. When you sign the Anti-Doping Consent, it just means that you are willing to undergo drug testing in compliance with the tenets of the World Anti-Doping Code.

For first-time applicants, you are required to furnish a copy of either your birth certificate or passport, as proof of identification. If you are below 18 years old, you can still join the WTA Tour. You just need to provide the group with Minor Medical Release information and consent from either your parents or legal guardian.

All players who want to join the WTA must submit an annual physical examination clearance, which ensures that she is physically fit and capable to join the games. You should also reach at least the minimum educational prerequisite of your country of origin, before you could join the tour.

Career development and opportunities

The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is serious in developing and enhancing the professional career of its members; that is why it provides educational assistance and mentoring programs for those who are just starting out. Furthermore, most, if not all, of its new athletes, particularly the minors, must experience the Rookie Phase. In this phase, the player undergoes orientation on the WTA Tour, where she is taught about her responsibilities in and out of the court, what she should expect during the game proper, as well as other business opportunities related to her career.

Here are some of the professional development programs sponsored by Sony Ericsson WTA Tour:

Partners For Success

This is a mentoring program, the first of its kind in professional sports history, that teams a protg, players over 18 that are included in the Top 100 singles rank, with a veteran tennis player, who will serve as the protg’s mentor. The goal of the program is to help budding players chart their professional career.

Athlete Assistance

The Athlete Assistance is an answer to the player’s need for more education and tips in handling their professional career. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour regularly provides education topics, available on its website, that are focused on improving the player’s performance on the court and answering other problems they may encounter as a professional tennis player.

Media Training

Professional women tennis players conduct themselves well during media interviews and conferences, partly because of the media training provided by the WTA Tour. The training you will get will depend on the professional development phase you are in. Members in the rookie phase are given only basic media training, while members of the Premier and Elite phases are provided a more advanced media instruction.

Parent Orientation

The WTA Tour believes that the parents perform a crucial role in the career development of their children. Thus, the WTA Tour requires all parents to attend and complete its parent orientation, which discusses the facilities and services made available by WTA to the players and the possible obstacles their daughters will encounter in professional tennis.

Tennis Warehouse: Your One-Stop Tennis Shop

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

With the increasing prices of fuel and other commodities, people nowadays are becoming more and more conscious of how they spend their precious money. Many have become expert in bargain hunting and even carefully budgeting their money. Aside from money, time is also a valuable resource that many of us are trying to manage well. That is why we are fond of stores and places that can offer us most of what we need in just one roof.

Our desire to manage our time and money well has led to the emergence of discount stores and warehouse shops. Now, you can see warehouse stores for office supplies, grocery, and even sports equipment. With the popularity of the Internet, such warehouse stores are not just physical establishments but are cyber shops as well, making shopping more convenient for most of us.

If you are a tennis aficionado, one warehouse shop that will surely cater to all your tennis equipment needs is the Tennis Warehouse. This cyber shop does not only provide you with almost everything you need for your game, but also offers free tips and advice regarding tennis-related subjects, such as stringing your racquet. Furthermore, Tennis Warehouse does not only sell goods in the US, but also in many parts of the world. Wherever you may be in the world, you know that Tennis Warehouse will almost always be willing to serve you.

Here are some of the goods and services that are available in Tennis Warehouse:

Tennis Rackets

Tennis Warehouse offers a wide variety of racquet for almost everybody men, women, and kids. Feast your eyes to tennis racquets made by almost all of well-known racquet manufacturers all over the world. If you are not sure what type of racquet is ideal for you, the store has a catalogue of racquets based on price, performance, length and weight. Examples of its tennis racquet categories are: junior tennis racquets, super light tennis racquets, and maximum power tennis racquets.

Even though the price of goods in Tennis Warehouse is already rock bottom, there are still some racquets on sale. So, if you are on a tight budget, just got to the sale section of the website and avail yourself of big discounts. There is also a section for used racquets, for those who just want to play tennis once in a while and does not want to invest much money on the sport.

Tennis Shoes

The right shoes are very important in this sport. Ill-fitted and inappropriate footwear may not only result in discomfort, but also accidents. In Tennis Warehouse, shoes are categorized based on gender and manufacturer. There is also a wide variety of tennis and running shoes available for children. To make your shoe shopping more convenient, there is also a shoe finder on the cyber store, enabling buyers to immediately find the shoes that they are looking for.

Tennis Bags and Apparel

Tennis Warehouse, which offers customers the latest in tennis apparel, sell almost all brands of tennis clothing for both men and women, and boys and girls. Aside from the clothes, the store also sells socks, wrist and headbands, visors, bags and hats.

Tennis Accessories and Other Equipment

Other products available in Tennis Warehouse are different kinds of grip, strings, and tools. Tennis instructional videos, balls, sunglasses, fitness guide, books and even watches are also available. You can also give your friends and family Tennis Warehouse gift certificates, if you are finding it difficult to choose a gift for them.

Tennis Video: Your Guide In Playing Like A Pro

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

If you are keen on losing weight and finding a recreational activity that will give you intense workout, then probably tennis is ideal for you. Many celebrities, Janet Jackson included, played the sport to help shed some of their excess pounds and improve over-all fitness.

Tennis is a relatively easy sport to learn. If you have a friend who is willing to teach you, you can probably gain basic knowledge of the sport by playing a few games with him or her. However, if you really want to know the right moves, you need to get the services of a tennis instructor. You won’t find it difficult to find one because there are many available tennis instructors in local tennis clubs, just be ready to pay quite a huge sum of money for your sessions.

If you cannot afford an instructor and do not have a friend who has time to teach you, do not worry. You can always buy a tennis instructional video from any video or sports shops near you, or you can order via the Internet. Tennis videos, which are usually available in DVD format, will not only help you learn tennis at the comfort of your own home and during your available time, it will also help you save a lot of money.

In fact, a lot of people who are just starting out in the sport prefer to study the theoretical part of the game from tennis videos, and learn the practical side from sessions with professional tennis instructors. It is really ideal to know the basic moves and serves through an instructional video guide first, before getting an instructor. Furthermore, having prior knowledge of the basics, learned from instructional videos, will give you confidence on the tennis court and spare you from awkward moments with your tennis guru.

One of the most crucial things that a wannabe tennis player needs to learn is footwork. Not all instructional videos teach footwork, so be sure to look for one that provides you with what to do to improve your balance and agility on the court. You will surely leave your friends panting and surprised once you have shown them your fancy footwork the next time you play tennis with them.

If you just want to play tennis for weight loss and recreation, and are not serious in becoming a professional player someday, then maybe a tennis video will suffice and you don’t need the services of an instructor anymore. You can already play a decent game of tennis with your friends and colleagues with just the help of the tennis video.

Once you have mastered the fundamentals of the sport, you need to improve your game by learning more advanced moves and techniques. You can do this by continuing your sessions with a tennis instructor, or better yet, by using tennis instructional videos.

There are many step-by-step guides in video format for advanced players of tennis. You will find that these instructional materials are crucial in getting you to the next level mastering top spins and twist serves. Some of these advanced videos are also available on the Internet and downloadable for a fee.

Tennis instructional videos are good investment if you want to learn how to play the game, improve on your moves, and even when you want to become a professional player. So what are you waiting for? Go to your nearest sports and video store and grab a copy of a tennis video and learn how to play like a pro.

The Essential Equipment Needed in the Game of Tennis

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Tennis is one sport that has lasted for more than 100 years. In fact, the way it was played back then is still the same as it is now with some changes in the kind of ball and the racket used.

For instance, there are two types of tennis balls. The first is pressurized while the other one doesnt.

The pressurized version has a hollow core and is filled with air. This is the kind used in major tournaments and has to be disposed off afterwards because it will no longer bounce that well after less than a month in use.

The second type, which is not pressurized, has a solid core. It lasts longer which is good for those who practice in the courts regularly but has to be replaced due to wear and tear.

Tennis balls are classified into regular duty, extra duty and high altitude. This is because of the various surfaces this game is played namely, clay, grass, hard and indoor.

Someone who will play the game indoors should sue regular duty tennis balls. If the game is done in a clay or grass court, extra duty ones will be needed. If the tournament is in a place in the mountains, this is the time high altitude versions will be brought out.

The person can check out what type of ball is used by reading the label on the can. This will ensure that the right kind is used depending on the location.

Why does the tennis ball have lines and is usually color yellow? That is a good question and it is not for aesthetic purposes. This is designed to create friction, which allows it to bounce and fly in the air similar to how golf balls have dimples.

Tennis rackets were originally made of wood. This was quite heavy for the player. Years later, designers were able to produce lighter versions made either of metal or aluminum. It is also possible to have one made out of plastic but this will really depend on the individual.

The rackets of today also vary in length, weight and head size. This is ideal for players depending on age, gender and experience in the sport.

The best way to check which is the ideal racket is to test it. A few swings in the air can give the person the feel how this will do in the tennis court where hitting the ball and sending it to the other side will determine if this can do the job or not.

Both the tennis balls and the racket can be purchased at the local sporting goods store. Beginners dont have to buy the kind that costs $100 or more and can probably use one for half the price to get into the game.

Should the person love the game, this is the only time one should consider investing in an expensive one that will surely come in handy both in practice and during a tournament.

The individual should just check the cords regularly since this could be become loose after a few games. This can be brought to the sporting goods store to be tightened making it good as new.

Once this has been chosen, the only thing the player should be considered about is the shoes and the outfit. Being both fashionable and comfortable is the best way to have a good game.

The Sport Known as Table Tennis

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

One sport that is regularly featured on television in channels such as ESPN is table tennis. The game itself is considered by many as the miniature version of tennis because the rules are very similar except for the table used and the venue that is usually held indoors.

Table tennis originated in England towards the end of the 19th century. This was a game played by Victorians who wanted to play a game indoors. Years ago, a knot of string or champagne cork served as the ball while the cigarette box lid was used as a paddle.

It did not take long before this game spread across Europe and in the United States. This is because a lightweight ball made of celluloid and a racket that is a combination of rubber glued to a wooden handle was invented. This made it easy for toy manufacturers to produce these commercially making the average person play it at home with family and friends.

After more than forty years, the first table tennis association was formed in England. The club held the World Championships there annually until the sport itself was recognized in tournaments such as the Commonwealth Games, the Goodwill Games and even in the Olympics.

But why do some people call this sport Ping Pong? The history of this started from the sound produced when the ball comes into contact with the racket.

In the 1950s, some changes occurred in this sport. Paddle designers decided to add a sponge layer making it lighter for the player to carry. Years later, the celluloid ball that measured 38mm. was changed to 40mm.

Table tennis is played on a 9 x 5 foot table. A net is placed in the middle and the player has to hit the ball over it to the opponent. If the opposing player is unable to return the volley, the person scores a point.

Players comply with the 11-point scoring system. This used to be until one player reaches 21 making the set end faster than before. The game itself can be played in singles or doubles and the rules are the same with the only exception of serving.

There are those who tried to make another offshoot of this game but with little success. Since the game is quite easy, anyone can learn it and then compete in competitions to be just like some of the best in the world.

Those who play table tennis dont have to run from end to another or jump very high unlike other sports. The individual will just have to reach and bend over from time to time to make the ball go to the other side.

Beginners can buy the set in the sporting goods store or in the toy section of the department store and then upgrade the equipment later on. Players should keep in mind that the only way to excel in this sport just like the others is practice and by always keeping the eye on the ball.

The person can even read on it in magazines, watch tournaments on television and read books on proper technique. Of course, nothing is better than holding the racket in one hand and playing the game itself to be able to put theory into practice.

Tables for Table Tennis: Some ‘Must-Reads’ Before Buying!

Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

For those who want a smaller version of the lawn tennis, table tennis is the game to consider. Just like tennis, this indoor sport has a ball, two rackets, a net, and 2-4 players. But this is not a boring discussion of the rules of the game. This is all about that all important and ‘largest’ part of table tennisthe table!

The table has specific measurements that need to be met. The length is 2.74 meters (about 9 feet long), the width is 1.525 meters (about 5 feet) and its height is 76 centimeters (30 inches). The surface has two divisions which are divided by a net that stands 6 inches (or 15.2 centimeters).

The material commonly used to make tables for table tennis is Masonite timber. This type of timber is not natural timber. It is engineered using a method called Mason. First, chips of wood are blasted into long fibers. Steam is used on this method. From an elongated form, the wood is then turned into boards. These boards are then applied with pressure and heat, thus ending the process.

Masonite boards are highly bendable, and tensile. Other materials are also used but Masonite wood is considered stable and strong.

The surface of the table, by rule, should yield a 23 centimeter bounce (this should be uniform), when a ball (standard size) is served 30 centimeters high. There should also be uniformity on the color of the surface, with the side lines colored white (with width of 2 centimeters). Aside from these, the coated surface should support very low friction. This is necessary so that the ball can smoothly glide from one end of the table to the other.

There are many different types of main tables in the market today. You do not wanna go out there and start buying the wrong ones. Remember that tables can collapse or can ‘warp’. Warping simply means that the table is unstable and it could bend or bounce. Here are a few types of tables for table tennis that one should browse through before the big purchase:

International Tournament Quality Tables- a few names under this category are Kettler magnum (made in Germany), Joola Atlanta (used in the 1996 and 2000 Olympics) and the Joola Atlanta Olympic, Stiga (Supreme, Elite Roller and Expert Roller), Butterfly (which also has many styles), and the Killerspin (Revolution and Rad).

Institutional Tables- this category offers the same names under the International Tournament Quality Tables: the Kettler tables, Butterfly, Stiga, and Killerspin. Prince makes tables under this category.

Home Recreational Tables- under this: the Kettler (Stockholm Indoor, Topstar XL green and blue, Riga PRO and Classic), Stiga Quickplay 2 and Stiga Instaplay.

Outdoor Tables- the same brand names are available for purchase. There are just variations on the chassis and other specifications. And, of course, as the category name suggests, it is for outdoor use.

Pingpong Tables (Small)- the measurements are 60inches in length, 30 inches in width and the height is 28 inches. These tables are good for small homes that would like to have indoor games.

The last category allows the owner to convert his pool table into a table for table tennis. These are called Conversion tops. Again, the same companies manufacture for the tops.

The table is, literally, the biggest physical part of the sport. So with that in mind, buying the table should also be a big part of the investment. Agree? You must.

Tennis Skirts: More Than Just a Fashion Statement

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

Think of the most famous female tennis players of all time. Now, picture their fashionable outfits, most specially their skirts. Makes you want to do an appreciative whistle, huh? Well, do you think your reaction would be the same if their skirts were ankle-length? Or would you scratch your head and wonder ‘what the heck has gone wrong’?

You see, early tennis skirts, WERE long skirts. In the 1800′s it was outrageous to have skirts worn above the ankle. If you have period films in the 1800′s setting, you would be able to observe that most women wore corsets and empire cut dresses. The main purpose of these designs were to ‘hide a woman’s legs!

It was not until 1922 that the skirts became less-restrictive. Thanks to Suzanne Lenglen who showed up in a game wearing the shortest skirt then. She also shed the usual hat that is donned with the outfit. It was not advisable to not wear a hat for tennis games before. It was only in 1930 when a ‘hatless’ head was already accepted, together with a very short skirt.

In 1947, a more fashionable look was introduced by Teddy Tingling. Dior’s sense of fashion inspired the man so he made tennis skirts look more feminine by adding more flair to them. Very soon, aside from the femininity of the tennis skirts, comfort was also prioritized. And since tennis is sports, the outfit that goes with it should serve its purpose.

Modern-day tennis skirts have gone a long way from its predecessors. Most are brilliantly designed to fit the player’s needs, style wants and comfort. They come in many fabrics and colors that women could choose from. Common fabrics are cotton (this is used due to its softness and breathability), nylon (this one is used because of its durability) and spandex (due to its elasticity). The most popular brand of spandex is lycra.

Also a necessary part of choosing skirts is the buyer’s personal style. A serious woman, for instance would not want to go for the loud colored-fabrics or cuts that are sure to turn every head. The flamboyant girl is sure to become a wallflower if she settles for plain fabric and design.

Here are some of the famous manufacturers of top-line tennis skirts:

Reebok- its skirts boast of moisture management which is very essential during a heated match. It also has a wide array of fashionable designs.
Nike
Adidas
Balle De Match
New Balance
LBH (lilys of Beverly Hills)
Tail
Fila
Tretorn
Prince and some imported skirts such as:
Diadora
Bolle

These manufacturers give value to the buyers’ money by giving them style, elegance, and most importantly, comfort. Most can be purchased online, some are fairly-priced while others are a bit on the expensive side. But some might reconsider because the more expensive skirts are promised to last.

There are several online shops that are popular for selling tennis skirts. Try visiting the following:

www.ebay.com
www.midwestsports.com
www.alibaba.com
www.shop.com
Clothing.Apparel-place.net
Clothes.Apparel.Center.net
www.joonr.com
www.bluetwins.com

There is no need to state that tennis skirts are an essential part of the game itself. Before a woman can show her top form, she must first feel comfortable and confident about the way she looks. Bagging that trophy will never happen with drab clothings on! Believe me.

Pay Attention to Your Feet: Choose the Right Tennis Shoes

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Pay Attention to Your Feet: Choose the Right Tennis Shoes for You

Alice has bright and shiny ruby shoes. Cinderella fits well into her glass slippers. Puss is comfortable in his boots. And, Imelda Marcos owns more than a thousand pairs of footwear and still wants more even though she can only wear them one at a time.

You buy and wear shoes for different reasons. You probably buy shoes whenever theres an occasion or maybe just to replace an old one that you have to retire. Maybe, you just want collect shoes. However, your personality also affects your choice for footwear. If you are the pragmatic type, buying any kind of footwear does not really matter as long as you have something to cover you feet. When you are like Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City, you take any pair of shoes that you fancy off the rack, regardless whether it’s expensive or killing the blood supply on your biggest toe, as long as it looks good on you. But when choosing tennis shoes, you have to consider some factors before parting with one from a store.

Generally, good tennis shoes should not be very hard on your feet. Although it should be hard enough to protect you, it should not be too hard because it will restrict you from comfortably doing lounges, sprints or jumps thus jeopardizing your game. Aside from that, it must be something light too. If it’s heavy, you might miss many hits because you needed to drag your feet to get to wear the ball was. Furthermore, when buying tennis shoes, you should also bear in mind that it has to last. Determine how often you’ll use them and how soon you can replace them in case they already wear out. Allot a budget for good quality durable shoes that can last before you can buy another one. Lastly, you should buy something that fits comfortably well on your feet. If you are not comfortable with them, you will find it hard to focus on your play.

Your tennis shoes must give your feet adequate support considering all the footwork you do in the court. It must also be able to support the sides of your feet. You must know that the surfaces of your feet have different needs, and your feet are unique like the creases and prints on your palm requiring something that is also uniquely suited for you.

Although you may be easily be swayed by the attractive style and color of the shoes, you must first consider whether those shoes are compatible to your foot type. How would you know your foot type? Basically, there are three basic foot types. First, if there is a large space where the arch of your foot didn’t touch, your foot is suppinated. Next, if there are little curves on the imprint of your foot then you are overpronated. Finally, if you have an even imprint on both sides of your foot then your foot is ideal.

Once you know your foot type, it is vital to find a shoe that will fit you. When looking for one, allot about half an inch of space between the biggest toe and the rear of the shoe. Your heel should not slip while still allowing some movement. Most importantly, you should feel a comfortable fit without experiencing any stretching.

Ultimately, when you are buying tennis shoes, it has to fit these three things well: your need, budget, and most especially your feet. Remember that comfort is the most essential factor. At the end of the day, if your feet are happy, you will also be.

‘Racquet Science’: An Essential Part of Winning Wimbledon

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

The racquet. Without objection, this is a very essential part of the tennis game. Winning or losing could depend on it. That much-coveted tennis trophy could go down the drain if a player is partnered with the ‘wrong’ kind of racquet.

The racquet, or more popularly spelled ‘racket’, is a netted frame with handle. It is used in different sports like tennis, racquetball, squash and badminton. Traditionally, the materials used in making the frame is wood while the net is made by using catgut. But that was a long time ago. Nowadays, the frames are made of synthetic materials like titanium, ceramics (which were mostly white), alloy, or carbon fibre. The net, on the other hand, is now mainly made of nylon.

The first ever tennis racquet was handmade. Only natural materials were used together with the ashe wood frame. It was already during the 70′s that synthetic materials were used for racquet-making. The mother of all synthetic designs was the Wilson T-2000 which had its head wrapped with wires that were designed by Lacoste.

Soon to follow was the first-ever Prince racquet. This spear-headed the birth of racquets with ‘large’ heads and this happened in the 80′s. Then, graphite frames were introduced, too and became famous. But it was the medium-sized racquets that became the initial standard for professional tennis.

There are also models called stretch racquets. These give the player a longer reach. Less tall tennis players could benefit greatly from these. Modern-day racquets now have different sizes for the head, length and also weight. The length for junior players ranges from 21 to 26 inches. 27-27.5 inches are for stronger and bigger tennis players.

The necessary specifications for tennis racquets are:

Size of the head
Length
Weight (while without strings)
Composition
Weight of the ‘swing’
Balance
Width of the beam
Stiffness
Level of power
Speed of the ‘swing’
Pattern of the strings
Tension of the strings

Now, think of the many available tennis racquets in the market today. Some are moderately priced while some are bordering exorbitant. Which would lead one to think: would the price difference in these products spell the difference in a tournament’s result? Are those more expensive products more dependable than the cheap ones?

Here is a list of today’s leading makers of tennis racquets:

Wilson- one of their most popular models is the one used by Venus Williams (model W5 Divine Iris)
Volkl- their racquets are all about control and precision. Their most popular professional tennis racquet model being the Volkl DNX 10.
Yonex- has models that are being used by Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian.
Prince- these racquets include comfort and ease in their ‘racquet science’. They even boast of having some of their racquets as the choice of editors of the Tennis Magazine.
Dunlop- advanced players should have a good grip on their racquets. This is because their products were made with precision and strength.
Gamma
ProKennex
Babolat
Head
Fisher; and
Technifibre

Well, in the end, only the player will be able to tell by the feel of the racquet if a game is ‘winnable’. And if he would like to have a surefire win, then racquet ‘strength’ should be accompanied by hard work, constant practice, and love of the game.