LEARN ABOUT RACQUETS FROM PROS {2008}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

Let’s look at what the pros do when their results are in a slump. Most of them have a team to watch their matches and help them pin down their problems. In most cases, the pros will change their nutrition, practice strokes that may be causing problems, improve their fitness and footwork, maybe raise or lower the tension of their strings, consult a sports psychologist, and review their practice vs. match schedules. They may do any or all of these things.

Did you notice I didn’t say anything about changing racquets? That’s because the pros seldom change their frames. The frames may sometimes LOOK different, but they are just painted to look like the newer “consumer” frames.

Having spent a number of years stringing on the tour, I have seen them all, and it’s generally smoke and mirrors. I can’t name names in most cases, but I’ll give you one recent situation where there was a definite change, and if changing racquets does make a difference, it backfired. I’m talking about the Bryans. They switched from Wilson, which sponsored them since they were kids, to Prince. Since the switch, they are actually doing worse, not better. I’m not saying the switch was the cause, but it’s something to consider.

I have also worked in situations where the pro has signed a contract with a new sponsor, and continued to play the original sponsor’s frames, painted black. In one instance, the pro played with the old frame painted black for a year, then went back to the original sponsor.

The top players have a lot at stake. They have to consider many things when making changes, but the main thing is not to do anything that will hurt their careers. A change of racquets, even within a manufacturer’s line can be disastrous. Take a hint from the pros; consider what you are doing with the racquet, not what the racquet is doing for you. If you are comfortable with your racquet, make improvements in fitness, mental toughness, and technique to get better results.

If for some reason your frame is no longer serviceable and no longer being made, by all means, check out the latest and “greatest”. But if you were comfortable with what you had, seek out someone who can put some frames in your hand that are similar to your old one. You may need to have a new frame customized to make it feel right, but expect to pay a premium price for the equipment and expert knowledge to get it done right. In this case, “do it yourself” really won’t cut it.

COPYRIGHT 2008