Tennis Equipment

A Friendly Guide On Tennis Equipment

The entire world has witnessed the formidable Williams’ sisters rose to fame and success in the tennis court. It was also at the same sport arena where Venus and Serena have been identified to “serve with style”, causing other players to raise an eyebrow.

As the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) online review read, “tennis has always been something of a fashion show.” It became of age in the early 1930’s when European designer, Rene Lacoste, endorsed his own brand of shirts with the crocodile logo. Now, it has climbed the ranks of a big- earning industry. However, being actively involved in the game need not to be very expensive because it only consists of a racquet and a ball.

If you are really interested in this sport, then might as well breeze through this complete list of tennis equipment (aside from the racquet and ball, of course). It pays more to be in full gear than arrive less prepared. As Venus and Serena Williams’ put it, "We also like to look good for ourselves. No one wants to walk out on the court and say, I sure feel badly about the way I look.'' Right after getting familiar with all these tennis equipments, you are now equipped to contend in the court.

1. Tennis Equipment: Racquet
A mere tennis racquet is made up of head, frame, strings and grip. In the physics of a tennis racquet, it has two sweet spots. One is the vibration node while the other is the center of percussion, which are both located in the middle of the strings.

In buying a racquet, the major concern should be the one that can give the most ball speed for the least effort and does not stress the shoulder. A common injury that can be caused by using the wrong racquet is referred to as the tennis elbow. It is an inflammation or degeneration that attaches to the bony bit on the outside of the arm. So the excellent choice, especially for beginners, would be the heavy and head- light racquets. According to Wilmot McCutchen, sports enthusiast who authored mathematically formulated tennis rankings, “it is the best for performance and best for avoiding any casualty.”

2. Tennis Equipment: Ball
An inner core and outer cloth covering comprises the major parts of a modern tennis ball. They come in either white or yellow color. The ones that are currently utilized today are subdivided in two categories: pressurized and non- pressurized. Pressurized ball has a core coerced with air or nitrogen. Over a period of time, it loses its pressure and playing properties. In the otherhand, non- pressurized ball is crafted from a thicker rubber core. It tends to hold the playing characteristics much longer as it is the cloth that only deteriorates.

Ever wondered why players keep on changing the balls when they are in the court? It is because the rule of tennis states that the ball must bounce between 53 and 58 inches after being dropped on to concrete from a height of 100 inches. Also, balls begin to lose its spring back after about three hours of play.

3. Tennis Equipment: Apparel
White has always been the color for tennis apparel but in the 1980’s, competition among sportswear became tough. It was also the climax of tennis fashion, where the audience does not just look forward to who will be the first- seeded but, as to what the players wear in tournaments. Now, it has become one of the most effective medium of advertisement because tennis superstars flaunt the trademarks of their respective sponsors.

Tennis equipment apparels consist of polos, cap sleeves, tank tops, long sleeves, t- shirts, dresses, razorbacks, dri- fit sleeveless, cover ups, warm ups, skirts, shorts, skorts, under garments, hats, sunvisors and jogging pants.

4. Tennis Equipment: Footwear
There are more than a thousand designs of athletic shoes found in the shopping racks but if you solely desire the premium for your feet, then it should be the right kind for the tennis court.
Tennis footwear has special features like the following: herring- bone style tread (the pattern wears slower and presents more hold), reinforced toe- caps (makes the shoes last longer especially if you pull your toe on the serve follow- through), side-to-side sliding (added side- support is crucial to keep the foot stable), middle cut (extra ankle support) and breathable mesh insets (makes the shoes less sweaty).

As for the socks, it should be cushioned to give extra protection to the bits of the feet that take all the impact and absorbs the sweat at the same time.