15 Basic Facts about Tennis Racquets

Here are 15 basic facts about racquets. This information provided by the United States Racquet Stringers Association.

These facts are presented as generalities. While a stiffer frame generates more power, a stiff frame badly strung may generate less power than a more flexible frame properly strung for power players. While a heavier frame generates more power, it can also decrease manoeuvrability.

1. A heavier frame generates more power.

2. A heavier frame vibrates less.

3. A heavier frame has a larger sweetspot.

4. A stiffer frame generates more power.

5. A stiffer frame has a larger sweetspot.

6. A stiffer frame transmits more of the shock load to the arm than a more flexible frame.

7. A stiffer frame provides a more uniform ball response across the entire string plane.

8. A larger frame generates more power.

9. A larger frame is more resistant to twisting.

10. A larger frame has a larger sweetspot.

11. Larger frames break strings sooner due to the string lengths.

12. Longer frames have higher swing weight than the same frames that are shorter hence the longer frames are less maneuverable.

13. Longer frames generate more power than the same frame that is shorter.

14. It is recommended by the USRSA that widebody frames use multifilament strings (i.e. "soft" strings) or gut to compensate for some of the stiff attributes hence better playability.

15. It is recommended by the USRSA to string widebody frames at lower tension for better playability and to help keep strings from breaking too soon.