Are You Playing With the Wrong Tennis Racquet? | My Recommendations for the Rec Level

[@IntuitiveTennis]

My String Recommendations 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXTcf5qZfaqSq9E

[@colesstark3646]

When I use a light racquet and the ball hits the frame ,my elbow gets a jerk and the ball travels outside the court even normally. I play with a Wilson Pro staff 6.6 Jim Courier. Its weight is about 350grams .When I play with a 300-320 gram racquet it just doesn't fit right .I am a intermediate player though. What should these kind of players do even if they are not strong enough.

[@colesstark3646]

Could you please give recommendation of different brand of racquets on each type of players.

[@Tennerd]

Coles Stark OMG I have a similar problem! I'm a very lean 178cm 60kg player that used to play with 315gr racket. When I shank a lot of ball in a day, I would feel pain on my elbow. One day my friend lent me the 340gr RF97, then all of a sudden I started beating players that I usually can't beat. What's more important is the elbow pain was also gone!! Now I already played with the RF97 for around 3 years and relatively pain free. Should I really go back to a lighter racket since I'm only an intermediate 4.5 player?

[@stevlehr]

@@Tennerd Light frames work for some players but probably not for you.

[@khaimeariver]

Where do you get your T shirt printed?

[@LucaMorosini96]

I live in Italy and I believe I have a ranking of 4.5 / 5.0 as equivalence and I see from my personal experience that even the differences in stringing are often magnified. Many times I play well even with the most used strings and often in fact it depends exclusively on the confidence in the shots and in your own game! So yes, I think the issue is almost exclusively mental 🧠

[@OneAdam12Adam]

I love your direct explanation. No sugar coating. Excellent. It's that German upbringing. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@graemecook2548]

Amazing advice, Nick. I’ve just checked my racquet an old Wilson Tour. Sold to me by my first coach 8 years ago and it’s the right weight and grip size according to your recommendations. I’ve abandoned thinking about getting a new racquet to improve my game. My bad shots are not the fault of the racquet they are down to ME! As the old saying goes ‘A bad workman always blames his tools.’

[@Eliath1984]

I'll definitely say what I've found(I've recently upgraded rackets after rocking a Wilson 6.1 Stretch since 1996) is that there has been more change in the past 20 years in String technology than in Racket technology... newer frames can be lighter.... alittle more arm friendly.. more aerodynamic(sometimes) maybe some tech that gives slightly better spin.. but the difference is minor.. however like I said.. Strings now compared to strings 20 years ago...... whole new ballgame...

[@telquel7843]

I still use a 2007 Roddick Pure Drive. Sometimes I'm tempted to upgrade because it is not too stiff anymore, but I hit well enough with it. My problems are still largely shot selection and discipline 😕 Choices, positioning, and poor execution are the major flaws in my game, not my old racquet.

[@Eliath1984]

@@telquel7843 oh I still bring out my 6.1 from the 90s. They made that thing solid. I have to use heavier rackets to get that kind of feel and plow through and overall feel. The people I hit with complain every time they try out my racket cause they are always like "how is your arm not falling off". Guess I'm just built different. Lol

[@telquel7843]

@@Eliath1984 Yeah, I think to a degree we tend to like what our games developed on.

[@germanslice]

@@telquel7843 I have the Team Pure Drive Version of Roddick's Racquet, and I use that. 300 Grams.

[@kkekang7]

I agree with Nick completely. The only minor detail that would make a difference to me would be the grip shape. Head has a more of a rectangle grip than other brands. String tension would make more of a difference to me.

[@cyberjonesy]

Thanks for sharing your tennis knowledge with all of us. Your lessons are top quality, the explainations, much more detailed and easy to understand than most tennis lessons that my parents have paid for when I was in my teens. I have been following your channel for a while now and I feel like I have been blessed with many hundreds of dollars worth of tennis lessons! Keep up the good work !

[@georgezheng8142]

Brilliant video Nick! As a researcher in the field of management / psychology, I know there is a term for "oh i missed the backhand, that has to be the racket / string / grip", called Attribution Error: people always attribute mistakes to others (e.g. equipment, court, weather), instead of looking to their circumstances (fundamentals and techniques). Indeed it is mental / psychology! You have explained it very intuitively!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Thank you George

[@maxsonthonax1020]

Thankfully we have the corroboration of an expert now.

[@thecapitalistmf7994]

Yeah I agree, let’s say you forget your racquet and borrowed some random racquet that you’ve never used, you miss a couple of shots and all of the sudden you just blame it on the racquet and use that as an excuse and lose

[@maxsonthonax1020]

You know what they say: excuse & lose. Think I read that in a business self-help book some time.

[@peterparahuz7094]

hmmm. I've never blamed my racquet for a missed shot. i suppose that if your string breaks, you can pin that on the equipment. but otherwise, it seems illogical.

[@keith6032]

I just switched from the 285g Babolat Pure Aero Team to the heavier Rafa Pure Aero version (300g) and i LOVE IT!!!! 3.5 player here 👍

[@kugelblitz2001]

I had been suffering from pretty bad tennis elbow for about a year, which forced me to examine different parts of my game, from technique to strings to raquet. I think strings and technique are the most important factors, but what i found also helped was ADDING weight via lead tape, to both the handle and head. I agree this is not a great idea for a beginner or someone who doesn't have too much arm strength, as it definitely can produce injuries, but for me the added weight is not a problem, and the added stability and reduced vibration when hitting that the added weight brings (along with technique and string improvements) really helped reduce pain and get me to where I am now - no more tennis elbow! I say this only to give my personal experience. It's worth trying different options and seeing what works for you.

[@stevenhowie4219]

Racket stiffness is definitely a big factor for injury rather than static weight, some rackets at 300g are super stiff to be able to give more power add in stiff polyester strings is a recipe for tennis elbow. Higher static weight but low stiffness e.g RA rating is a good way of getting best of both worlds, the higher static weight can absorb big serves, volleys against big players, low stiffness doesn't lead to injury

[@vladyslavkhokhlov349]

Bravo

[@tomsd8656]

In my experience, it's not so much the weight and stiffness (as long as it's not too light) that is the problem. The Babolat Pure Drive is great if you don't miss the sweet spot too much. Also, the recipe for tennis elbow is hitting late. You have to meet the ball in front, not parallel to the body, or with some players, even slightly behind. The physics is self explanatory. When your racquet meets the ball in front of the body, you have the body behind the hitting arm to help with stability. When you're late, the arm has no help from the body. Sometimes you see players being pushed on the forehand side and they do a whip, finishing above the head. With such whipping swing, they could get the body to help with the swing. On the backhand side, that's not possible, so you'd have to try to time the bounce and take it on the rise, or in the air. The worst is you miss the shot, but it's better than hitting late and mess up your elbow.

[@pacu9]

For me, it’s the strings. Never had an elbow issue until I started using polyester.

[@maireadmaccy4336]

Wow, honest advice!😮 How many youtubers wud hav used this topic for a sponsership ad money making opportunity?? Now we know you definitely have our interest at heart.Thank youuuuuu🤘🎾👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@IntuitiveTennis]

💯

[@alanwilliams8528]

Hi. Having played tennis for over 40 years, and having coached tennis - thanks for your experience and common sense. One of the few truly worthwhile online resources for the truth about racquets etc. Again, thanks for your content

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Thank you

[@TrentG23]

agreed, I still play with the Original AeroPro Drive from 2004 and no plans on switching.

[@SrJFK]

Nick, all I can say is you have single-handedly improved my game with your amazing lessons. I took a few years off and recently took tennis again. Your feedback is spot on and well-articulated. I have struggled to find a coach that I can really understand and connect with but your videos are literally everything I can hope for. I'm now even stringing my racquet at 47 lbs and loving it. Keep up the great work and I'll keep watching.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Thank You & Keep Going

[@stevlehr]

I like Nick's videos and have watched many of them. Especially the aesthetically pleasing Anna series,

[@timothybooth783]

As a guy beginning tennis, who is an advid golfer and likes to tinker with clubs, you explained this well. Thank you

[@buenosairesstreetart]

Great recommendations. Also frame thickness is key for me when choosing a racket not just weight. If you hit kick serves, for me a thick frame is a no go. Also most serve & volleyers tend to go for a slightly smaller head size. And if you have a 2-handed bh, a racket with a longer grip handle is a better fit.

[@christianolsson834]

Best video on racquet guide ever. No bs. Just tell it like it is. 🙏

[@Jackripster69]

So the lesson is, Rec racquets dont break strings as easy ;) Joking of course, great video. I think you touch on an important aspect in the blame game. I personally dont like to switch racquets, i always buy 2 of the same. I want to get used to the one type and then know all blame rests with me. As a very late starter, late 40s now early 50s i started out with racquets in your suggested range but against some bigger hitters they vibrated like crazy and felt i lost control. I switched to a Blade98 which is meant to be 320g strung and love it. Ive never felt the weight is too much.

[@ShaunSweeney71]

I have been playing with the Wilson profile 2.7 90. I also play with the Prince Graphic, and the Wilson Pro Staff. I am looking for a modern racquets. I use a eastern/ semi western grip, and I have a lot of control over the ball. I love your story my friend. Great video! Thank you

[@TheSuperDmyers]

In my experience playing with a heavier frame actually reduces chances of tennis elbow. I’m only a 4.0 but a 300 gram pure drive feels like it’s transmitting all the shock of impact directly into my arm. I play with a weighted up Head speed pro (345gr). Zero issues.

[@SweetOrangO]

Racket weight is not the issue of your tennis elbow. Its the stiffness of the racket, type of strings and string tension. IMO, that 3 factors combined with your technique and how you increase the intensity of practice and play matches, is the reason you got tennis elbow.

[@TheSuperDmyers]

@@SweetOrangO Strings and racket stiffness have a bit of effect on transmitting shock but the weight of the racket is the main factor in how much shock will be transmitted into your arm. Its not really up for debate or a matter of opinion. It’s just physics. Imagine hitting a tennis ball with a badminton racket. Or a baseball with a wiffle ball bat vs a heavy wooden bat.

[@SweetOrangO]

@@TheSuperDmyers sorry for the lack of words. I mean racket weight sometimes is not the main issue and there are other things/reasons to consider. For example, if a non muscular man use a 250gr racket and totally fine. Then that same racket borrowed by a muscular man and he get tennis elbow, yes its high possibility of the racket weight. Btw my exp is i had radical tour MP (1998 racket 340gr), K tour team and hyper hammer (270-280gr) for years and zero issue with my arm. Then i change to speed pro (330gr) for 6 years after i get better skills and getting tennis elbow too. Recently i change to clash 100 (300gr) and now the tennis elbow is gone. I strung that 2 racket with alu power rough 52lbs. And i am a "unofficial consultant" for few of my friends for arm issue because of that exp 😄. As i know, the pure drive stiffness is about 71 and speed pro about 62. Thats why my point is mostly tennis elbow because of the racket stiffness and wrong tension. CMIIW.

[@Tennis_Fan2022]

Heavier racket helps with my arm as well. I started with a 9 Oz Babolat Aero Team and I could feel vibrations go right up my arm against heavy shots.

[@SweetOrangO]

@@Tennis_Fan2022 never use 9 oz (255gr) if you are a 20+ yo man. The shock to your arm will be terrible especially against a heavy shot. 255gr for teen boy or beginner man is okay. for 18+ yo man i'm recommend minimum 9.5oz (270gr) racket.

[@nolanballew741]

I finally decided to take your advice, I bought a Wilson Blade Team. It's basically a Pure Drive Lite with a 16 x 18 pattern, 99 sq inches and a high stiffness rating...so not really a Blade at all. I string it with gut mains and whichever decent poly I can find on sale for the crosses. My game has improved some but more importantly I can play as well in set three of doubles as I can in set one. Twenty five grams does not seem like much but to a recreational player, it's a lot. Thanks!

[@adnkhan]

So I am in mid 50s and started around 7 y ago. Am probably now at least 4.5 to 5+ player. I started (merely by chance) with a Volkl Organix 3, which is pretty light at 292gm. As I have gotten better, I have added weights to bring it up by an additional 24gm. The part I love is that this actually expands the sweet spot. Been incredible for volleys and against big heavy hitters, where my racquet never wobbles.

[@dkrawk8309]

Honestly, my game changes big time between the rackets that I own. Speed elite, babolat aero pro, prestige youtek mp 18x20.... Huge difference in swing between all of them. Speed elite is good for warming up, babolat is for just hitting the lights of the ball and prestige is for precision. When I play with prestige, its like taking tennis to an absolute next level in everything, your brain has to work way more in order for prestige to be the best thing in the world

[@dleewk]

Thanks for your honesty , in world of social media ppl endorsing and pushing products you are a breathe of fresh air

[@Justin-r7u2p]

I like how he gets into the pyschology of it all, talking about tennis personalities

[@Breadfan00]

A friend used to have a Hyper Hammer from his Dad, and I also loved it! It was so easy to hit great Baseline Shots. Wish I had bought one.

[@justanaveragejoe9416]

I'm with you. I broke the racquet I've played with a couple years ago , tried several other racquets, but keep coming back to my 5.3 hyper hammer midplus..

[@BobInKC]

A light, head heavy, stiff racquet is a recipe for tennis elbow. Best to start with a standard sized 27 inch racquet with the weight that Nick recommended.

[@stevlehr]

Racket construction is important. Technique matters, too. Around age 40, starting to play tournaments, I overhit the slicing motion in my one handed backhand and developed a painful elbow. I cleaned up and moderated my swing, reducing and then eliminating elbow pain. I later switched to a two handed backhand for other reasons.

[@peter130476]

Absolutely not. I am very sensitive to equipment and I tell you the racket is not very important but the string is! For example, this year, a Head Xtreme 105 inch head 275 grams almost broke my elbow in three matches with the original string, Head Lynx Tour. I cut the string and put MSV Focus Hex Plus 38 and my elbow healed and I am able to play much harder now. I am 45 years old. Out of scientific curiosity I tried that Head Lynx Tour string on my Pure Drive and it also broke my elbow. But other SOFTER strings are working just fine on that (rigid) Pure Drive. There is no such thing as a bad rigid racket if you choose from the best Babolats or Heads or Wilsons, there is only a poor choice of strings.

[@BobInKC]

@@peter130476 you’re right strings are important and forgot to mention those. I’d still recommend a standard 27 inch racquet that is head light with a low string tension. If a person can afford I would advise them to string with natural gut.

[@justinkong6906]

Wouldn’t it therefore be right to try and add weight to the handle of light, stiff and hh racket? Just to try and reduce the vibration?

[@BobInKC]

@@justinkong6906 if someone wants to experiment with lead tape on the handle I’d say go for it if they don’t want to try a new racquet. Multifilament strings are also worth checking out.

[@ekpedemendem7705]

Great lesson! I'm a beginner (6 months old). Started out with a very light Wilson racquet 225g, developed elbow problems last week. I just switched to Yvonex 270g racquet this week & it feels much better. I think the heavier racquet absorbs the heavy shots better.

[@ekpedemendem7705]

...equally compels me to swing properly.

[@anw9485]

Great video! Last weekend, I picked up a racket for the first time in over 20 years and have been watching your channel. Athletes are superstitious in general, regardless of the sport. Everything needs to be perfect and as-is to repeat past successes. Very much mental I believe.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

💯

[@shomurakamisan]

Well said. I was thinking about the same thing. The fact is string on the racket is so much more important than racket frame.

[@satyu131089]

Light racquets are awesome! I used to be snobbish towards them, but had injuries with heavy racquets and switched to something lighter, flexible, mid plus racquet and it suits my game so much better than any of the heavier ones did

[@hermeneut]

The truth ist: heavier rackets are more arm-frindley becaus a) they absorb more energie and b) they teach you to swing. Good swing-tecnic is the best against arm-problems! I switched from 295 to 315 gr. and my shoulder problems and my tecnic gets much better!

[@Superdave333]

@@hermeneut I totally agree with you Tim. Light rackets almost always gave me tennis elbow, as did small grips. The heavier the racket, the more power it puts into the ball. You do have to find a balance, as not everyone can handle a 12.5 oz racket like I use, although I am by no means a big guy and age 72 to boot. My rackets are also head light, about 8 or 9 points, which helps. I found that the largest grip I can handle (4 and 5/8), also was easiest on my arm and shoulder.

[@ReidVV]

Weight, balance, and even grip size do matter. They affect maneuverability and feel, so timing and shot placement/control. Another large factor is strings and tension. How the ball plays off the same racquet can vary GREATLY with different strings and tensions. Granted, racquets from different eras can be similar, but racquets with widely different specs (length, weight, balance, swing weight and stiffness) can play very differently. Later in your video, you acknowledge this. I also think your spec recommendations for different level playersare pretty spot on. Thanks for all you do on your channel.

[@stevlehr]

I knew a player who believed he could tell a difference changing string tension from 50 pounds to 51 pounds. I might notice a 5 pound change. I used to think all my racket handles had to be 4 and 5/8ths. A few years ago I talked with a younger player who tried dropping from 4 and 1/2 to 4 and 1/8. I had noticed he was making fewer errors before he told me that. My next racket purchase I dropped handle size to 4 and 1/4 and immediately benefitted. My hand and wrist felt more relaxed striking the ball.

[@Fernwald84]

I'm not a tennis pro, Nik, but I have been playing tennis for around 60 years and, in my personal experience, many rackets do differ a LOT. Some rackets have a very low launch angle and some have a high one. To switch from one to the other definitely requires modifying one's technique. Likewise, playing with a lively multifilament requires a technique change from playing with a "dead" poly (I mention strings here because you can't consider rackets without taking account of the strings being used). My last point: if your technique is based on heavy topspin produced by a "whippy" racket, you will not be able to duplicate that style of play with a racket with a very high swingweight (unless you're an accomplished pro). As far as pros being able to pick up and play with any racket without missing a beat, how do you explain the relatively uncommon sight of a pro actually switching to a different racket? They even go so far as to change the paint job of their old racket to make it look like the newest racket which they "endorse" I think the same points apply to violinists and violins. The instrument was invented way back in the 16th century and was brought to a very high level not long thereafter. A good violinist can switch to any violin, old or new, but the sound produced and the subtleties of technique required will differ instrument to instrument. Some violins just don't sound as good as others playing, for example, Baroque period music, just like some tennis rackets are better for baseliners than serve and vollyers or doubles players.

[@SweetOrangO]

Agreed. IMO, broad technique and experience of a player is help a lot to adjust technique with the racket specs. Babolat pure drive and aero is just a slight difference. He should explain it more in this vid with different racket generations and "wider" specs. Lets say like speed pro vs instinct pwr. Same brand, totally different specs.

[@smallerw]

Yes I'm recreational player and changing racket definitely helped me to realise that I wasn't playing with the right racket for me. Pure Aero and Pure Drive are not that much different and are not a good example.

[@commondirtbagz7130]

This just illustrates that you’re an amateur even moreso.

[@nicolasrivero3027]

Agree. First I used to play with an Aero, I felt like a needed more control; now I play with a Blade. It feels like playing a different game.

[@melfox215]

I am somewhere 4.0 NTRP, I guess. As you know German tennis, I am LK 16 here, but winning versus LK 13 to 15 range (the system has been dramatically transformed in October '20, so that it's much easier to progress if you're defeating higher ranked players, especially in the LK12 to LK23 range. I am using the Wilson Pro Staff 97 ULS due to a kind of accident: I had looked for a new racquet in 2019 and this one was the best offer out of 'tournament racquets'. It's very light at 270g and I really consider switching to a Pro Staff 97 L CV that is 290g. It's played by a club member and I tested it. I had the impression it allows more speed on serves and more stability on volleys plus a bit more power to my backhand. Side note: I'd never looked for a 320g+ racquet and I totally agree to your statement, adding that recreational players tend to hit more balls too late or just improvisational (mostly due to bad footwork) and then use the arm instead of the whole body to hit the ball. A heavy racquet makes it more difficult to hit the ball at the right time.

[@Alexander-dt2eq]

I'd consider different guidelines for the raquet weight. Back in the 80/90s all raquets were heavier and people had to develop good technique in order to play well. So for an aspiring player I would choose a slightly heavier raquet so s(he) can a) train his/her body and b) get used playing a good style c) some serves I cannot return with a 300g raquet.. how about returning 200km/h serves with such a raquet or even huge kick serves on clay that are not that fast. I love to have a raquet that can bring in some stability and the 250-300g raquets cannot offer that. So an intermediate player might get stuck in terms of technique and body development and even fun with tennis while playing with those lofty raquets. But generally I found your advise about raquet weight very sound. I play a 310g raquet and it suits me perfectly. I can also play with a 280g which feels like playing table tennis but makes it difficult to block the serve. It hugely depends on your style of play too. Djokovic playing a heavy raquet tells you a lot about it. He is not the strongest guy, but he loves to block the serve and has huge feel doing so. For that style you need a heavy raquet. Same with Andy Murray

[@galahad2000]

Novak does not block back his returns. Ever...takes full swings, every time. Murray does rarely....Stan blocks his returns all the time

[@tahirb4518]

I use a Volkl C10 Pro that weighs 330g and I find it ploughs through the ball really well and it's very comfortable due to the flex making it comfortable and lower string tension usually at 46 to 48 pounds. With thinner frames you generally have a comfortable feel as they are not as stiff as thicker racquets.

[@tomsd8656]

For me I would say the overall weight and weight distribution of the racquet makes a difference. Obviously I lose a bit of serve speed with a lighter racquet, and weight distribution makes a difference at the net. My game would be the same from the baseline with either Wilson prostaff 6.1 or head pro tour 280, but it's easier for me at the net with the Wilson.

[@erickrodrigues5255]

Hi Nik! Just wanted to say that I've never played tennis before and I've been learning a lot from your videos! Keep up the great work you've been doing on your channel!

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Glad you picked up the game. Keep going and thanks for the support 🙌

[@SaqibSheikh]

Great and honest video! Unfortunately many of us are victims or marketing by the racket companies.

[@al1976-v7m]

Yup i remember falling in love with the Pure Drive pretty quick - its light weight made my swing faster, it was easy on the arm, the sweetspot was bigger and it really enhanced my slice and volley game. Downside was it brought too much topspin into my game, but that was also my fault because i experimented with thinner poly strings. Went back to synthetics eventually also because of my arm.

[@albertoescobosa179]

For advanced level players , heavier more flexible raquets are more stable and absorb ball shock better, better for the arm, I use a Volkl VCELL 10 335gr strung 7 headlight 66 flex , works better than a previous 320 volkl VSENSE V1 Pro 3 headlight 67 flex strung raquet ...swing weight is similar, and you are right about being all in your head for different raquets , but there are small things to consider and stick to it 🍀🍀

[@Apanblod]

This video helped me realise it's true, I have been playing with the wrong raquet. I've been playing with my buddy John's raquet for over a year now and he's been playing with mine! 🤷‍♂️

[@bruin4937]

Thanks, Nik. I am a come back player. I stopped playing regularly when I started college 45 years ago. Since then I have played maybe a dozen times. I have a 2015 Babolat Pure Drive which I like a great deal, but on the other hand I also still love playing with my vintage Head Arthur Ashe Comp 1, 2, and 3 racquets strung with Prince 17 gauge synthetic gut strings.

[@musicvisionz71030]

Hey Nick, I'm a big fan of your instructional videos with Shamir. I was wondering if you can consider posting a video on improving tennis play in the wind. I'm a 4.5 player and feel I lack the consistency to win most times. Thanks!

[@yeahsick123]

play indoors

[@javiermillan8795]

@@yeahsick123 not everyone has access to indoor courts

[@RussellBurgess-t7t]

The best racket I ever played with was undoubtedly the Head Liquid metal instinct.. Great solidarity and manoeuvrability !

[@maxsonthonax1020]

Hmm. As someone who took this sport up in middle age, I can state for a fact that the tweaking the small margins of racquets' (& other specs') variables make a true difference. I started with the same Pure Drive ^ (regular) with all polyester strings. Though I learned quickly with it, achieved good top spin early, the stiffness of this combo was murder on my arm. I accidentally found a way out via two Pure Strikes I picked up cheap (mk 1 & 2): the Mk. 1 was much more suitable. More progress came (via a Tecnifibre with similar specs) trialling multifilament cross-strings (at a higher tension!). An accidental purchase led me to own two different Head Gravity's (Pro & MP). I had reached my final destination, a racquet odyssey navigated unaided & despite macho posturings of racquet chauvinism from locals. I now have weighted the Pro to 370g total (warming up with the MP, with some lateral tape for stability, total 330g). Despite reviving the Babolats (same strings, tension, & adding similar weight), they don't play as well for my game. The advantages I gained from examining small margins gave true & undeniable benefit. I encourage others to invest in experimenting to find their optimal racquet & other specs. I can hit harder, play more feel, & for much longer, yet the impact on my elbow & muscles is now greatly minimised. SMALL MARGINS MATTER when you're body forces narrowed parameters on you.

[@wee3622]

Still playing with a 370 gram setup?

[@maxsonthonax1020]

@@wee3622 Yup!

[@king0vdarkness]

I changed rackets from a basic park player racket to a much higher quality racket and notice massive difference in my game play, less pressure on the arm, easier to get topspin, pace etc. In my experience racket makes a HUGE difference, if you're using a slightly different racket you won't feel the difference much otherwise it's major

[@johnsmith-ij2so]

It could all be in your head, the other thing to consider is the strings. If your expensive racket has quality strings and the other has cheap strings, it isn't a fair comparison.

[@king0vdarkness]

@@johnsmith-ij2so thanks for the reply, no I use the same strings. Trust me it's not in my head. Use a Dunlop Aerogel 500 then switch to a pro stock or a Yonex (that's made in Japan); there's no way you will come back to me and say they play the same way... It's literally impossible.

[@Arkdark_lm]

I'm 37, my weight is 66kg and in 90th I played with aliminium italian racquet, light and with wooden racquet. It was great experience. Now for 4 years I play with racquet "Mayor", 395 gr strung, strings 25 kg, with a big thick handle. The racquet is stiff, produces low fast strokes with a great spin. The ball flows like bullet! I'm happy. My training racquet is 400 gr strung, the first carbon version from far 80th and it's nice for improving the strength and it's up to my muscles. I play, using forhand from both sides, and my elbows are good, no pain, perfect! I always win vs with different rivals! I can't switch to racquets 300 gr. My another racquet, Fischer version, "pacific" is about 340 gr strung and it's too light for me. May be in future I will return to light 340 gr racquet, but I have a doubt:) And Nick, you're awesome!

[@faridddddd]

What an honest video. Telling anecdotes. Well done

[@glennjohnston8749]

Interesting what you said about older frames degrading and possibly creating arm problems. I hadn't played in 20 years and last year started lightly hitting with my 1989 Prince CTS Blast Midplus. This spring I started hitting more seriously and I had so many control problems, and after hitting three times in one week I developed golfer's elbow from my service motion. I thought it was from my years of not hitting and never considered it could be at least in part due to an old racket.

[@YehShano]

Important for people to understand the weights specified are the unstrung weights labeled on the racquet….some comments here sound like people are comparing their previous racquet weights unstrung to their new racquet weights strung

[@DonYang73]

Going back memory lane, had the opportunity to use the Dunlop and the Prince in the 80s as a teenager. At high levels, the equipment makes a difference. Not to mention the psychological impact it gives the player.

[@qianhuang59]

This makes sense. There is a tennis coach youtube channel that recommends old players to use heavier racquets to prevent injuries, one example is for 60, 70 years old player to use RF 97, and I know the information was terribly wrong. I have seen 20 years old player having problem to handle RF 97.

[@kubolkudesai]

So true, so true. I had many racquets (advanced recreational level) - with the most of them I could play a good tennis, but the funny thing is - the heaviest one Yonex Rdis 100, 93 Sq In (350 g strung) was the most arm friendly for me. It always felt almost light but really stable, even after 3h of game. Unfortunately I have to say goodbye to this stick - grommets are used (cannot find the replacement) and my string is broken very quickly, too quickly. I am searching for a new one, probably Yonex, but as you said - it is in most of the cases, that thought in our head about racquets. Thanks for your videos!

[@stevlehr]

My rackets all weigh 340 grams, strung. 30 years ago, in my forties, I played about 365 grams. I'm no Djokovic. I could hit with lighter frames, but, in my experience, heavier frames reduce injury. I'm 73 and experience no shoulder, elbow or wrist pain playing tennis.

[@transamination]

I think too heavy and too light are both bad in different ways. For me 340-350g all strung up is ideal.

[@glen871]

I'm 49 and play with a POG oversize that weighs 348 grams but it's fairly headlight. I can whip it around easily but it still has good plow through. I seem to prefer headlight racquets with a swingweight around 330.

[@warehouse13graphicsolutions]

My friend who is 56 plays with the Prince Graphite 100 at 15 oz strung at 70. Lead tape in the handle and around the head. 4.5 player. That thing is a brick.

[@dave5566]

I agree with this. I think up to a certain level, you should be using rackets that are as heavy as you can handle. Also it might change the way you hit and improve your technique since its much more stable than a light racket that requires speed to work. We generally have the option to go either a soft heavy ish racket or a stiff but lighter racket.

[@ericfreeman5795]

I totally agree with your assessment. I've found that lighter frames are "bullied" by the ball that, unfortunately, still weighs the same. And lighter racquets transmit more shock to the arm. The heavier the racquet, the more it participates in the stroke. The more plow through. It has been said, and I totally agree, that the ideal racquet is the heaviest you can wield and play, without suffering fatigue. Fatigue is different from injury.

[@Pro-kesh]

I would just recommend demoing stuff! I personally love the Head Speed MP

[@franklyfrank123]

I got a lot of joint pain from this racket (2021), and moved to 2022 ezone 100 with no more joint pain. I tested the same string and same tension on both racket, and the speed is still like a board even though it’s less stiff than the ezone. I think ezone has better dampening, and the head shape may help as well.

[@franklyfrank123]

Both of the rackets are 300g unstrung and around 326g strung.

[@junkmail75034]

There was an engineer from Panama that beat me really bad in office tennis league. His racket is 20 dollars from Walmart. He said he hits so hard and break racket and strings too often, sick of spending money on racket.

[@quinby123]

Been playing with different versions of the Head Prestige Pro for over 10yrs. Really enjoy those rackets.

[@benjaminskovbo3936]

Same herre! How are you finding the new version? I feel it’s way to flexible and doesn’t seem like a prestige at all 😅

[@quinby123]

@@benjaminskovbo3936 Tempted but have not tried this year's version. My current one is about 3yrs old.

[@johnwhoissavedbygrace9975]

The most honest tennis video ever, and much appreciated! The only main difference that isn’t due to strings would be a drastic change in weight, otherwise I agree completely!

[@georgebraue4739]

Excellent racket advice, Nick. Especially where you say that you will immediately know whether your demo will work for you. For me, there is no point in switching rackets unless the new racket provides some real advantage over the racket I have been using, and I should be able to tell that immediately.

[@tennisblood]

I beg to disagree with your racket weight table. I'm a rec, but not 5.0 player, and I can't play with a strung racket below 11.9oz; and with the overgrip and shock absorber my current racket is over 12oz; anything less than that and I'd not be able to play with it...

[@simonsmith7251]

This guy is great so helpful and knowledgeable and totally straightforward, thanks, I always learn something new when I watch his videos 😊

[@tyrone-tydavis5858]

I played against Jack reader in college, A guy who has coached some tour players and was a phenomenal player back in his day..... he just enjoyed the Bohemian lifestyle a bit too much. Regardless, I was handily beat. The number 2 player on our team thought he was way better than he actually was. Just before.our second match of thenseason was supposed to start, he made some snide comments to Jack. Jack laughed and proceeded to ask his coach if he could play down to number 2 to play against the guy and the coach had no problem. Before their match started Jack took the turnagrip and entire leather grio off of his racket as he was smoking a cigarette. He still absolutely destroyed our number 2 player........including extending points/games just to make him run his ass off. From that day forward, I became convinced…..... It's not the racket. It's the player.

[@richardj8853]

Totally agree with the reviewer .. I've played with dunlop, Yonex , tecnifibre and prince , both heavy (340gms ) to light racquets( 270gms) , small heads n big head and lost with them all and continue losing. Reason _ I rarely hit the court hence my shots are bad...my serve sucks and bh has no control ...Gotta just improve my basics and fundamentals of tennis ...It's just not the racquets.

[@michaelloomisiii3475]

Thanks for the advice and the video. I just recently switched from my arsenal of Wilson Profile 2.7si from 1989 to the HEAD Speed MP500. I was able to demo a handful of racquets and finally settled on this particular model. I actually played best with the Boom MP but I couldn't get past the Tiffany blue color...lol. Next thing is to find my optimal string tension. Currently the Speed is strung at 52lbs, which is a bit too tight me. I still have a whole tub full of Wilson Ultra, Ultra 2, Head Director and some Max 200Gs and old Prince racquets in the garage.

[@tx3443]

after seeing 50 videos about tennis racquet on youtube, this video makes more sense to me

[@roberthale2268]

Glad to hear that a different racquet wouldn't hurt your game. Del Purcell popped the strings on all of his Head Professionals when he played in the finals of the Cape Open. He asked the crowd if anybody had a Head Professional he could use and I loaned him mine. He lost the final and I blamed myself for that.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Thank for the story 🙌

[@MontCoRealtor]

I respectfully disagree with the premise of equipment not being important. We all know that tennis is a HIGHLY mental game. If the equipment you use is safe, consistent, comfortable, and reliable, then you absolutely have a mental edge. However, while your technical shot itself may not have significant difference, the second you lose that reliable confidence and begin to question your equipment, you lose mental edge and focus. I also disagree on the racquet not making a difference because in the modern era hitting with different racquets not only gives a slightly different hit response, but also a significant difference in vibration back up into the arm and shoulder. Example, I hit with a technifibre for an hour a few days ago and my shoulder and hand/wrist have been sore as hell for a couple of days. The week before I played 2 sessions back to back, each an hour long, with a Volkl V1. I had NO PAIN at all. I couldn't even tell that I played! My point is, equipment matters. Maybe not to a few certain elites. But there are reasons the best Pro's customize and do not play with off the shelf sticks. Thank you for the great content and I hope you read this as an opinion and not a disrespectful response. Love your channel.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Thank you. No offense taken. I recently talked with tennis nerd about racquets 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5zGnYl9jMx8jNE

[@greenbeard_26]

thanks this was really informative, ive had a babalot pure drive for over 10+ years (was a fan of Roddick growing up haha), but good to know that might be effecting me game because of the age of the frame!

[@krisby1]

I kind of agree and appreciate the underlying intent of your summary, but not wholeheartedly with your generalization. I came back to tennis in 2017 after nearly 25 years not having played. My last racquet was a Wilson Robertson that I loved back in the 90s. My return to tennis was with a Head Radical, didn't like it, and started a roller coaster of buying about 20 different racquets, from Wilson, Dunlop, Yonex, Babolat, Mantis, Prince. I discovered that I preferred thin beams, hence the Dunlop, Prince and Mantis were ones I favoured, I hated the Wilson Burn and BLX, but wanted to love my Camo Burn. I also prefer a 95 or 98 over 100sq in. So in general, my experience with your claim that all racquets are basically the same, did not hold true for my experience. I will admit part of my seeking new racquets, was not wanting what everyone else has, Prince was not common at my club, Mantis was an unknown and Dunlop was seen as the cheap beginners brand , but I truly believe I played better with those. I've now settled on a CX200 V2. I learnt after about 2 years that total weight, string plus overgrip between 325 and 330g is my sweet spot. I loved my my mantis 295g for its maneuverability, but its weight was a problem for heavier balls. Strings were the hard part to work out, and are what, for me personally, makes the biggest difference in feel. I went through many, and have friends that can't tell the difference in worn or new, low tension or high tension, poly or hybrid or synth. I can do, and am quite sensitive to it, and having moved to a colder climate recently also notice string tension affecting my game on cold winter nights, like sub 10c. So I have settled on a couple of strings now too, and always have both racquets strung different, especially in winter when the black widow doesn't play well in the cold, but the MSV hex does. Its taken a good 7-8 years to learn, with several thousand $$$ spent find that out.

[@anjalivarma6267]

I totally endorse your ways of explaining about tennis 🎾. Thank you

[@douglaslounsbury8898]

Also depends what you are used to. I played competive tennis 35 years ago with a very heavy racket. Came back to playing at 60 and still play much better with my 350 gram rackets. I tried some the newer, light, stiffer rackets and that caused arm issues. The heavier racket does the work for you if you swing properly.

[@donho4109]

This was a really interesting conversation on rackets, Nick. I began playing competitive tennis with the Prince Graphite (POG) and have always stayed with rackets that maintain that feel. I cannot and will not play with anything that resembles a Wilson Pro Staff! Head Prestige is too similar to Pro Staff so I don’t like it but I can and have used Radical line. But only pro or tour level rackets with lead tape.

[@M-Rezavahidi]

Awesome, I got many tips to select an appropriate rocket and grip too. Thank you Nik

[@mr.squidward9936]

You're getting a rocket? That's so cool!

[@bonzwah1]

I've been using a pair of very old Babolat pure drives (2008 and 2010 I think) since high school and this year I finally decided to demo some new rackets. I was switching between my old pure drives and this demo pure aero and both rackets were strung with the same strings. I couldn't personally feel much of a difference, but everyone I hit with insisted that my shots were much much heavier when I was using the pure aero. They also insisted my serves were much faster when I was using the pure drive. I think I'm one of those people who maybe isn't so sensitive to the differences between the rackets... But I'm pretty sure that the different rackets are having an effect on my game, I'm just not perceptive enough to feel it coming off the strings. That said I'm not playing for money or anything, and one thing I absolutely did notice is that the pure aero breaks strings so much faster. I string my own rackets so I thought maybe I was doing something wrong, so I decided to pay one time to have a professional do it, and I used the highest durability strings that that stringer recommended, it was like head hawk or something, and they still broke within 8 hours of play. I mean I guess it's more evidence that the racket is doing something very significant to aid in spin production but at the end of the day I just don't got the time to be stringing my racket every three times I play XD so I guess I'll stick with my old pure drives.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Aero has definitely more spin potential

[@gillesderais834]

very interesting lecture, Nik, thanks a lot

[@SolowSports]

I couldn't DISAGREE more. Rackets have MASSIVE differences in them which is why ALL top players put so much time and energy into their equipment. I DO AGREE that talented players such as yourself can adjust. For example if racket A is your everyday racket and naturally hits a more powerful or deeper shot that you are accustomed to. If you switch to racket B which is naturally control oriented and dead, a quality player can change their trajectory and launch angle to get the same result of a deep ball quickly by aiming higher over the net for example. This is a simple example of what players do to adjust consciously or subconsciously. If you were to do your same experiment with a machine, you would see massive differences in racket/string performance. Again high quality players can adjust very quickly. I love your content and way of expressing, but again all equipment has a massive effect on performance.,

[@tomsd8656]

I guess I am the type that can play with any racquet unless the weight is too much or too light. This is recreational play. It only takes a bit of adjustment to get used to a racquet.

[@Editor_Hound]

I'm not that sensitive about which racquet I use, I've grown with the motto "if you're a good player, you can even play with a wooden spoon", but there are some things that I notice when changing racquets. It's mostly the stiffness and the string type/tension. Those I really my own 2 pet peeves. I string between 22-26 kg with RPM Blast. I had multiple racquets, borrowed a lot, but I've stuck with only 2 and that's about it, I'm going to use them for probably the rest of my playing time. And they're not from the same brand. Spec wise they're pretty much the same, with a slight difference in stiffness. Yonex Ezone DR98 and the 1st generation Babolat Pure Strike.

[@michaeloleary2259]

Best advice and explanation I have viewed…thank you for reassuring me on my choice

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rohitnagraj58]

I really needed to hear everything you said. Thanks a lot!

[@davidglover9210]

The Dunlop 200g was 15% graphite and 85% nylon material which was why it was the best racket for arm problems.

[@patrickmullen5124]

Great video. I have been retired from playing due to health issues but your videos are super inspirational. Maybe, I can make one more comeback. Thanks.

[@IntuitiveTennis]

Do it

[@telquel7843]

I'm an intermediate who plays with a 2007 Roddick pure drive weighted at 336g. I don't get any arm pain and I like the stability for serve returns, volleys, and off sweet-spot hits on the fly. That said, I gave up some maneuverability at the net by adding the weight. And when I get tired in a match sometimes I can feel my swing getting lazy and "rolling over" but only if I'm gassed. The last thing I notice is that with the extra weight, serving sometimes puts too much force on my wrist from pronation with the heavy racquet. I've got reasonably strong arms but dainty wrists 😬 I mostly find strings and weight/balance the crucial factors. I had super stiff tense polys for a while and volleys felt like I was using a paddle instead of a racquet 😕

[@andersjeppsson8499]

I'm playing the RF97A and it's hugely different from a pure drive, Yonex or Head. I absolutely cannot play well with anything else than the RF97A. Stringing also is key. I'm a decent player.. So milage varies I guess. "Maintaining the game" is not the same as playing at your potential.

[@yo_eddie2576]

If you can only play well with one specific racquet then you're probably not a decent player as you put it.

[@joeherbert4360]

@@yo_eddie2576 Nope,the the RF97A is the racket that lifted my game to club champ.The correct racket can improve your game drastically.The 340 gram weight unstrung and light head balance,combined with the 97 head and control orientated beam are the perfect recipe for power and control. All other rackets feel flimsy and like toys in your hand.It is the closest you will get to pro stock frames.The weight allows you to swing slower with much better timing and still enough depth and easy power,serves are effortless and rhythmic . Ive only reached my full potential once i tried the RF97a. The way Racket manufacturers lie and sell people gimmicks are terrible.I struggled with flimsy light rackets until an age of 35,i am 42 now, Ive gone thru tons of different rackets. Arm issues where mostly felt with babolat rackets as they are hollow insideI.I believe the heavier the racket, the less are the vibrations and the less are the chances you will get injury.

[@rich.e]

@@joeherbert4360 an intermediate player in my Social Tennis group has the RF97A as he's a Roger fan but he can't play well with it... another, a Rafa fanboy, bought a Pure Aero Tour (315g) and struggles to keep the ball in the court. I sincerely believe advanced players, like Nick's pupil Emma, are able to use pretty much anything, as also supported by Nick's personal anecdote; conversely intermeidates, like myself, will likely benefit from being more realistic about their abilities when selecting a racquet, and this is backed up by my own experiences as well. People can of course buy and play what they like, but I've seen too many crash and burn with racquets that aren't suited to their playing level.

[@joeherbert4360]

I guess i was lucky as i have 3 rf97A with a lower swingweight due to quality control. I do have two of the black ones that i also struggle to play with. But its true what you say,i guess the average player struggle with the heavier frames.The 3 Rf 97a that i have feels alot lighter in the head and i can swing them with ease. But yes,different strokes for different folks.I have an eastern forehand aswell,maybe the majority of players play with a western or semi western grip and the mechanics are a bit different.But i have played with lighter rackets that are heavy in the head that comes thru the air slower than the Rf97A.

[@propgee]

You are one of the best Nick. Thanks for all the tips

[@farjadmoq]

actually, i dont care what kind of raquette while playing for sure i prefer my own raquette but its not mandatory to play with specific kind its not huge deal for me

[@Frank020]

Yeah since I'm getting older no use in working my way up the weight scale. Under 280g like bigger head 110.

[@peter130476]

I am very sensitive to equipment and I tell you the racket is not very important but the string is! For example, this year, a Head Xtreme Spin 105 inch head 275 grams almost broke my elbow in three matches with the original string, Head Lynx Tour. I cut the string and put MSV Focus Hex Plus 38 and my elbow healed and I am able to play much harder now. I am 45 years old. Out of scientific curiosity I tried that Head Lynx Tour string on my Pure Drive and it also broke my elbow. But other SOFTER strings are working just fine on that (rigid) Pure Drive. There is no such thing as a bad rigid racket if you choose from the best Babolats or Heads or Wilsons, there is only a poor choice of strings.

[@reb349]

Probably an anecdotal experience but when I started out, I used 300g rackets for a while but eventually ran into issues due to how stiff rackets are nowadays. I ended up switching to a heavier racket (315g unstrung) but with a 20mm beam and that ended up being so much easier for my arm.

[@telquel7843]

I honestly thing that technique is likely the biggest reason people get tennis elbow as they are using too much forearm in their swing/hitting too close to the body. I see a lot of rec players whose serves/forehands are short, close to the body, and whippy. They can sometimes even hit it pretty hard, but it looks painful and they all seem to have trouble. I took some time to "modernize" my forehand and it helped me a lot. I stay fairly loose, try to get good spacing from my body (though admittedly often fail at this), and sort of "throw" my fist/racquet into the contact point from my dip. I notice eastern forehand grippers with tighter swings seem to consistently suffer issues. But who knows, likely a bit different for every body.

[@PaulWolfe1]

@@telquel7843 I don't know if that's it. Some players hit the forehand with a straight arm, others with a bent arm. Nick recently did a video of it and explained it's really just genetics as to which one your body will have more comfort with.

[@telquel7843]

@@PaulWolfe1 I followed the advice of coaches but how bent or straight your arm is has more to do with contact point in relation to your body. Hitting with a not very extended arm is generally frowned upon for a variety of reasons. Grip and rotation of the wrist and rotational forearm bones are what I am talking about. If you try this motion gripping the racquet extremely tightly, it is quite obviously harder to get that rotation. And for most people this will also be more difficult in an eastern forehand grip than with a semi-western grip. This is largely dictated by how the bones of the forearm move as far as I understand. I would assume that the overwhelming majority of high level players moved to this style of forehand for a legitimate reason and they can't all be that homogenous genetically.

[@PaulWolfe1]

@@telquel7843 Here is Nick's video about it if interested. I was having such forehand yips and took more than a thousand strokes, eventually I realized that for me, a bent elbow just works better. although i don't know that it stays bent on the follow through, but it definitely works better for me to have some bend at contact. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZayn6unZrZ_qdU

[@PaulWolfe1]

Here's Djokovic with a bent arm on the forehand. kzbin.info/www/bejne/boqrYWCghJZnhLM

[@n-da-bunka2650]

I have been a 4.5 (College) & a 4.0 player for the last 40 years and played the Head Pro and other similar heavier 90-inch heads. I tried changing to a 98 & dropped down to a lighter 310 weight (Head Extreme Pro & a FibreTech DC315 - 21mm beam head-light) after I turned 55 some 7 years ago. I have been missing the "pocket" I used to have with ground strokes and the solid feel on my volleys so am considering moving back to a heavier 330-335 weighted thicker beam. Thanks for the video but not certain it gave me any guidance in this particular search. May just have to go to the pro shop and pick up 5-to-10 rackets to play with 2 or 3 times to weed out what might work best for me at the ripe old age of 61. I am playing in a 7.5 combo league so will have some competitive rounds to play and would like to get that old feel back from when I was a stronger player.

[@williampaganucci1084]

I bought a great Wilson Racket at Costco a few months ago for $50. It was the only racket they had and they had only 1 grip size 3/8 which was good for me anyway.

[@justinhaught]

The Clash plays and feels wildly different from other rackets. After 1-2 months with my Clash Pro, I can’t use anything else - they feel like boards. I think that the Clash line should be first line for most… Clash for beg/int; Clash Pro for aging 4.0+ (like me 4.5) or up and coming juniors, 98 for strong high school/college, and 108 for rec/beginner/65+… So easy on the arm and lots of power and spin. Great directional control (not depth control though). Great feel. I play better with that racket because I can feel the ball so well.

[@alexanderm128]

Clash is very interesting racket for recreational players but still not for everyone. For juniors competitive players definitely not a choice - much better get used to something with more control that they will use in the tour later - like Wilson Blade 98. I have tried Clash 100 and did not like - too much power and lack of control, 98 was much better though. Need to try Clash Pro.

[@justinhaught]

@@alexanderm128My competitive junior son has both the Blade 98 and Clash 98 and its no comparison side by side. The Clash has more power, spin, and is more comfortable. The control difference is very small. Try them back to back its no contest. I like the Clash Pro myself because I like the Pure Drive. I also have the 2021 Pure Drive that my younger son used to use and the power level with the Clash Pro is similar but the Clash Pro has much more comfort and spin.

[@warehouse13graphicsolutions]

The clash was designed for beginners. Our teaching pros, which are Wilson sponsored, only use it for feeding balls. Otherwise, all of them say it's a POS for any advanced player. And, we're not talking about run-of-the-mill Teaching Pros either.

[@justinhaught]

@@warehouse13graphicsolutions Maybe the regular 100, but I play with the Pro and my son plays with the 98 and these are not the easiest to use. I have used a lot if rackets - Ezone 98s, RF97s, Pure Drive Tours, and I have kept the Clash Pro the longest because it is so easy on the arm and plays as well as any of those.

[@simon0yeung]

I grew up with playing heavy rackets (POG, Prostaff 6.1, Prince CTS series, etc.) and anything lower than 320 feels like a fly swatter to me. My favorite is leaded up to around 350, and I just let the racket do the work with slower smooth swings. (somehow the fast swings don't work for me). Unfortunately I do tire quickly which is my lack of conditioning problem. :(

[@darrensurrey]

I guess you could also learn to adjust your style to suit the racket over time. I know it's a bit tail wagging the dog but if you're on a budget or frankly don't know what will work for you, learning to adjust how strongly you grip and how you use the racket will change how the ball behaves. I've got a control setup for the strings and even then I can ping a ball like it's set up for power when playing at the net if I grip the racket too firmly!

[@joseluisdelvillarabad145]

I understand your points, and agree on most of them, racket will not improve your game (timing, swing, footwork...), but can improve consistency of your game. In my opinion, in this video, I think you are minimizing racket impact on your own game style. Rackets are important and each one suits better different game styles. Playing flatter strokes with pure drive or aero is a bad approach, they demand spin. Next time, do the same exercise with 2 completely different rackets, pure drive 16/19, and your loved/hated prestige (try the 18/19, the more modern and stiffer one). Even if you play that prestige as a pure drive, you are done, if you play a pure drive as a prestige, you need a bigger court. So at the end, depending on the racket you use, you will adapt your game style to maximize your game, if the racket you choose suits your natural game, great, if not, will make you play uncomfortable/inefficiently. Btw, great content.

[@pleaseenteraname1103]

My coach and a bunch of other people I knew including tennis warehouse were saying that I should use the Babalt pure Arrow, so I tried it out and I absolutely hated it. And I didn’t play that well. It’s a great rack and I’m not discrediting it it has such a huge impact on the Tennis industry.

[@chuckersthenut2097]

Man I've been using Dunlop 200g since high school. I have good power and great control. Deep down I feel this obsession with string tension, type of string, and other things like "this racket is good for speed, this one for power". I feel like that really gets into rec players heads.

[@redspotaquashrimps]

A couple years ago, I used to play with wrong racquet brands Yonex and Babolat Pure drive. Ever since, I switched to Wilson Blade 16x19 amazing control and feel. I sold my Babolat, I never Look back. I ain't a fan of those Wide Beam focus on power instead.

[@idoasraff8513]

hey nick, can you make a video about diet and tennis diet in particular?