Did you know?

 

PLAYER INFORMATION:
Pete Sampras’ first serve at impact is averaging nearly 190km/h with a ball spin of about 45 revolutions/second. His second serve is averaging 135km/h with a ball spin of 80 revolutions/second.
Pete Sampras plays with a Wilson Pro Staff racquet.

 

TENNIS HISTORY:
Love probably comes from the French word 'l’oeuf' which means 'the egg,' because zero -- or a love score -- looks like an egg.

 

Deuce is said to come from the French 'a deux' meaning two points away from the game, although Bowers points out that Roger Morgan, the world’s leading authority on real tennis (the predecessor of lawn tennis) says another possibility is the Norman word 'duos' meaning two.
For more information, go to www.thebookoftennis.com.

 

 

SHOTMAKING AND THE GAME:
Topspin causes the ball to dip down quicker than a flat shot. You can hit the ball with a greater clearance over the net and the ball will still go in. That is if you can master the shot with the right portion of spin and forward power.

Tips to improve your tennis game:

  1. Get the ball in: Nothing else matters if your shot goes out or in the net.
  2. Control the direction: The next skill you should master is the ability to place the ball to either side of the court.
  3. Control the depth: As you improve and gain consistency, learn to hit deep or short shots.
  4. Control the spin: Once you’ve reached the intermediate level, it’s time to begin experimenting with spin. Topspin, slice or even a sidespin are shots you can practice.

  5. Control the speed: Finally, once you’ve mastered everything else, you should begin to add power to your game.

 

RACQUET INFORMATION:
 

Racquet lengths (compared to length of player):
(Recommendations only)

Player's Height

Racquet Length

Up to 117cm

21" junior racquet

118-135cm

23" junior racquet

136-150cm

25" or 26" junior racquet

151cm or taller

27" or longer adult racquet

 

Racquet grip Size:
(Recommendations only)

US

EUROPE

 Standard tennis grip sizes range from 4-1/8 to 4-5/8 inches. The accepted method for measuring your grip size is to hold the handle (palm on the same bevel as the strings). The optimum grip size would allow you to fit your index finger between the palm and longest finger. Many "experts" suggest using the largest comfortable grip size, keep in mind it's easier to increase handle size. Most of today's racquet handles cannot be reduced in size. If you're between grip sizes, go with the smaller size and add an overgrip or have the grip built up with a heat-shrink sleeve.
4" L0
4 1/8" L1
4 1/4" L2
4 3/8" L3
4 1/2" L4
4 5/8" L5

Racquet head size:
 Larger headsize gives you power, smaller headsize gives you control. 
Current unofficial classifications are:

 

Racquet area

Shot performance

Midsize: 85-90 square inches Least power
Most control
Midplus: 92-102 square inches Power and Control
Oversize (OS): 104-115 square inches More Power 
Less control
Super OS: 116+ square inches Most Power 
Least control
Greatest sweet spot

 

Racquet sweet spot causes minimal kick or jar to be transmitted to the player's hand. Location of sweet spot is determined by several factors, including racquet weight, balance, length, head size and string tension.

 

 Racquet length (effecting the shot): A longer racquet gives you power, shorter racquet gives you control.

Racquet Length

Shot performance
27in High control
27.5-28in Average control and power
28.5-29in High power

 

Racquet Weight: A lighter racquet increases how easy it is to maneuver the racquet.

Weight

Racquet performance
Super light 8-9.8ounces High maneuverability
Light 9.8-10.8ounces Avarage maneuverability and power
Heavy 11- ounces High power

Determining if you want a racquet with power or control:
(Recommendations only)
Power racquet is mostly suitable for a player with a compact swing that needs a racquet to return enerqy and power back into the ball.
Control racquet is mostly suitable for a player who can generate power with a long loopy swing and usually is hitting the ball aggressively. This type of player is generating the power from the swing. Control racquet typically have smaller headsizes.

 

 

 

RULES IN TENNIS:
Can you go over the net with your racquet?
Yes, only if you first make contact of the ball on your side and the racquet goes over only on the follow through. There is only one exception, When the ball bounces on your side and then due to backspin the ball goes back over the net, you can reach over the net and touch the ball on the other side. Make sure you, your clothes or your racquet is not touching the net.

Are you allowed to touch the net when the ball is in play?
No, you can't touch the net when the ball is in play. Not even your clothes or your tennis racquet is allowed to  touch the net. You will lose that point.

Can I serve with an underarm serve?
Yes, you can serve with an underarm serve. It is recommendable to start serving over your head as soon as possible.