Preparation for competitve play…

Preparation for a tournament or club match is almost as important as playing the event itself and that is why it is important that you are pyhsically and mentally ready to compete.

1. In the weeks before your event get regular practice in with private coaching or hit with similar or better standard players to yourself.

 Nearer the time of the event, drills will get your shots finely tuned up and serving in a practice match is useful but be careful not to go over the top as you need to be feeling 100% going into your match feeling 100 percent.

 2. Training without a racket is also a must as your footwork and movement around a court could prove decisive in who wins a match.

 Footwork drills will make you quicker around the court. Some good examples can be found here.

 3. It sounds obvious but make sure you sort out directions and travel arrangements well in advance so you do not stress yourself out frantically trying to work out where you are going at the last minute. Aim to arrive about an hour before the start of your match so you have enough time to do a full warm up.

4. Pack your tennis bag.

 Make sure you have everything you need in you bag the night before. For example rackets, energy drinks, water, bananas, lunch if you are at a venue all day, a spare set of clothes, spare trainers, heat rub or spray in case of any injuries and any other items you feel would be necessary.

 Two or more rackets are essential for match play as you never know when you might break a string.  

 5. Make sure you ring the organiser of the tournament or captain of your club team the night before to confirm the starting time of your match. I once failed do this and turned up for my 9am start only to be told my match had been re-arranged for 3pm. 

6. Eat some pasta the day or night before so that you store some energy.

 7. Finally have an early night so you feel fresh the next day.

Racket Reviews

I have tested a  number of rackets due for release in 2008. These are the flagship models for each company this year which are used by professionals. I have given my opinion and then a rating out of 10 for each racket.I currently use a Head Flexpoint Radical MP which is 295 grams and I am a baseliner with a big forehand. 

Head Microgel Prestige MP

This racket was billed as a ‘must have’ by a a friend in the tennis trade and it certainly lived up to expectations. I felt I had extra power and control on my forehand wing with far more ability to really wip through the stroke. This enabled me to hit better angles and my placing of shots was improved. A big difference in the Prestige range compared with the Radical is that they are 25 grams heavier. As a result of the weight difference my serving suffered slightly however I am sure this would be rectified with more practice. I liked the factory stringing used and the racket has a good design. 

Rating ( out of ten) - 9/10

 Dunlop Aerogel 200

This racket weighs 338 grams which is the heaviest out of all the rackets I tested and I feared I would not get on with it as the Radical I use weighs a mere 295 grams. However the Aerogel 200 has a very nice feel to it and the weight difference is not noticeable. I hit good groundstrokes and my serving was reasonably good. I felt that I that this racket did not have as much control as the Prestige though.

 Rating – 7.5/10

 Prince 03 Speedport Black

The balance of this racket does not seem right and although I hit some solid groundstrokes I did not feel comfortable using it. It is only 295 grams however it felt heavy. The weight of the racket seems piled towards the head which does not suit my style of play and I also did not like the shape.

Rating 5/10

 Slazenger Quad Flex 305

I did not get on with this racket at all. It is even more heavy than the Prince and I did not like the shape of the racket or the factory strings.

Rating 2/10

Wilson K Six One 305

The make of choice for a number of top players in the world I was expecting big things from this racket. Unfortunately I was disapointed as I didn’t like the balance of the racket. I was able to hit some big winners however rallying was uncomfortable. Hitting angles with my forehand was far more difficult compared with the Prestige. The stringing of the racket was reasonably loose and I mishit my backhand a few times.

Rating 5/10 

Yonex RQiS 1 Tour

I was able to hit some good groundstokes with this racket however I felt I had a lack of power compared with other models. I also hit some solid volleys however the shape of the racket did not appeal to me which is why I have never used a Yonex before.

Rating – 5.5/10

Babolat Aero Storm

I played with this racket probably the most out of the selection as I could not decide whether I liked it or not. This racket gave me brilliant power on my groundstrokes however there was a distinct lack of control. I was very hit or miss and this also transferred on to my serve. If a first serve went it in, it was unreturned however a low number of them went in. I am unsure about the factory strings however the racket looks good.

Rating – 7/10

Pro Kennex Ki 5 Kinetic

This is a good solid racket. Strings felt nice and my groundstokes were generally good. I did not like the rattling sound which came from the sides of the racket possibly something to do with the shock absorbing mechanism. I was able to generate decent power. 

Rating - 6.5/10

Vantage VT112

I felt like I had gone back in time a few years with this racket. It has a very classic look to it accompanied by a leather grip. It felt heavy and the grip was useless. I was able to hit a few good shots if the ball came off the centre of the racket so this racket is probably limited to the likes of Federer and Djokovic!

Rating – 1/10

Technifibre T-Feel 300

This was the only racket I really noticed the vibration and pinging sound when I hit the ball. My groundstrokes and serve were OK but it has a boring look to it and you can’t really see this being a big seller. 

Rating - 3/10

Fischer Magnetic Competition 95

This racket feels solid and reliable. I found it a little heavy but I felt comfortable rallying. I found serving difficult due to the weight but no doubt this could suit other players who are more used to a heavier racket.

 Rating – 5/10