Which string is right for you? Part 3

The next string type to consider are polyester strings. Poly strings have become increasingly popular as they have become much less stiff and more playable.

That said, they are still rather stiff, which has its benefits. Many big hitters love poly strings for the control and durability they offer. In addition, for those who hit hard enough to really make them give at impact, they can be quite powerful. 

If you are not a big hitter, poly strings can be very stiff, creating a very firm string bed at impact. This may result in a loss of power, spin and more shock to your arm. Players with a history of arm issues may find poly strings to be rather uncomfortable.

The other negative that we see with poly strings is with the increased durability, many players wait way too long to restring. The result is playing with strings that have lost tension and playability.

Big hitters and frequent string breakers should consider poly strings. With the advances made by many string manufacturers, there is a range of strings to choose from based on your needs. Stop in and we’d be happy to help you pick the best string for your game.

Which string type is right for you? Part1

When trying to decide on which tennis string is right for your game, a good place to start is knowing there are four basic types of strings. You can also combine two of the types into a hybrid stringing, but we’ll get to those in another post. In the next several posts, we’ll give some pros and cons to each of these types. We’ll do so from our many, many years of stringing rackets for countless people, and the feedback they have given.

We’ll start with the most basic of the types, synthetic gut. Technically, all stings that are not natural gut are synthetic. What we’re talking about is strings made of nylon with a solid core, wrapped by smaller filaments.

Synthetic gut is a sting that does everything ok. Not great. Not horrible. For someone just getting into the game, it’s a great option because those players rarely have a clear idea of what their needs and preferences are. This makes it a very good springboard into other types of strings, as their needs become more specific.

For power, control and feel, it comes in between the other strings, but can play great for someone who wants a combination of those traits. As for durability, again, it comes in the middle among the strings.

Synthetic Gut is a great option for its price, which is less than the other types. Some frequent string breakers like it for having more pop than the more durable options, while not breaking the bank for each stringing.

Don’t overlook synthetic gut as an option worth trying. If you’re looking for more control than a softer, multifilament string, and more pop and better feel than a poly, they’re worth a try.

Are you wearing the wrong shoes?

 

Tennis or pickleball, you need the right shoes. 

A mistake many make is using running shoes in place of a good court shoe. This decision can have some nasty results. 

Running shoes (and walking shoes) are made to go in one direction, straight ahead. For sports like tennis and pickleball, this is a problem with so much of the movement being side to side. A running shoe’s lack of lateral support can lead to rolled and sprained ankles. If you want to see for yourself, grab a pair of running shoes and see for yourself how much the bend and twist with just your hands. A court shoe for tennis and/or pickleball will be much sturdier, with less flexibility, but way more support for the needs of the court. 

The other issue with running shoes is the soles. Again, they are designed for running straight ahead, not for sudden starts and stops. Court shoes have a firmer sole with a tread pattern designed to grip the court for better stopping and acceleration. 

If comfort or weight is your reason for not getting a court shoe, try on some of the newest shoes. While some are a little heavy, many are very light without sacrificing support and performance, and they even look a little like running shoes. Oh… and they look amazing! 

Stop in and we’d be glad to help you pick the right shoe for your feet, your game and your needs. 

Is a Heavier Racket Better For Your Arm?

Is a heavy racket better for your arm?
That depends on you.
A heavy racket will generally have less shock at impact than a light one. This can help with arm pain but there are a few things to consider. First of all, can you swing a heavier racket without overexertion, wearing down during a match or feeling like you are overswinging to get the racket through?  If the answer is no, then a heavier racket will not help and could even make matters worse.
Another thing is that most rackets now are so much better in absorbing vibration. This allows for the use of a lighter racket without the added vibration.
Finally, as a rule, heavier rackets are also the least powerful. This can lead to overswinging to make up for the added weight and lack of power. For many, having to swing too hard leads to a break down of technique and more arm issues.
The best thing you can do is try rackets of different weights. Find the one that YOU swing most comfortably, without feeling as if you are under or over swinging. Finding the right weight and power combination can go a long way to helping ease arm discomfort. Also, having your racket strung with the right strings and tension can help with vibration as well as power and control. Stop by the store and we would be glad to help you choose the right racket, strings, and tension for your game.

What Head Size Should I Get?

"What head size should I get?"
We get asked this all the time. The answer has to do more about how you hit and how much or little power and control you are looking for from the racket.
Basically, the larger the head size, the more depth you will get on your shots with less effort. This is due to an increased trampoline effect from the larger stringbed. This is a good thing for those who don't hit the ball as hard and need that extra depth on their shots.
Players who hit the ball harder will benefit from a smaller head size with reduced trampoline effect. This gives them more consistency and added control.
The best way to determine which head size is best for you is to try several different ones and go with the size that gives you the best combination of power and control.
With the MP Tennis & Sports Demo Program, we'll be happy to help you find the head size that will have you playing your best.

How to Beat Big Hitters

You know the type. They try to kill everything hit to them. They have no idea what a lob or drop shot is. They win by hitting balls past you with all the power they can muster.

They can be beaten....if you play it smart.

If you have trouble with the big hitters the thing to understand is that you can’t let them draw you into playing their game.  Many big hitters want you to stand at the baseline and trade big swings with them. Don’t play their game.

You have to take them out of their comfort zone. Big hitters like to see the ball coming with some pace on it so they can hit it back with even more pace. Don’t give them balls they can tee off on. You will have to mix it up.

Here are some ways to get them out of their comfort zone:

• Get them off the baseline. Hit some drop shots when you can and force them toward the net. From there they will either have to come all the way in and hit a volley or backpedal to the baseline. Either way, you have moved them off their preferred spot.
• Take pace off the ball. Try to hit it deep and with less pace than they would like. You are going to force them to over swing to generate the pace they like. It also attacks their ego and will frustrate them, both of which makes them more apt to hit errors.
• Slice. This will take some pace off the ball while making the ball bounce lower. Big hitters like to see topspin, which puts the ball higher on the bounce and puts it right in there strike zone where they can hit it back with lots of power and topspin. Lower bounces will force them to hit balls in ways they won’t like.
• Spin Serves. Use spin to mix it up on your serves. This will keep them from getting comfortable and less likely to have a ball where they want it.
• Make them run. Hit to all parts of the court and make them run down balls. This will test their fitness, lengthen points and force them to hit balls on the run. Most players can not hit the ball as hard on the run as they can while having the chance to set them selves.

One thing to keep in mind about many big hitters is that they are going to win their share of points. They will hit some right by you and there won’t be much you can do.

Patience will be the key. Lengthen the points and win as many points as possible by taking them off their game. Think of the match as a marathon and chip away, winning as many points as you can by playing smart. In the end, you’ll win more matches.

How to Beat a Pusher

We have all played them, and we have all lost to them at some point. They’re like playing a human backboard.

They are the Pushers.

The reason most players don't like to play them is simple, they can't beat them. Well, if you can't beat them, why not join them...at least to a point.

The reason that the average pusher wins is by consistently getting the ball back and not committing unforced errors. They wait for you to make the error, winning the point without hitting a winner.

It's a fact; most points are won with errors, not with winners.

To win more points and matches, you must cut down on the errors and force the pusher to play more aggressive tennis, making them either hit winners or errors.

The first key is to hit the ball higher and deeper to your opponent. A tennis court is 78' long by 27' wide. That is a lot of ground to cover for your opponent if you are hitting it deep, while moving him around. If you can make your opponent hit more shots on the run, you increase the chance that they will make the unforced errors.

There are several things you can do to help you with your consistency.
1) When you are practicing, can you hit 10 in a row back? Work on being able to keep a rally going with balls hit deep.
2) Try to clear the net by at least 3' on ground strokes. This will reduce the chances of giving your opponent the point with a ball in the net.

3) Work on hitting more topspin. Hitting shots with more topspin lets you clear the net with more room and margin of error.
4) Work on hitting lobs. This is a great shot to have in your arsenal. When on the run, hitting a lob back will keep your opponent deep and allow you time to get set back up for their return.

Power is a good thing to have but is best used at the right times.

Taking a little power off of your shots will insure that more shots are hit in.

Remember, every shot hit out is a point for your opponent. Against a pusher, you are playing right into their hands by giving them free points. Take some power off your ground strokes to keep the ball in play, waiting to really crush the ball for when you really need it.

We know, against a pusher, it is tough not to hit the ball with everything you have (if even just to work out some frustration), but by keeping them deep and moving them around, you will win more points and more matches.

Maybe next time, you will beat them at their own game.

New Babolat Pure Drive Now Available

The new Babolat Pure Drive is now available!
Beyond the great new look, the Pure Drive will make those using older versions very happy.
The new Pure Drive will feature an updated string pattern for a huge sweet spot and maximum power.
It will have the same solid feel players have come to expect from Babolat's Cortex technology for optimum feel and performance.
Players will find the new Pure Drive has the same weight and balance as in the past for a familiar, yet improved feel.
The standard, 10.6 ounce version is now available with more new weights coming in early 2018.

Control...and Where to Get It

One of the most requested things we are asked for at our MP Tennis & Sports store on Dale Mabry Hwy is strings for more control.
We can help, but here's the thing, it depends on what your definition of control is.
First of all, no string is going to do anything for your right/left control. That is a function of your swing and your timing at impact. Depth is another matter.
For many, control is not hitting the ball long all of the time. If you are hitting the ball long frequently, there are several things that could be going on.

1. Not hitting enough topspin.
2. A racket that is too powerful.
3. Strings that are too lively.

We'll skip #1 for a moment and go to #2. If you are using a large, oversize headed racket, it just may be too much racket for you. Large head rackets are designed for players with weaker, shorter swings. Sure, you can put a really stiff string in it or max out the tension, but you'll never really change that the racket may not be ideal for you.
As for #1, topspin can give you much more margin for error. Topspin is a result of taking the right kind of swing. You can use a spin friendly string, but that is only going to help so much. The best thing you can do is take a few lessons with a good pro who can show you how to hit more spin the right way.
The funny thing with strings is so many of the characteristics that help with spin potential also make the string bed more lively. Playing with a string bed that is too lively will help send balls long. The better your technique is for creating topspin, the less likely you are to hit the ball long.
Now, if you hit the ball flatter, a lively string will give you little margin for error where depth is concerned. Going to a firmer string will reduce the trampoline-effect at impact and give you less depth, causing fewer shots to go long.
It is a balancing act. You don't want to go so firm that you can't hit shots deep enough. Find a string and tension that gives you enough depth on well-hit shots, with the fewest number going long. Also, a string that offers too much "control" will reduce the power of your shots, making them easier to return.
There is going to be some trial and error involved. We can show you some options that will offer the best depth control with the least sacrifice of power. Stop in and we'd be glad to help.

Bats. Try Before You Buy!

Now available at our store, our demo program includes bats!
Just stop by our Dale Mabry store and the same demo program that has helped tennis, racquetball and pickleball players find the right equipment for their games, comes to baseball and softball.
Under the program, you pay a fee that allows you to take a bat for up to a week. You can hit it and find out if it is a good fit for your swing. Not the right one, bring it back and try another. If needed, another and another, all for the one time fee.
Once you find the one you like, the demo fee is subtracted from the purchase price of the bat.
Our demo program takes the guess work out of selecting a bat. When you buy, you'll know it is the right one for you.
We're adding new models all the time, so if we don't have the DeMarini or Louisville Slugger bat your looking for, let us know and we'll give you an idea when they'll be in.
For more information on the program, give us a call at 813-961-8844