Something in your game feels off, you’re not happy with your recent results and one of your key shots isn’t working as it should. Do you need a new racquet?
The question is that most of the time you don’t, but it’s damn fun to buy one. A lot of the time, the money we spend buying new racquets and strings could have been better put to use with a coach and a few tennis lessons. But on the other hand tennis is supposed to be fun and buying new gear IS fun! Also, there is a reason that tennis players are so picky with their gear = it IS important.
But before you order a new racquet, maybe it’s time to go for a run, take a lesson, think it through and see what happens. Will you be fine with the racquet you have? Maybe you just need to add some lead tape, find a more suitable tennis string or put some blu tack in the handle (silicone is also fine, but messier)?
Maybe you still want to buy a new racquet? New is nice, new can be refreshing, but don’t expect a new racquet to bring you a completely new game. Only hard work and paying attention to your own technique and fitness does that. But if you can find a racquet that feels like a magic wand in your hand and the right string for it, then that hunt is over for the moment and you can focus on the results.
Or if you’re like me, that will work for about 3-6 months before you’re on your next racquet hunt again.
Where are you in the sometimes vicious, often fun cycle of finding a new tennis racquet for your game? Let us fellow racquetholics know. If you need any guidance, feel free to ask your question in the comment field and I’ll do my best to answer. I’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to tennis racquets…:)
Racquet buying guides
Here is a great racquet buying guide to get you started.
What tennis racquet should I buy?
Top tennis racquets to buy right now
The Gear of the Year 2016
Tennis racquets for juniors
Tennis racquets for kids