Racquet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A racquet (or racket) is a sports implement consisting of a handled frame with an open hoop across which a network of cord is stretched. It is used for striking a ball in such games as squash, tennis, racquetball, and badminton. Collectively, these games are known as racquet sports.
The frame was traditionally made of wood and the strings of animal intestine known as gut. Wood is still used for real tennis, racquets, and xare. Otherwise most racquets are now made of synthetic materials such as carbon fibre, titanium, ceramics or alloys. Gut has partially been replaced by synthetic materials such as nylon. Once in a while, the racket needs to be re-strung.
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[edit] Badminton
Badminton racquets are light, with top quality racquets weighing between about 75 and 100 grams (with strings). They are composed of carbon fibre composite (graphite reinforced plastic), which may be augmented by a variety of materials. Carbon fibre has an excellent strength to weight ratio, is stiff, and gives excellent kinetic energy transfer. Before the adoption of carbon fibre composite, racquets were made of light metals such as aluminium. Earlier still, racquets were made of wood. Cheap racquets are still often made of metal, but wooden racquets are no longer manufactured for the ordinary market, due to their excessive weight and cost.
There is a wide variety of racquet designs, although the racquet size and shape are limited by the Laws. Different racquets have playing characteristics that appeal to different players. The traditional oval head shape is still available, but an isometric head shape is increasingly common in new racquets.
[edit] Rackets
This predecessor to the modern game of squash is played with 30½ inch (775 mm) wooden racquets. While squash equipment has evolved in the intervening century, rackets has changed little.
[edit] Racquetball
According to the current USA Racquetball rules there are no limitations on shape or weight of a racquetball racquet.
Rule 2.4 RACQUET SPECIFICATIONS (a) The racket, including bumper guard and all solid parts of the handle, may not exceed 22 inches in length. (b) The racquet frame may be any material judged safe. (c) The racquet frame must include a cord that must be securely attached to the player's wrist. (d) The string of the racquet must be gut, monofilament, nylon, graphite, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof, and must not mark or deface the ball. (e) Using an illegal racquet will result in forfeiture of the game in progress or, if discovered between games, forfeiture of the preceding game.
Racquetball rackets, unlike many other types, generally have little or no neck; the grip connecting directly to the head. They also tend to have head shapes that are notably wider at the tip, some even verging on triangular.
[edit] Real Tennis
The 27 inch (750 mm) long racquets are made of wood and use very tight strings to cope with the heavy ball of Real Tennis. The racquet head is bent slightly to make it easier to strike balls close to the floor or in corners.
[edit] Squash
'Standard' squash rackets are governed by the rules of the game. Traditionally they were made of laminated timber (typically Ash), with a small strung area using natural 'gut' strings. After a rule change in the mid-1980s, they are now almost always made of composite materials or metals (graphite, kevlar, titanium, and/or boron) with synthetic strings. Modern rackets are 70 cm long, with a maximum strung area of 500 square centimetres (approximately 80 square inches) and a weight between 110 and 200 grams (4-7 ounces).
[edit] Tennis
Modern tennis racquets vary in length, weight, and head size. 21" to 26" is normally a junior's length, while 27" or 27.5" are for stronger and taller players. Weights of a racquet also vary between 9 ounces unstrung and 12.5 ounces unstrung. Head size also plays a role in a racquet's qualities. A larger heads size means more power, while a smaller head size has more control. Head sizes of recent racquets vary between 85 sq. inches and 137 sq. inches.
Throughout most of tennis' history, racquets were much smaller than an 85 square inch midsize racquet and were made of wood. In the mid 70s, aluminum construction allowed for the introduction of the first "oversized" racquet which was manufactured by Prince. This racquet had a head size of approximately 110 square-inches and opened the door for the introduction of racquets having other non-standard head sizes such as midsize 90 square-inches and mid-plus size 95 square-inches. The early 80s marked the introduction of composite materials and with it the popularity of the "graphite" (carbon fibre) racquet. Midsize racquets gained popularity in the mid 80s and became the standard for head size on the pro tour.
"Stretch" Models are slightly longer than their standard size counterparts in order to give additional reach for shots such as the serve and volley where shorter players are at a disadvantage.
[edit] Head Size
Power is directly related to head size - a larger head will provide more power than a smaller head, all other things being equal. A larger head also offers a larger hitting area and sweetspot, providing more forgiveness on off-center hits. Today’s racquets are offered in head sizes ranging from 85 to 135 square inches, with the most common being 95-110. These head sizes offer a compromise between power and control for many players. Generally speaking, a smaller racquet head appeals to more accomplished players seeking more control, while larger racquets appeal to beginning and intermediate players seeking more power and a larger sweetspot.
[edit] Length
Racquets are available in lengths ranging from 27-29 inches, the legal limit for tournament play. Standard racquets are 27 inches long. A longer racquet provides more reach on groundstrokes, added leverage on serves and slightly more power overall than standard length racquets, all other things being equal. For most players, switching from a standard length racquet to one that is 1/2 -1 inch longer doesn’t normally present much of a problem. Most (but not all) longer racquets are lighter than their standard-length counterparts to keep them maneuverable. As racquet length increases, so does dynamic swingweight. Simply lengthening a 27 inch racquet without reducing weight would result in a very unwieldy “club”.
[edit] Weight & Balance
These two characteristics most influence how a racquet feels when you pick it up and when you swing it on the tennis court. Some basic concepts - a heavy racquet is more powerful, more stable and transmits less shock than a lighter racquet (all other things being equal). A lighter racquet is more maneuverable and thus, a player is able to swing it faster. If this is true, won’t a lighter racquet that is swung fast generate the same power as a heavier racquet that’s swung more slowly? This question has been hotly debated ever since Wilson introduced their Hammer racquets back in 1990. Until then, racquet weights averaged 12-13 ounces and were balanced head light (or handle heavy). Wilson’s Hammer “technology” reduced overall racquet weight (10-11 ounces) but distributed more mass in the head, resulting in a head-heavy balance. The idea was to improve maneuverability without sacrificing power by keeping weight in the racquet’s hitting zone. Since then, racquet weights have steadily dropped and now we have sub-10 ounce offerings from most manufacturers.
Heavier, head-light racquets- preferred by most professional players, these racquets are often referred to as being “traditionally weighted and balanced” racquets. They typically weigh 11-13 ounces and are balanced 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches head light in order to retain maneuverability. In most cases, these racquets are also referred to as “player’s” racquets because they are generally more control-oriented and designed for players who provide their own power.
Lightweight, head-heavy racquets - several years ago, Wilson discovered it was possible to make a racquet more maneuverable without reducing weight in the head. By removing weight in the handle, the racquet was lighter overall, while still retaining mass in the upper hoop, where ball contact occurs. This was the concept behind their Hammer and Sledge Hammer designs. Several other racquet manufacturers have subsequently introduced lightweight, head-heavy (and evenly balanced) racquets. The advantages of this racquet type are increased maneuverability without sacrificing power, especially on groundstrokes. The disadvantages are less clear - some “experts” argue that reducing weight increases the amount of shock transferred to the wrist, elbow and shoulder. Some players who have switched from traditionally weighted and balanced racquets to lightweight, head-heavy models claim the racquets don’t feel “solid”. Clearly, you can’t get something for nothing. Reducing racquet weight will alter its feel - for better or for worse. Keep in mind, you can always add weight to a racquet if it’s too light. Reducing racquet weight, however, is almost impossible.
[edit] Frame Stiffness
The amount a frame deflects during ball contact directly affects its power potential. A stiffer racquet bends less, thus depleting less energy from the ball. A flexible racquet bends more, resulting in more energy loss. A common myth among players is that a flexible racquet, that bends back more, returns more power to the ball due to a catapult-effect. The ball remains on the strings for 3-5 milliseconds, much shorter than it takes a frame to recover. Consequently, a racquet frame doesn’t “return” energy to the ball, it absorbs energy - either more or less, depending on stiffness. Stiffer racquets don’t deflect as much on impact, resulting in less power drain than a flexible racquet.
Frame stiffness doesn’t only affect power though. Control and comfort are also at stake. Generally speaking, a racquet that offers more power provides less control. However, this is largely dependent on player type and ability. An advanced player may prefer a flexible racquet because he or she has a long, fast swing and provides plenty of power. A stiff racquet might be too powerful for this player, resulting in too many balls landing long. A beginning or intermediate player though, may find a stiffer racquet that doesn’t deflect as much on impact, provides better control. This may also apply to a more advanced player with short, compact strokes. To a certain point, stiffer racquets are generally less comfortable than more flexible racquets. A very stiff frame will transmit more impact shock to the wrist, elbow and shoulder than a medium stiff frame. Comfort is difficult to measure - each player has a different perception of what feels comfortable. However, players with arm and/or shoulder problems will generally benefit more from a flexible to medium-stiff frame and should likely avoid stiff or very stiff frames. A lesser known effect of frame stiffness is the amount of spin that can be generated. Generally speaking, stiffer racquets provide less spin than flexible racquets because the ball leaves the stringbed more quickly.
[edit] String Pattern
Often overlooked by many recreational players, string pattern density influences many aspects of a racquet’s overall performance and feel. When we discuss string pattern density, we refer to open and dense (or closed).
An open string pattern will deflect more on impact than a denser pattern, providing greater ball rebound. Strung at the same tension (in similar racquets) an open string pattern won’t feel as “tight” as a dense string pattern. Open string patterns also allow for more spin potential, as the ball can embed itself into the strings more, due to their wider spacing. Players seeking more spin will benefit from a more open string pattern. The price one may pay for this, though, is reduced string durability. Open string patterns allow the strings to move more freely, increasing abrasion which causes string breakage.
A denser string pattern won’t deflect as much upon ball impact, resulting in less rebound energy. More closely spaced strings will also offer less spin potential but will last longer than a similar racquet featuring a more open string pattern. Players who don’t hit with much spin and are seeking enhanced control will generally prefer racquets with denser string patterns, as will hard-hitting topspin players seeking increased string durability.
[edit] Grip/Handle Systems
As racquets become lighter and lighter, manufacturers are seeking ways to improve comfort without significantly increasing weight. Incorporating a shock and vibration dampening system in the handle is the most common method currently being used. Dunlop’s ISIS, Head’s No SHOX, Prince’s Air and Volkl's’s Sensor handle systems offer varying degrees of effectiveness in reducing frame shock and vibration. Wilson and Yonex also offer comfort systems located in the racquet shaft such as Iso-Zorb and V-Con technologies.
[edit] Xare
In this form of Basque pelota the racquet (called an Argentine racquet) is made of a hoop in hazel or chestnut wood, and is somewhat loosely strung. The ball is not exactly struck, nor is it quite caught—the effect is somewhere in between.
