There are no two ways about it: Tennis players are creatures of habit. We don't like change, we don't like trying a new brand of balls, we don't want a different pair of shoes, and we certainly don't want to change rackets. If you're like me, you've likely been playing the same racket for years—in my case, 14 years with Wilson Pro Staffs. While change can be daunting, being left in the dust is a far greater concern.
Anyways, you've concluded that you are ready to demo some new sticks. Let's go over some factors to consider when making the change. Throughout this post, I will use my Pro Staff situation as an example.
What is your current setup missing?
For me, nothing feels quite as good as a Pro Staff. It is also, a very control-oriented racket. The Roger endorsement never hurt as well. However, when playing with bigger ball strikers, I always felt outgunned. I would see Pure Drives, Ezones, and many other power rackets bomb me off the court. I knew I needed something that could give me a bit more free depth, more pace, and more spin.
I have always been an accurate player, and I always played rackets that helped emphasize that part of my game. But maybe I have been looking at it the wrong way from the start. I have always bought rackets based on my strengths as a player and not my weaknesses. Perhaps it should be the other way around. All roads were pointing to 100 square inches.
How are you losing matches?
The biggest thing I felt my PS lacked was forgiveness. When I struck it well, nothing felt better. However, off-center shots were punished with balls landing inside the T line. This is problematic as we all know. Again, 100 square inches would solve that problem.
Be prepared to struggle at first.
You have made your choice, you pulled the trigger and got the new racket. You are hitting with it and things are not going well. You are missing balls you have never missed, you are dumping forehands into the bottom of the net; part of you wants to take out old reliable and just call it a day.
Don't! Give yourself time to adjust. It is a new racket, new materials, new technologies - it won't be an overnight success. Give yourself a few weeks at the bare minimum to get the hang of the new launch angle and feel.
Injuries
Probably the biggest reason for my change. I tried every string but I had to come to terms with the fact that the PS was too tough on my wrist at this point. A 100 sq. inch racket will be able to spread the impact out more efficiently and give me an opportunity to play pain-free tennis.
Conclusion
Changing rackets is not an easy thing to do, look no further than Sir. Andy However, it is crucial to give yourself the time it takes to acclimatize to the new stick, don't beat yourself up if you haven't dialed it in after the first hit.
