Do you need a power racket or a control racket if you like to hit the ball hard?

Question

I'm confused about what control rackets do for you, as opposed to power rackets. I'm assuming control rackets give you better control, but why does anyone need power when they can hit the ball however hard they need? Do you need a power racket or a control racket if you like to hit the ball hard?

Answer 1

Well, control rackets are designed to give the feel of the ball, the "good" vibrations and shocks that make it feel like you are grabbing the ball. Power rackets give you an easier or an advantage to hit the ball to make it go at a faster rate. Control rackets will give you control but will be slower then if you had a power racket so you will have to put even more effort/power to make it go as fast as a racket designed for power. Power rackets can be controlled if you really train with it but it is kind of harder since more power makes it unstable and harder to control. I would say a power racket is for hitting the ball hard but you can hit the ball hard too with a control racket but its you need more effort to with the control racket.

Answer 2

Andy Roddick likes to hit the ball hard and he has a Babolat Pure Drive, which has a head size of 100 sq. inches and is pretty powerful. Agassi had a 107 sq. in Head Radical which is pretty big in head size and can deliver a lot more power than say a 95 sq. inch head. Meanwhile, Sampras played his entire career with an 85 sq. inch Wilson Pro Staff, which is pretty much a graphite version of a wood racket.

so to answer your question...typically, the rule of thumb is that you should go with a control racket if you hit hard. But there is no subsititute for good form and timing.

also...look at what style your game is. if you are a baseliner like Nadal or Agassi, and dont like to come to net much...then maybe a stiffer racket would be fine. But if you come to net a lot and need more softness with a racket, than look towards a control oriented racket.

Answer 3

I would buy a controll racket. If you can hit the ball hard you have part of the equation down, but if you can't controll the ball, you can't win. Often in tennis you need to place the ball in certain places so your opponent can't hit it. For me controll is better than hitting the ball hard. I can also hit the ball hard and I sucked without controll.

Answer 4

actually controll rackets r better cuz they give u control and power as well if u hit hard, but power rackets give u power without control

Answer 5

I guess if you want a power game, check out what the Williams sisters use. Obviously their games are more on power than control.

I think power rackets are those indicated in the swing index from short to medium swings which is about 10 lbs or less.

I'm not sure about the facts, just from what i've heard and read.

Answer 6

It depends on the level of play and your fitness level, your skill level, style of play, type of grip, type of stroke and even your body type. Tennis warehouse is a great place to look at what kind of racket you need and the best fits where you are and where you want to go.

And once you find a racket then you need to find strings, Kevlar, poly, hybrid, Cynthy or gut. or a combination.

It takes alto to find the right tool for the job.

Charlie Reid
US TA and PTR certified Developmental Coach

Answer 7

you'd need a control racket because you already have power.

putting too much power would go out all the time. you'd have less directional control.

:) aloha!

Answer 8

agree... buy a control racquet... then you can whack all you want...

look for the lighter wan... if you are currently using a heavier racquet...you'll have more control when you switch to a lighter racquet..