Tennis question

I'm not a very good player and I'm not in great shape, but I enjoy the game and I'd like to pick your brains on 2 questions:

1. Right now, I'm using a $20 racket from Walmart. Assuming I'm willing to pony up a few extra bucks for a better racket. What should I look for? I'm looking mainly for control and for a forgiving racket. I do not need or have the skill to use a lot of power. I'm relatively short (5'7" ) and I have smallish to medium sized hands. Any racket suggestions, say up to about $150?

2. I generally seem to start to run out of gas about an hour into the game (less time on a hot day). I know that getting in better shape would help on that front, but let's assume that's not in the cards right now. I generally don't eat much in the hours before I play and I rely on Gatorade during the game to keep my hydrated. Should I be eating something, say, a protein bar or some carbs or something before the game? If so, when?

Thanks!

Originally posted by sh76
I'm not a very good player and I'm not in great shape, but I enjoy the game and I'd like to pick your brains on 2 questions:

1. Right now, I'm using a $20 racket from Walmart. Assuming I'm willing to pony up a few extra bucks for a better racket. What should I look for? I'm looking mainly for control and for a forgiving racket. I do not need or have the skil ...[text shortened]... mething, say, a protein bar or some carbs or something before the game? If so, when?

Thanks!

Regarding your choice of rackets, I'd suggest visiting a tennis center and asking one of the teaching pro's. Those folks sometimes like to dispense advise. I wouldn't spend a penny on another racket however until you've wore out the one you have. As far as what to eat, I'd limit yourself to some water or Gatorade and 1/2 of a granola bar. As far as food goes, less is more when you're exercising.

A cool idea I found regarding tennis, is hitting the ball against a cement or brick wall if you can find one. The wall rewards accurate, consistent shots, and punishes bad one's.
The wall also make you a better player, and can get you in pretty good physical shape.

Your instincts are sound. Any sport that includes Maria Sharapova can't be all bad! 😀

Thanks both.

I've done the brick wall thing. Works great until all of your balls are on the roof. LOL.

I bought a new raquet and today's the first test.

Wish me luck. 😉

Originally posted by sh76
Thanks both.

I've done the brick wall thing. Works great until all of your balls are on the roof. LOL.

I bought a new raquet and today's the first test.

Wish me luck. 😉

Keep 'em on the run

Get a racket worth about 100buks (with a month gurantee) and hit the ball a until you get used to the sweet spot. that should take 25mins
then do the same thing with EASY top spins and easy back spin shots.
Then shout a mate a six pack who can hit the ball regurlaly bout 6 ft from the baseline for about 60 mins a day trying to focus your aim( from your sweet spot)
Do that for 3 weeks just sticking to baseline shots.
The rest is feel.(another three weeks for 4 or 5 sessions a week)