The Perfect Shot (the why of shapes)
I love playing and watching tennis and I am in awe of famous players who can produce amazing shots and powerful serves for hours on end.
How do professional tennis players manage to serve at over 100mph? How can I get topspin on my shots? Does the shape and size of my racket really matter?
The key? The tennis racket! Rackets in the past were made from wood and had a smaller face but they are now larger and made of lighter material like graphite so this has allowed players to be faster and hit with more spin. A larger racket is better because the ‘sweet spot’ is bigger and it is easier for the ball to make contact with it. The ‘sweet spot’ is right in the centre of the racket. When the ball is hit here it rotates very little meaning that it gets more power giving a faster shot.
Not only is the oval shape and size of my racket/sweet spot important but also the repeating lattice pattern and shape of my strings. By changing the direction and swing of my racket I can cause my lattice of strings to grab the ball and rotate it meaning the ball will curve downward allowing me to hit it with more speed and power without hitting it in to space!
Would a round racket work? The rackets are longer than wide because the long strings have more effect on power. The racket is also slimmer and more streamlined when oval. An oval racket will also cover more area than a round one making it easier to hit the ball well.
So with the knowledge of the maths behind the shape of my racket and its sweet spot, I hope I have a winning streak!
— Myla Rose Khouly (P6)