Tennis, Badminton & Squash | Sports & Leisure Classifieds

A suitable racquet and shoes are essential for tennis, squash and badminton. Other accessories such as balls, shuttlecocks and clothing, can be purchased inexpensively from local sports shops, or if necessary, from online websites.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TENNIS RACQUET

Some Considerations for Beginners

Head Size
The bigger the head, the more power you can generate. The chances of hitting the sweet spot will increase because it is simply larger. These are the reasons why an oversized racquet makes sense for a beginner.

Weight
A feather-light tennis racquet can stress your arm more than a heavier one. You'll have to swing harder to achieve the power you got with a heavier racquet. A hard swing will probably lead to reduced accuracy and control. Think twice before you buy a light racquet if you're used a heavier one.

Weight Distribution
Some racquets are lighter, yet have heavier heads, the idea being to enhance power and spin. However, more power tends leads to less control. You may find it more difficult to manoeuvre, because its weight rests more in its head. If your swing is short, generating little power, you might consider one of these racquets. However, the lighter weight will mean that more shock is absorbed by your arm and wrist that over time can lead to joint pain. If your racquet is light in the head, it's good for your arm. The racquet as a whole is heavier and will not pass as much shock along your arm. You'll enjoy greater manoeuvrability, enhanced net-play and recovery. If power is an issue, then don't buy a light-headed racquet.

Flexibility
The "flexibility" of racquets helps you determine which to buy. Head-heavy racquets are usually stiffer, which also adds to your power. However, this stiffness will detract from control. If you are a beginner who needs power, and don't have much in your swing, then this racquet can be useful. However, keep in mind that stiffness can cause arm discomfort.

TENNIS SHOES

Hard Courts
Tennis players who spend the majority of the time on hard court surfaces should select tennis shoes that are durable and wear-resistant. Repeated play on concrete will gradually wear the tread off the soles. This will lead to increased slipping. The part of the shoe that covering the big toe should have added protection on the outside. While serving, tennis players drag their toes. This also occurs when executing forehand ground strokes.

Clay Courts
Those who regularly play tennis on clay courts would be advised to select tennis shoes with superior traction. It is also important that the shoe have a flat, smooth sole. The bumps typically located on the soles of running training shoes can harm the court surface.

Perfectly fitting shoes, offering additional padding help avoid blisters. Larger, heavier players will prefer shoes providing extra support. Technological advances have created special cushioning and moisture removal systems that do not add much additional weight. Thus, players will not be sacrificing much in the way of speed and agility.

SQUASH

HOW TO CHOOSE A SQUASH RACQUET
The variables to consider in purchasing a new squash racquet are very similar to those for tennis, namely head size and shape, along with racquet weight, balance and flexibility.

Head Size & Shape
Racquet manufacturers experiment with different racquet heads and market the results of their experimentation. In general, larger racquet heads give you a greater margin for error and additional power.

Weight
Players selecting lighter racquets tend to be skilled players, juniors and women. A lighter racquet lets the player "feel" the ball as he hits it. This gives the beginner an impression of control. However, they will have difficulty with the necessary accuracy required to use a light racquet. A lighter racquet requires the player to add his/her own strength to put power into a shot, because the racquet generates less momentum. Therefore, though juniors and women often select very light racquets, this is sometimes a mistake, since it can make it more difficult to impart speed and direction on the ball.

Balance
Racquets vary substantially with regard to centre of balance. This can be established by trying out racquets on court. It is usually fairly easy to feel when the racquet has "bad balance," i.e. if it is head-heavy or head-light. A racquet that feels heavy is usually head-heavy. The balance varies from one racquet to another within a model line.

Flexibility
Racquets vary totally with regard to their "whippiness." Try out racquets with different degrees of give and see how your shots perform. The best racquet will depend on your style of play and level of expertise. If you can control it, a stiffer racquet is usually superior for both shot-making and power. Racquet stiffness, though, in the final anaysis is totally a question of personal style.

SQUASH SHOES
All squash players occasionally suffer with sore feet. If in doubt, seek medical attention from your GP, a chiropodist or podiatrist. Warm up before you begin playing flat out. Use specialist squash shoes, rather than general purpose trainers. Make sure the squash shoes fit comfortably. If they are too tight, graze your toes, or just don't support your arch or ankles, then get some ones.

BADMINTON

HOW TO CHOOSE A BADMINTON RACQUET
A badminton racquet can also be categorized by shape, weight and balance.

Head Size & Shape
Virtually all badminton racquets are made of carbon fibre or graphite. Badminton racquets comes in two major head shapes: oval and isometric. Oval is the traditional shape. It is a slightly "bottom heavy" oval, almost egg-shaped. Oval racquets have a small but more concentrated sweet spot. The Isometric shape has a wider and more squared top half of the head. The advantage of the isometric is an enlarged sweetspot, giving off-centre hits a better response.

Weight
As with tennis and squash, the weight determines how fast one can swing. The lighter a racquet, the faster one can swing it with the same force. In general, a lighter racquet is more manoeuvrable than a heavy one. However, a light racquet is less stable than a heavier racquet, more force being necessary to keep it on line. Furthermore, a heavier racquet has a larger momentum and is thus more effective in transferring its power to the shuttle.

Balance
The final racquet characteristic is its balance. Head balanced racquets have more mass near the head of the racquet. A head balanced racquet is more stable, contrasting with an even balanced racquet, which is more manoeuvrable.

BADMINTON SHOES
Ideally, shoes should have a thin but well supported sole, with good lateral support, keeping the player's feet close to the ground. This allows for fast directional changes with lower chance of injury. Surface hugging, gummy soles grip the indoor surface without slipping. Pick your badminton shoes with care. Make sure you choose a pair that fits the shape of your feet and are thus the most comfortable