Lucien Laverdure Sport

Finding a suitable racquet

In order to reduce the risk of Tennis Elbow and to optimize your stroke efficiency, it is important to make a proper choice of racquet. Take a look at the following three animations in order to determine the type of player that you are. The table below assesses your power and provides a Lucien Laverdure rating for every racquet sold on-line. Happy shopping!

Racquet weight

HEAVIER: Will procure you more power. LIGHTER: Will procure you more handling.

Younger layers will do better with a lighter racquet. Ask about the newest state-of-the-art models combining a light feel and great stability. Indicated weight excludes stringing.

Racquet length

LONGER: Will procure you more power, especially for your serve. SHORTER: Will procure you more handling and game smoothness.

Children should calculate their ideal racquet length by holding the racquet in their hand along the side of their body; there should be no more than five centimeters between the ground and the head of the racquet.

Racquet balance

In order to avoid elbow injuries, choose a racquet balanced to your game. If you like going to the net you are most likely looking for HANDLING rather than power. Choose a racquet balanced in favor of the SHAFT. If you prefer having control of the court depth you are most likely looking for POWER. Choose a racquet balanced in favor of the HEAD. The racquet balance point is defined as the distance between the racquet’s shaft extreme and its centre of gravity (racquet must be strung).

Head size

Most players prefer a larger head size. A larger head size will favor stroke power and help better center the ball. A smaller head size, however, will offer better control.

Beam width

WIDER: Will procure you more POWER. NARROWER: Will procure you more CONTROL.

Racquet beam width is defined as the width of the racquet head as viewed from the side. It is measured in millimeters.

Racquet material

Aluminum is light, robust and cost-effective, while graphite is light and stiff. Fiberglass is light and strong, while carbon is synonymous with lightness and power.

Grip size

For optimal grip and lower tendon risk, make sure you choose the right grip size. As you hold the racquet firmly in your hand, the space between the tips of your fingers and your palm should be equivalent to the width of one finger.

There are currently 6 types of grip size on the market ranging from 4 to 4 5/8: JUNIOR: usually take a grip of 4 or 4 1/8. WOMAN: usually opt for a grip of 4 1/8 or 4 1/4. MAN: usually opt for a grip of 4 3/8 or 4 5/8.

Stringing

You should never overlook stringing. After all, one hits the ball with the strings, not the racquet. There are two main stringing characteristics: gauge and tension.

Gauge

Lower gauge: Although they provide less feeling, THICKER strings last LONGER. Beginners, who usually want stringing durability, should therefore avoid high-gauge stringing. Higher gauge: THINNER strings are FRAGILE, but they provide more FEELING and greater repulsion power. Thicker string is represented by a lower gauge, while thinner string is represented by higher gauge.

Tension

Higher tension: Basically, HIGHER string tension provides more CONTROL and less power. Lower tension: Conversely, because of its ability to strech and create a «trampoline effect» (or resilience), LOWER string tension gives more POWER, but less control.

Experienced players usually prefer low-gauge string, and high-tension stringing.