How to Get Used to a New Tennis Racquet

A new tennis racquet can have an immense impact on your game. Different racquets can have different weights, come in different face sizes, have different grips and return balls differently than you were used to with your previous racquet. The tightness of the strings can also vary and affect your returns. Practicing with the racquet is the ideal way to break it in, familiarize yourself with the feel of it and become comfortable enough to use it in a match.

Things You'll Need

  • Tennis balls
  • Partner
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice hitting a tennis ball against the wall at varying distances. Aim for a specific spot on the wall. This helps you to judge the speed and accuracy of your serve with the new racquet.

    • 2

      Place a bucket at various places on the court and practice trying to serve the ball into the bucket. This helps enhance accuracy and also practices your serve with the new racquet, a critical part of the game.

    • 3

      Pair up with a partner and have him stand at the back of the court. Ask him to serve you balls near the net. This allows you to enhance your ability to play off the net, a type of shot that may feel differently with a new racquet.

    • 4

      Ask your partner to hit balls to your backhand so that you can practice backhand returns with the new racquet.

    • 5

      Volley with your partner. This allows you to fully get a feel for the new racquet and judge its qualities and shortcomings.

    • 6

      Monitor your grip on the racquet while you volley and practice. Adjust your grip as necessary to find the most comfortable hand positioning on the new racquet.