Young people all throughout Asia and some of Europe love to play badminton. It’s a lot of fun, period, to have a fast-paced interaction. Yet, forethought and readiness are prerequisites. All the action revolves around the badminton racket.
Tennis, a game of agility and skill, is deeply intertwined with the equipment that players use. At the forefront of this equipment is the tennis racket. This article will shed light on the different parts of the racket, its terminologies, and the grips that players use.
The racket, a fundamental instrument in various sports, has evolved dramatically over the centuries. But what are its key features? How has it adapted to different sports? Let’s delve into the captivating realm of rackets, exploring their features, types, and essential terminologies.
Contents
What Are the Parts of a Racquet
The badminton racket, or racquet as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) prefers to call it, is a lightweight, easy-to-maneuver piece of equipment.
Professional badminton players must use rackets of a certain stipulated length and breadth, despite the fact that badminton rackets come in a wide variety of lengths and sizes for usage by youngsters, adults, and recreational players.
Hence, let’s check out the BWF’s requirements. The stringing, the head, the throat, the shaft, and the handle are the five main components of a badminton racket. A frame is a whole racket. The maximum length for the frame is 680mm, and the maximum width is 230mm.
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Space with Strings
The netting section of a badminton racket where the shuttlecock will be struck is called the “stringed area,” and the name pretty well says it all. According to BWF regulations, the strung area must be flat, and the cross strings must be alternately interwoven at each intersection.
It is recommended that the string pattern be consistent and not thick everywhere, as more string means less string strain. String shouldn’t be wider than 220mm and no more than 280mm in total length.
“The Head”
The head of the badminton racket is the perimeter of the strung area. Currently, the most common form for the head is an oval, which is utilised by professionals who like a bit more oomph when they hit the ball.
The ‘isometric head,’ on the other hand, refers to a racket that is wider at the top. The larger “sweet spot” (the portion of the racket that makes the best contact with the shuttle) gives players additional opportunities to make solid contact with the ball.
This, however, is more common among badminton beginners than among the game’s professionals.
The Pharynx
The racket’s frame serves as a solid foundation for the head and a connection point between the shaft and the head. Some badminton rackets don’t use this, instead joining the head and shaft together.
Rackets without a throat allow for more strung surface. However, the expanded limit can be as wide as 35 mm, and it should be checked that the total strung area is not longer than 330 mm.
As for the Shaft
The shaft of a badminton racket connects the handle to the head, also known as the throat. The length and diameter of the shaft are not specified.
The Handle
The handle, the component of the racket that the player actually holds, is crucial. A professional player’s performance on any given day might be determined by how easy or difficult they find it to grasp the racket’s handle.
Each player can adjust the length and width of the handle to their liking. Apart from these, the BWF laws state that the racket should not have any attached objects and protrusions other than to prevent wear and tear of the racket, for example by applying short tape to the stringed area, to distribute weight, or to secure the handle by a cord to the player’s hand, provided that such measures are reasonably sized and placed.
The badminton racket must have a consistent, elongated shape and may not have any attachments that alter its dimensions.
What are the Parts of the Racket?
A tennis racket comprises several parts:
- Head: The oval-shaped part where strings create a mesh. This is where the ball is struck.
- Strings: Crisscrossed materials, often made of synthetic or natural gut, stretched across the head.
- Frame: The combination of the head and the throat.
- Throat: Connects the head to the handle.
- Handle or Grip: The part players hold.
- Butt Cap: The very end of the handle.
What is the Top Part of a Tennis Racket Called?
The top of the tennis racket is referred to as the “head.” It’s where the primary action happens, as players strike the ball using this section.
Racquet or Racket: Which is Correct?
Both “racquet” and “racket” are correct and can be used interchangeably. Historically, “racquet” was the more common term, but today, especially in American English, “racket” is prevalent.
Other Names for the Racket
Besides “racket” or “racquet,” there aren’t many alternative names. However, based on its construction and design, you might hear terms like “open-throated” or “closed-throated” referring to the design of the racket’s throat.
The Bottom Part of the Racket
The bottom of the racket is commonly referred to as the “handle” or “grip.” At the very end, you’ll find the “butt cap,” which often features the racket brand’s logo.
What is a Racquet Grommet?
A grommet is a small, ring-like piece made of plastic that lines the holes where the strings pass through the racket’s frame. They protect strings from wear and tear, prolonging their life and preventing them from cutting into the frame.
The Main Grips to Hold Your Racket
There are various grips in tennis, each offering unique advantages:
- Eastern Forehand Grip: Hold the racket as if shaking hands. Used mainly for forehands.
- Western Forehand Grip: Turn your hand further around the grip, providing more topspin.
- Continental Grip: Often called the “hammer grip.” Versatile, used for serves, volleys, and backhands.
- Eastern Backhand Grip: For one-handed backhands. The base knuckle rests on the top bevel.
- Two-Handed Backhand Grip: The dominant hand uses the Continental grip while the non-dominant hand uses an Eastern forehand grip.
The Overgrip in Tennis
An overgrip is a soft, absorbent tape wrapped around the original grip of the racket. It enhances comfort, reduces sweat impact, and can slightly increase the grip’s size. Regularly changing the overgrip helps maintain an optimum feel and prevents the racket from slipping during intense play.
Features of a Racket
A racket comprises several distinct components:
- Head: The primary area where the ball or shuttlecock is struck.
- Strings: Interlaced materials, usually synthetic or natural gut, creating a mesh across the head.
- Frame: Includes the head, shaft, and throat of the racket.
- Handle/Grip: The section players hold while playing.
- Throat: Connects the racket head to the handle.
How Many Types of Racquets Are There?
While there are numerous variations based on player preference and emerging technology, the primary racket types correlate to the sport they’re used in: tennis, badminton, squash, racquetball, and table tennis, to name a few.
Names of the 5 Racket Sports
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Squash
- Table Tennis (Ping Pong)
- Racquetball
The First Racket Sport
Historically, the first racket sport was “Real Tennis,” originating in France during the medieval period. It was the precursor to modern lawn tennis and was played by royalty.
Understanding Racquet Size
Racket size often refers to the head size or playing area. For instance, tennis rackets range from midsize (80-95 square inches) to oversize (110+ square inches). Badminton and squash rackets, on the other hand, have standardized sizes as per their respective sport’s regulations.
How Many Holes Does a Racket Have?
The number of holes, or string holes, in a racket varies based on the sport and design. A standard tennis racket has between 16-18 vertical (main) strings and 19-20 horizontal (cross) strings, resulting in approximately 60-80 holes. Badminton rackets can have upwards of 80 holes, depending on the string pattern.
Symbols in Racket
In the context of the “Racket” programming language, symbols are immutable, unique values often used as identifiers. They’re akin to strings but are more efficient for certain operations in the language.
Principle of Racket
If we’re referring to the “Racket” programming language, its principle revolves around being a general-purpose, multi-paradigm programming language. It’s a part of the Lisp-Scheme family, emphasizing functional programming principles.
Rubber Grip in Badminton
The rubber grip in badminton enhances the racket handle’s feel and provides a non-slip surface for players, ensuring better control and comfort. It can be an overgrip (wrapped over the original grip) or a replacement grip (replaces the original grip).
What is a High-Tension Racket?
High-tension rackets refer to those strung at a higher tension. In badminton, for instance, a racket strung above 28lbs is considered high-tension. Such rackets offer more control, but they demand a more accurate stroke and can be less durable.
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Conclusion
The tennis racket, with its unique design and various components, is an evolution of centuries of sports engineering. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding your racket is the first step to mastering the game.
This knowledge can also influence purchase decisions, ensuring you get the most suitable racket for your style and needs. Rackets, across various sports, have intricate designs and principles that cater to specific gameplay needs.
Whether you’re an enthusiast or a professional, understanding your racket’s nuances can greatly influence your performance and the overall enjoyment of the game.
