My dad used to tell me all the time that in order to do a good job you need the right tools. I wholeheartedly agree. Yet I also think the same thing applies to my leisure time; most notably my time on the squash court. Like any sport, finding the perfect equipment is the difference between going home a winner and perpetually being a loser. I first learned this on the golf course and then later translated it to the squash court.
Rio Squash Clube by Imagem Compartilhada
For me, the one area where this is most important is my racquet. I’ve discovered that if I’m not comfortable with it I might just as well be carrying a hockey stick. So how do I know when I’ve found the perfect squash racquet? Read on and I’ll tell you.
Manufacturer
When I buy a new racquet there are certain things I look for. If I don’t find it the first time out, I go shopping again. In fact, I will keep looking until I find exactly what I’m after no matter how long it takes. As for my criteria, the first thing I look at is the manufacturer.
My personal favorites are Xenon and Head. Racquets from these two manufacturers are kind of pricey, so sometimes I’ll have to settle for a Dunlop if I don’t have the money. Personally, I stay away from manufacturers like Nano, Black Knight, and generics that you might find under the K-mart Blue Light Special. Again, these are just my preferences. You may have your own.
Racquet Weight
Squash Racquets by Whats all the Racquet
The next thing I look at is the weight of the racquet. Weight is especially important to me because I have arthritis in my shoulders, elbows, and wrists. For me it’s a pain issue. On the other hand, I have friends who don’t have arthritis issues but prefer a lighter weight because it gives them more control over their shots. At the end of the day, if your racquet is so heavy that it wears you out after just one or two games, it’s probably not the perfect racquet for you.
One way that I gauge racquet weight is to swing it a half dozen times using both arms. I’m right-handed, so my right arm will obviously be stronger. But if I can swing it effectively with both arms and not feel the burn in the left one, the weight is probably okay. If my left arm does burn it’s quite likely that my right arm will tire out very quickly while on the court.
Racquet Balance
Along with weight is the balance factor. You’d be surprised how much difference there is in balance from one racquet to the next. Some racquets are heavier in the handle than the head, and vice versa. The problem is a poorly balanced racquet is very similar to a poorly balanced golf club. It will interfere with your swing and not allow you to control your shots as accurately as you would like.
I check the balance by laying the racquet across the side of my wrist, about halfway up the handle. If it remains flat on my wrist then it’s properly balanced for me. If I have to move the head closer to the wrist then it’s too heavy on that end, and vice versa. If there is excess weight, I prefer it be in the head rather than the handle, but it shouldn’t be enough where I have to move the racquet all the way to my wrist to keep it balanced.
Racquet Grip
Lastly is the racquet grip. Again, just like a golf club, if you’re forced to grip your racquet too
Squash Racquet by Videjug
tightly or unnaturally, it will drastically affect your swing and control. In other words, you should never hold your racquet with a death grip. It should fit comfortably and easily in your hand so that you can hold it with about the same amount of effort you would use to pick up a drinking glass.
If you find a racquet that you love, yet the grip isn’t right, it’s no big deal. Grips can be replaced or modified to fit your hand as needed. Your local sports store or pro shop should be equipped to make the necessary changes for you.
Once you find the racquet that’s perfect for you be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions and take care of it properly. I know my perfect racquet is going to cost me more than $30, so I’m going to treat it appropriately. Try to avoid things like leaving it in the car for extended periods of time, forcing it into an already full gym bag, or using it for any purpose other than that for which it was intended. If you take care of your racquet, it will take care of you.
