Have you ever had a precise question about tennis that you weren’t sure where to find an answer from? You looked it up on Google but it wasn’t specific, or customized enough? Here at Tennis Express, we’ve started our ‘Ask An Expert’ segment solely dedicated to those detailed questions, so our expert playtesters can offer you the insight you need to sharpen your game. Whether you’re looking for gear recommendations, or tips to improve your technique, our experts are here to help. Head on over to the “Ask an Expert” form to send in your query!
To the questions we received this week, here’s what the Tennis Express experts had to say:
1. Hi, I’ve been using Yonex rackets for years and currently use the RDIS 100 93″ Version. Which would you recommend for an aggressive baseliner with a heavy topspin forehand and single backhand? I’m looking at the V Core 95 or the V Core 97 HD. Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thank you!
– Bobby Dynes.
Out of the newest line of Yonex racquets, the most comparable to the RDIS 100 93-inch model is the VCore 95, VCore Pro 97 330g or VCore Pro 97HD. While all three options are good ones consider this: you need to decide if you want a little more power or control.
The VCore 95 offers more power and spin out of these three frames. The VCore Pro 97 330g and VCore Pro 97HD have flat thin beams that offer more control and stability. However, the VCore Pro 97HD will be the least powerful out of these frames since it features an 18 x 20 string pattern. We would encourage you to demo all three racquets with our Tennis Express Demo Program so you can find the right one.
2. What tennis shoes are best for pain on the bottom of the foot as well as anterior synovial impingement?
– Justin.
If you’re suffering from pain on the bottom of your foot and near the ankle, the best thing you can do is find a shoe that has more midsole cushioning for support. Also we would encourage you to wear an ankle brace on the foot that bothers you the most. This will help alleviate some of the strain you have and minimize the ankles’ movement. Some great tennis shoes that have high level midsole cushioning and support are listed below.
We would also highly recommend reaching out to a medical expert for pain alleviation.
3. What’s the difference between an open or closed racket face at the contact point on a backhand slice?
– Christian.
The backhand slice is a more technical shot that takes a little more practice to master. The best way to master this though is thinking of your volley with a slightly longer swing. You’ll want to have a slightly open racquet face for your slice, but you don’t want to open it too much as it will make the ball go high. Just think, the more you open your racquet face the more the ball will go up, and the more you close your racquet face the more the ball will stay down.
Times when you really want an open racquet face will be for drop shots or defensive slices when you’re on the run. For a more offensive slice where you can attack like Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, closing the racquet face is more effective.
Above is Rafael Nadal in action against Andy Murray during the semi-final match of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on January 2, 2015 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
That’s all for today, but feel free to keep submitting your questions to our “Ask an Expert” form and well get back to as quickly as possible. Thanks for sharing!
Expert Playtester Chris Virk-Brown:
Chris currently works at Tennis Express on the Content Marketing team. He previously played at Neumann University and coached at the collegiate level for 3 years. He is USPTA Certified and is an active USTA League and Tournament player at the 4.5+ level. He really wants Gael Monfils or Jo-Wilfred Tsonga to win a grand slam.
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