Hi, I recently broken my very old Yonex Isometric 100, so head off to the shops for something new. I've ended buying a Yonex MP 45 for the simple reason that the strings seemed good and it felt ok when I swung it around in the shop (not very scientific I know). When I got it home the first thing I noticed was that it was 1-2cm longer than my old racket. Before I take all the wrapping off and it's too late to return it, please can somebody advise me of the pros and cons of a longer racket? I am mostly concerned because I am only 5ft tall, so will playing with a longer racket mean I can reach more, or be too big for me? I am also worried that it might make serving harder (an area in which I already lack finesse). Any comments will be much appreciated. Thanks
The pro for a longer racket is longer reach, the the general con is you might have a bit trouble to defend "close body" shots. However, if you can change your grip effectly, it will be settle for very minimal. As it's a new racket, it may take a few sessions for you to get comfortable. if you having trouble with the backhand serve, try to choke the handle a bit more toward the cone, as it will help with your control. Many female / junior players in my local clubs are around your height (or even shorter). I don't see they ever having too much concern about using "longer" rackets.
Yeah, my wife (5'1") feel fine when when she switch from my old AR80 (regular length, now retired) to NS8000. I just told her to hold the racquet a little higher up on the handle.
