Do most pro tennis players use lead tape on their racquets?

Question

I know that the frames are not very big and they usually are strung more tightly than recommended. However, they pros still generate a lot of pace. Is the tape the key?

Answer 1

While most pros modify their racquets with lead tape, their power is a result of their timing and technique that comes with years of practice. Tape helps a little, but it's not that big of a factor.

Answer 2

The top players play with hand made rackets built specifically for their game and needs. The rackets that most of them have already weigh in at over 13 ounces. I can't believe for an instant that Andy Roddick is using and off-the-shelf racket AND the average player would be crazy to believe that if they had a racket built for top tour play they could play like that. The rackets the Pros use are much much more of a control racket than what john Q gets and John Q probably couldn't get a ball up to the net with one much less over it.

Since you don't have access to the tournement rackets, lead can help make the racket heavier... but heavier requires more strength. If you look at the pros their dominating arm is freakish in size compared to the other. More weight does transmit more energy into the ball...simple physics. But if you can't generate the speed in the racket head the advantage is lost. Park players in most cases just hit the ball and they need equipment that matches it. The pros seldom 'just hit the ball'.

So if you add weight step up and hit harder or the advantage of doing it is lost. Hit hard without it and you may not be able to control where the ball goes. It is critical for players who are trying to improve their game and working on power, after mastering depth and placement, that you adopt a racket that has more control and offers LESS power. Adding weight, tighter string tension improve control but you can also buy rackets and string that already offer technology to help control your shots. If you own a 'power' racket and you try to hit the ball hard the ball will fly out even when you hit correctly. It has held players back in that area more than any other factor.