Real Tennis Players - Like You! - Asking For, and Offering, Advice on the Sport They Love
Player to Player is USTA.com’s regular feature in which everyday tennis players are given a forum to ask advice on the sport they love – and their fellow players will dish out advice. We’ll post a number of the best responses we receive to our question of the week. PLAYER TO PLAYER DOESN'T WORK WITHOUT YOUR QUESTIONS, so please send any queries you’d like answered, or responses to other players' questions, to Player@USTA.com.
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SEND YOUR TIPS TODAY This week's question from "Needs Serious Help": | | "I am a good tennis player, and I have a lot of strength and racquet head speed, but I can't seem to hit the ball very hard. I don't really know how to hit hard and keep it in. I know to use topspin, but when I do my racquet string always breaks! Can you help me?" | |
Please share your advice with "Needs Serious Help" by e-mailing Player@USTA.com and include your name and hometown.
Got a question of your own? Send that along, too! | |
READ OTHER PLAYERS' ADVICE
Last week’s question from The Mermy:
(Please note: There's no need to send additional responses to this question)"I am considering buying a Prince O3 racquet and am looking for advice from other players who have used it. Does anyone have any thoughts?"
PLAYER RESPONSES:
From Jake M.:
I've used the Prince 03 racquet and really like it. But some other racquets worth checking out are the Head FlexPoint and the Wilson nSix-One 95.
From Chip W.:
The Prince 03 is well worth the extra money. I have a Blue 03/OS with 17 ga synthetic gut. There is no vibration, and the sweet spot is generous. Power and control are both there when needed. I own a Wilson N6 OS and a Head Liquidmetal Radical OS, and the Prince is the better racquet.
Anonymous:
I have been playing with the 03 for over a year and find that it has improved my serve, allows better volleys and more control. It has reduced my power slightly but has allowed me to hit with more consistency.
From Roy M., Summerville, SC:
I have been playing with a Prince O3 Silver for about a year, and it's a great racquet. It has a high (1600) power rating, so you don't have to swing fast to develop a lot of pace. The weight at 8.8 ounces (unstrung) makes it maneuverable at the net, and it has good overall balance. You might also consider a Babolat racquet, which I have tried out recently and like.
Anonymous:
I have two of these racquets and have loved them. They give more control for doubles and are very forgiving if you don't hit the sweet spot exactly. I play tournament doubles and would not go anywhere without them!
From Mel C.:
I am a 3.5 player with a short backswing forehand and good net game. I demo’d three Prince O3 racquets before deciding on the O3 White a year ago. It was a good blend of the O3 Silver (more power than I needed) and the O3 Tour (not nearly enough power for me but very maneuverable). I've heard the new Spectrum is good, but I would suggest just demo'ing several before buying. I love my O3 White!
From Andrea S., Clearwater, FL:
In 2006, I purchased a brand new Prince O3 White racquet. I am a strong net player but desired some extra power. It felt wonderful on my arm, and I was able to hit deeper into the court, but after only a few short months of improving my game, I found I didn't need all that power. I needed more control. Originally, I had it strung for power and control, but because of the way it is designed, I was having trouble finding someone to string the racquet properly. Make sure the person you hire to string the racquet has experience with stringing this type of racquet. If not, the strings will come loose very quickly. I've given up on this racquet, and I've switched to another brand.
Anonymous:
I have the Prince 03 Shark, and I absolutely love the way it handles. There is such maneuverability with the holes at the top, and it's easy to really "snap it" when you need to. I am a female 3.0 player, but my daughter, who is a high school player, also uses it and loves it. Maria Sharapova also uses it!
From Loretta O.:
I purchased a Prince 03 Red, and I got results (for the better) right away. However, after doing some research, I discovered that the 03 Silver may be a better choice for me since I have a short, compact swing and my technique isn't up to the point that I generate my own pace. Boy! What a difference. Since using the Silver, I have more pop on my groundstrokes and spin on my serves. It's a great racquet. Good Luck!!
From Denise M.:
I currently am a 3.5 player and purchased this racquet about a year ago. I had always used an oversized Wilson racquet for years prior to buying this racquet. Very pleased with the power and maneuverability around the net.
From Roxanne, Monticello:
I have been playing with the Prince 03 Blue for about a year. It is an oversize and is really lighter than most Prince racquets. It has a power level of 1300, which seems versatile enough for me. I am a 3.0 player and play both singles and doubles. This racquet has helped me improve my groundstrokes and is a very good racquet for net play. I used a Wilson Hyper Hammer for three years and have just loved the new change and feel. I also bought a Prince 03 Silver as a back-up racquet. This one seems lighter than the blue and has a power level of 1600, so I use this one for serving. Both are great racquets. I would highly recommend these, or try using a demo before purchasing.
From Jared, Massachusetts:
Although I am only 13 years old, I love the sport of tennis and have a Prince O3 racquet. Depending on what you are looking for, there are different types of racquets and different colors. I personally have the Prince O3 Hybrid Spectrum, which is the cheapest model in a white color. I do not think that a player is made from what they use, but the Prince O3 models definitely do not hurt your game.
From Mike H., Durham, NC:
My wife bought me a Prince O3 White for Christmas. It has been the best stick I have ever had. Previously, I was using an OS Hyper Hammer by Wilson, which I loved. I had it since I started playing. I guess for sentimental reasons I had refused to change, but my daughter went out to hit with the new Prince racquet, and I was blown away at the greater control I could achieve. I was putting the ball wherever I wanted... even on mis-hits!!! Before, with the other racquet, it was very powerful, and when I would hit with it, I would hope it would go in… timing and how much racquet head speed I would use would be a constant worry. But with the new Prince racquet, I can take massive rips, and the ball lands deep (which I love), or a little more spin, and I can achieve killer angles. I can't wait until this cold winter weather lifts so I can get back to work and start tearing up my local tennis ladder!!!
From Colin C., Wilmington, NC:
I have just demo’d the new 03 Speedport Red and Blue. They hurt my forearm muscle -- so no good for me -- even with lead tape. I am a male 4.5 player, 53 years old, currently using the Head Flexpoint 4. I just saw the new 2007 model today, and it looks great. I will demo that when the local store gets one.
From Marie C., Escondido, CA:
Hi there! I demo'd four or five racquets and finally bought the O3 Blue. I love it! I would really recommend trying it first. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that much money, but after trying a Wilson, a Head and a different Prince, I knew that the O3 was worth it.
From Dave P.:
It took me a few minutes to figure out WHAT the Prince 03 reminded me of. Then it hit me… an AUTOMATIC CAR! The racquet is from out of this world. I INSTANTLY started playing better. My one-handed backhand stayed low like NEVER before. I felt control on my shots much more, and I was amazed at the technology. I have been playing for over 20 years.
*Please note that any advice given out in this forum should in no way be confused with actual medical advice. Before starting any new exercise regimen or altering your existing one, we strongly urge you to consult with your regular physician.
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