With many brands of tennis rackets and models on the market, finding the perfect fit is a daunting task for beginner athletes. Junior and Varsity Girls Tennis player Zoe Laruelle says the type of tennis rackets players use make a noticeable difference in player performance. According to Laurelle, the racket model, along with the strings used, can affect the feel of the racket, the ability to put spin on the ball and the accuracy of each hit.
“One time, I forgot my tennis bag at home and I had to use my sister’s racket for a match,” Laruelle said. “It was awful, because I felt really out of place, and I wouldn’t hit the balls right. They wouldn’t go to the spot I wanted.”
Laruelle says that it is important to find a racket that suits one’s playstyle. This year, after she realized a new racket would benefit her, she tried out many different models before finding one that she resonated with.
“I had a Babolat model for a few years, and then my coach said that it was not working,” Laruelle said. “We started trying new ones, and this one really worked. I wanted to actually start utilizing my power, and I think the Blade specifically for me felt really clean.”
Junior and Varsity Boys Soccer player Horton Zhu also believes that cleats can make a difference in soccer, albeit mostly at higher levels of competition. According to Zhu, different types of outsoles of cleats perform best on different surfaces — for example, cleats with shorter studs are better on turf, where MVHS games are played. Zhu also thinks the slight differences in cleat materials can affect performance when running and kicking the ball.
“In soccer, you’ve got to change direction a lot,” Zhu said. “When you’re running and you change direction, your feet rub against the sole of your shoe, so nice soles are important. On top of that, if the width of the shoe is a lot, you won’t have a good touch on the ball, which is why the most expensive cleats have a thin but durable material.”
Similarly in tennis, there is a focus on what rackets players use, according to Laruelle. Despite it being possible to perform at high levels using a more affordable racket, she believes there is a tangible difference in feeling and performance offered by a more premium model. She notes that many may not have access to higher quality rackets, and feels that this may discourage beginner tennis players.
On the other hand, Head Varsity Baseball Coach Shawn Voigt believes that consistent practice makes a bigger difference than the bat the player owns. In order to improve accessibility to the sport, players are offered team bats. However, Voigt encourages students to buy their own mid-range bats so they can use them outside of practice.
“I don’t recommend buying the top-of-the-line bats,” Voigt said. “I think working on your technique goes a lot further. Consistency in your swing and consistent body motion does a lot more than having an expensive bat.”
Likewise, Zhu believes that the benefits offered by more expensive cleats are marginal at best, and players simply need cleats that feel comfortable in order to perform well in-game. For example, Zhu says that while trying on various pairs of cleats, he focused on those with a large toe box due to his wide feet. He eventually found a pair that fit him well at an affordable price, which he currently uses in-game.
“There’s always a place to find affordable cleats,” Zhu said. “It might not be the easiest, but I don’t think buying a favorite pair of cleats has to be necessarily expensive. If all you are looking for is a good fitting pair of cleats and nothing else, not looks, not materials, or anything, you can definitely find an affordable pair.”
