ABSTRACT
In 1996, the ITF caused an uproar voting to outlaw rackets over 29 inches long for professional and organized amateur play, the ITF’s contention was that these rackets would turn the game into nothing more than a fast service contest with few rallies. Many disagree arguing that the only source of serving speed in tennis isn’t the racket but rather the server’s technique and physical strength. So we decided to make a comparison of the results obtained by several groups of players, at different levels, in the performance of the first service, using several kinds of rackets. The aim was the observation of speed and accuracy, when carrying out the first service. Our intention was to determine the influence of materials, i.e. rackets, in this particular activity. We also tried to observe efficiency (number of good services in relation to the number of attempts to get them) in present day players when using the old type of rackets, since many consider they are the cause of a limitation in speed when performing the first service. Our main objectives were:
1. To analyse the speed in first service in relation to the type of racket used. 2. To analyse the speed and accuracy of the first service in relation to player level. 3. To compare several groups of players according to their level and the type of racket
used. 4. To observe the efficiency of each type of racket used. 5. To analyse the efficiency of the first service and the speed obtained with the old metal
and wood rackets by present day players.
