Customizing your Racquet

Lead Tape - how and where to apply it?

Lead tape will increase the weight of the racquet, which in turn will give it more power. Depending on where you place it, lead tape can expand the size of the sweet spot by making the head more resistant to vibration and twisting on off-center hits.

6 o' clock

Sticking tape in this position will make the racquet more stable, a bit less maneuverable, and a smidgen more powerful. And the sweet spot will be pulled down, a plus for players who tend to make contact near the throat

10 O'CLOCK AND 2 O'CLOCK

Weight placed at these two positions will increase the frame's power, significantly reduce maneuverability, add some stability to the racquet on off-center hits, and stretch the sweet spot toward the upper edges.

HANDLE

Lead tape that's placed on the handle, under the grip, will increase the racquet's weight with little effect on swing weight. This configuration best suits serve-and-volleyers who want a heavier racquet without sacrificing maneuverability.

3 O'CLOCK AND 9 O'CLOCK

This configuration is twice as nice: It expands the sweet spot toward the sides of the frame, adding stability on off-center hits, and makes the racquet considerably more powerful.

12 O'CLOCK

Applying lead tape here will give you the greatest power boost and expand the sweet spot toward the tip of the racquet. The potential downside? The racquet might feel unwieldy, especially at the net.

Courtesy of Tennis Magazine.