How To Test Your Balls
My engineer brain took one look at the ITF ball specification table and all the “WTF” synapses simultaneously fired off. Fortunately, the ITF provides a very detailed description of the testing process.
The Great Babolat Ball Controversy of 2011
No discussion of the ITF rules and standards for the tennis ball can be complete without discussing the hubbub surrounding the controversial introduction of a new ball at the French Open in 2011.
How to Make a Tennis Ball
My engineer brain is fascinated with how things are made. The process for manufacturing tennis balls is complex to the point that I was astonishedRead More
Bouncing Down a Tennis Ball Manufacturing Rabbit Trail
If you give an engineer some data in tabular form, she will probably put it into a spreadsheet and plunge into statistical analysis.
It Takes a Lot of Balls
Did you know that there are 4 types of balls approved for 78 foot court play?
2 responsesIs this a Permanent Fixture?
If your matches are anything like mine, any time the ball clips the post or any equipment close to the post, someone inevitably asks theRead More
Friend at Court 2020, It’s About Time
The 2020 Friend at Court is out and contains a surprising new rule.
Extra! Extra! What are all those additional lines on my court?
Have you ever played on a court with so many lines that resembled a Scottish Tartan plaid and wondered if it was even legal for play?
Let those Singles Sticks Go
I am developing a love of the USTA comments because it is my belief that every one of these originated with something that happened inRead More
Five, Six, Pick up (the Singles) Sticks
Returning my attention briefly back to the singles sticks, I am becoming obsessed with the idea that singles sticks should be something that should beRead More