Racquet Sweetspot
Simply put, the area of a strung racquet that provides the greatest energy return (power) and accuracy with the least amount of shock or vibration. There are actually 3 sweetspots: Sweetspot 1 is the Center of Percussion (COP) and offers the least amount of initial shock to the hand when struck. Shock is generally accepted as being potentially most harmful to player’s arms. Sweetspot 2 is the Nodal Point (or Node) and produces the least amount of vibration when struck. Frame vibration is what players feel after ball contact (lingering, low-level oscillation) in certain (generally more flexible) racquets. While uncomfortable, frame vibration doesn’t pose the same injury risk that frame shock does and can be effectively reduced with handle systems, such as Prince’s Air+ Comfort Handle (found on their More racquet line) or Head’s ShockStop Technology. Sweetspot 3 is the area of Maximum Coefficient of Restitution, or a racquet’s power. It is the lowest of the 3 sweetspots. Location of sweetspot is determined by several factors, including racquet weight, balance, length, headsize and string tension.