Season 25, Episode 84 - Shaun Boyce, Bobby Schindler, and Craig Brotman on Racket Personalization and Tennis Tech Evolution

In this fascinating episode of the GoTennis Podcast, hosts Shaun Boyce and Bobby Schindler sit down with Craig Brotman, a renowned tennis racket stringing and customization expert based in Roswell, GA. Craig shares his journey from a ranked junior player in Maryland to a key figure on the pro tennis tour, where he customizes equipment for top players like Taylor Townsend, Donald Young, and Marin Cilic. Moving to Atlanta in 1993 for its vibrant tennis scene, Craig dives into the technical side of the sport, offering a unique perspective on how rackets and strings impact performance. From debunking myths about off-the-shelf pro rackets to explaining why polyester strings harm recreational players, this episode is packed with insights on equipment’s role in preventing injuries and elevating play. Tune in to hear Craig’s stories from the tour, his take on the evolution of tennis technology, and why personalized rackets are as crucial as fitted golf clubs. Visit LetsGoTennis.com for more racket sports content and expert tips!

Like Craig, you can share your passion for tennis or racket sports! Are you an expert in the industry, have a tennis product to showcase, or support a nonprofit tied to the sport? You could be featured on one of the top tennis podcasts online. Visit https://americanracketsportsassociation.com/ and complete the podcast guest form to join us!

https://youtu.be/jLZHEsiKvsU

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• Shaun Boyce, USPTA: shaun@tennisforchildren.com | https://tennisforchildren.com/
• Bobby Schindler, USPTA: schindlerb@comcast.net | https://letsgotennis.com/windermere
• Geovanna Boyce: geovy@regeovinate.com | https://regeovinate.com/
• GoTennis Website: https://letsgotennis.com/

• Journey to Expertise: Craig shares his path from a Maryland junior player to a pro tour stringer, moving to Atlanta in the '90s to join its thriving tennis community, working with players like the Jensen brothers and Tommy Paul.
• Equipment’s Impact: Improper rackets and strings (e.g., stiff polyester at high tensions) cause arm injuries and limit performance; Craig advocates for multi-filament strings and custom setups for recreational players.
• Tech Evolution: From heavy wood rackets to light, stiff modern frames, Craig explains how changes (plus riskier strokes) increase injury risks, citing examples like the misleading Wilson Hammer 9.9 “titanium” racket.
• Pro Player Insights: Pros use customized rackets, often older models painted to look new (e.g., Nadal’s Babolat Aero, Serena’s oversized “Blade”). Tensions range from 19 lbs (Mannarino) to mid-40s on average.
• Personalization is Key: Like fitted golf clubs, rackets must match a player’s style and level. Craig watches players hit to adjust weight, balance, and strings, enhancing control and reducing strain.
• Injury Prevention: Mismatched equipment, not technique, often causes “tennis elbow.” Proper fitting can eliminate the need for medical interventions like cortisone shots.
• Club Player Focus: Recreational players benefit most from tailored gear, as lessons alone can’t overcome equipment limitations, with Craig demoing pro setups (e.g., Cilic’s US Open racket) to prove...