Wilson Sporting Goods Co., part of Amer Group, unveiled today the new Rally Ball, an oversized tennis ball designed to enhance the game of tennis by providing players the opportunity for longer rallies, more reaction time and greater visibility. The new Rally Ball is 6% larger in diameter than a conventional tennis ball (2.7 inches to 2.63) and features Wilson's patent-pending LiteCore technology, providing a lighter weight core for unparalleled playability. The ball is two grams lighter (56 ½ grams) than a conventional tennis ball (58 ½grams).
Wilson has worked very closely with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and United States Tennis Association (USTA) in developing and play testing the larger balls. Wilson's latest innovation follows a July 1999 amendment to the Rules of Tennis passed by ITF allowing the use of an oversized tennis ball in all levels of play. Instituted as an ITF two-year experiment, the oversized tennis ball has already been used in four Group IV Davis Cup Ties and in a variety of USTA programmes since January 1, 2000.
In addition to providing players with ultimate game improvement, the new Wilson Rally Ball will also provide more fun and exercise for ultimate game enjoyment. Extensive testing shows that when using the Rally Ball, rallies can last up to 25% longer, resulting in a better cardiovascular workout for the player. Due to the aerodynamic drag, players are allowed more time to prepare for strokes and the ball is 15% more visible for improved focus and tracking.
The Rally Ball will be available at authorised Wilson Dealers in mid to late June. The balls will be packaged in threes and available in a metal container.
For more information about the new Rally ball and Wilson's complete line of products, visit Wilson's web site www.wilsonsports.com.
AMER GROUP PLC
Communications Dept.
Marja-Leena Simola
Phone: +358 9 7257 8306
Fax +358 9 791 385
E-mail: marja-leena.simola@amer.fi
Wilson has worked very closely with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and United States Tennis Association (USTA) in developing and play testing the larger balls. Wilson's latest innovation follows a July 1999 amendment to the Rules of Tennis passed by ITF allowing the use of an oversized tennis ball in all levels of play. Instituted as an ITF two-year experiment, the oversized tennis ball has already been used in four Group IV Davis Cup Ties and in a variety of USTA programmes since January 1, 2000.
In addition to providing players with ultimate game improvement, the new Wilson Rally Ball will also provide more fun and exercise for ultimate game enjoyment. Extensive testing shows that when using the Rally Ball, rallies can last up to 25% longer, resulting in a better cardiovascular workout for the player. Due to the aerodynamic drag, players are allowed more time to prepare for strokes and the ball is 15% more visible for improved focus and tracking.
The Rally Ball will be available at authorised Wilson Dealers in mid to late June. The balls will be packaged in threes and available in a metal container.
For more information about the new Rally ball and Wilson's complete line of products, visit Wilson's web site www.wilsonsports.com.
AMER GROUP PLC
Communications Dept.
Marja-Leena Simola
Phone: +358 9 7257 8306
Fax +358 9 791 385
E-mail: marja-leena.simola@amer.fi