The Farm & Forge Podcast

Are College Players Using the Wrong Racquets? | A Conversation with Roman Prokes — Ep. #6

Are College Tennis Players Using the Wrong Racquets? In Episode #6, we sit down with racquet customization expert Roman Prokes of RPNY @ Farm & Forge to discuss one of the most overlooked factors in college player performance: equipment. From incoming recruits arriving with vastly different racquet setups to the challenges coaches face supporting an entire roster, we explore how proper customization can impact performance, confidence, and even injury prevention. Roman shares common equipment mistakes he sees among college players, explains why "pro setups" are not always the right choice, and breaks down how coaches can create a more consistent equipment strategy across their teams. We also discuss the role of racquet testing, string selection, manufacturer relationships, and the competitive advantages that come from having players properly dialed in. Whether you're a college coach, player, parent, or gear enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insight into an often-overlooked part of the game. 00:00 Intro 00:30 Why Equipment Holds Teams Back 02:59 The Mistakes College Players Keep Making 04:17 How Top Programs Gain an Edge 06:47 What Sponsors Don't Tell You 07:45 Behind the Scenes with Racquet Brands 12:02 The Advantage Most Teams Miss

Racquet Customization | A Conversation with Roman Prokes — Ep. #5

What does racquet customization actually mean—and who is it for? In Episode #5, we sit down with Roman Prokes of RPNY @ Farm & Forge for a conversation on racquet customization: what it is, why it matters, and how even small adjustments can completely change the way a racquet feels and performs. Roman breaks down the many layers of customization—from weight, balance, swing weight, grip size, grip shape, and string setup to matching multiple frames so they play identically. He also shares how customization differs from player to player, common misconceptions around racquet specs, and what players are often most surprised to learn when they see the numbers behind their racquet. Whether you're a competitive player looking for more precision, someone searching for the right setup, or simply curious about what goes into building a racquet around an athlete, this episode offers an inside look at the details that can make all the difference. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations on tennis performance, equipment, and player development. ⁠#ForgeIn [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/forgein] ⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/forgein]0:00 Intro 0:24 What Is Racquet Customization? 2:44 Weight, Balance & Performance 3:23 How Players Customize Their Frames 5:12 Grip & Handle Customization 7:44 Matching Racquets for Consistency 10:03 Replacing a Favorite Racquet 11:24 Racquet Myths & Common Surprises 14:59 Racquet Length & Extended Frames 16:19 Cosmetic Customization 16:55 Outro

The Racquet Evaluation Process | A Conversation with Roman Prokes — Ep. #4

At RPNY Tennis @ Farm & Forge, we’re always focused on helping players unlock their best. In Episode #4, we sit down with legendary racquet technician Roman Prokes to break down his Racquet Evaluation Process—what it is, how it works, and why it can completely change a player’s game. From beginners to pros (including players like Sloane Stephens), Roman explains how finding the right racquet isn’t just about feel—it’s about performance, efficiency, and what your opponent experiences on the other side of the court. Think of it like finding your wand in Harry Potter… when it’s right, you know. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a college program, or just someone who loves the game, this conversation will change how you think about your equipment. #ForgeIn 00:00 Intro 00:13 What is the Racquet Evaluation Process? 02:10 How the Process Works 04:30 Why the Opponent Matters 06:45 Finding the “Right” Racquet 10:35 Who It’s For + Session Types 13:30 Role of Coaches & Hitting Partners 15:00 Dialing In: Strings, Tension, Specs 18:00 Precision & Matching Racquets 19:00 Pro Player Case Studies 22:40 Why Equipment Matters More Than You Think 25:55 Treating Every Player Like a Pro 27:30 Closing + What’s Next

Extended Racquet Frames: Pros & Cons | A Conversation with Roman Prokes — Ep. #3

In Episode 3 of the RPNY Podcast, we take a closer look at extended-length tennis racquets — why some players go beyond the standard 27 inches, who actually benefits, and where the tradeoffs begin. Roman Prokes, world-renowned racquet technician and founder of RPNY Tennis, explores how racquet length evolved, why 27 inches became the modern norm, and what longer frames really change on court — from added reach and serve leverage to increased demands on footwork and timing. This episode challenges common assumptions about racquet length and offers a more thoughtful framework for players, coaches, and parents thinking about extended frames and long-term development. Subscribe for more conversations on equipment, performance, and smarter tennis decisions. 0:00 Intro 0:27 Extended Racquets Overview 3:23 Who Should Use a Longer Racquet? 6:48 Serve Benefits 8:15 Middle Ground 9:30 Advantages of Longer Racquets 11:39 27 vs 27.5 Inches 13:01 Pro Player Examples 14:03 Outro

Junior Racquets & Injury Prevention | A Conversation with Roman Prokes

In Episode 2 of The RPNY Podcast, we take a deep dive into junior racquets, equipment progression, and injury prevention—and why small details matter far more than most people realize.Roman Prokes, world-renowned racquet technician and founder of RPNY Tennis explains why juniors shouldn’t “grow into” full-size racquets—and how smart, gradual equipment changes can reduce injury risk and support long-term development. This episode connects the dots between racquet sizing, grip size, weight placement, string choice, and volume of play—showing how smart equipment decisions can remove unnecessary variables and reduce stress on growing bodies. Whether you’re a parent navigating junior tennis, a coach guiding player development, or an athlete looking to stay healthy long-term, this episode offers practical, expert insight you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders inside the Farm & Forge ecosystem! #ForgeIn 00:00 Introduction 00:14 Why Junior Racquets Matter 02:08 Junior Racquet Sizes Explained 04:20 Why Small Changes Matter for Pros (and Kids) 06:38 How to Progress Racquet Size Safely 08:02 Grip Size Mistakes with Junior Players 10:11 Equipment Changes & Injury Risk 14:39 Grip Size as Kids Grow 18:10 How Equipment Affects the Opponent 20:21 Strings for Junior Players 25:37 When Poly Becomes an Option 29:18 Racquet Weight vs Maneuverability 31:27 Where to Add Weight for Power or Control 33:31 Final Thoughts