players have many options and variations in rubber sheets on their racket. although a racket may be purchased assembled with rubber by the manufacturer, most serious tournament players will use a custom racket. a player selects a blank blade (i.e., a racket without rubber) based on his or her playing style. the type of wood or synthetic layers used to make up the blade will determine the blade's speed. the different types of rubber sheets affect the level of spin, speed, and other specific playing characteristics. racket construction and new rubber technology contribute significantly to the amount of deviation from the expected ball flight path.