hey umm looking help on how to improve my playing skills...

been taking lessons for a yr+ liao.. but still not v gd at it. coz i seldom practise bsides lessons once a week.

thing i notice is my swing isnt very firm. it's like when it makes contact with the ball it often gives off a very loud 'smack' sound that doesn't feel too good on my arm either >< is the problem my own arm not strong enough or my racquet? or my technique? my racquet is quite light, coz beginners racqet, i dunno what's the model or anything but when i bought it i think the word 'hammer ' was mentioned.

coz even when i do volley i feel the racquet is transmitting some of the shock to my arm. mostly this situation happens when coach gives me fast/hard balls. when slow balls normally won't have this prob.. can any1 help me out?

hey there! I also interested in getting new racquet actually.. hehe. my level is between beginner-intermediate like that. tweener racquet means what? my last racquet was wilson hammer series.. dunno the name or anything. oh btw I'm a girl, so I'd prefer a light racquet but with more power? haha anyone can recommend any good racquets to me? budget.. umm just quote me the price and I'll see?