subject: Choosing A Tennis Racquet(step 1-how To Play Tennis) [print this page] There are many variables to consider when choosing a racquet and most are confusing to beginners. This tutorial guides you through the main points when choosing a tennis racket so you can buy the best racket for your tennis style.
The main elements to buying a racket:
Grip size - the size of the handle
Head size - how big the hitting area is
Racket balance - whether the racket is heavy in the head or grip
Racket weight - how heavy the racket is
Grip Size
Not having the right grip size can not only affect your game, but it can also cause injuries such as tennis elbow. Remember less is more, a small grip can be made larger using an over-grip or grip tape, but a grip that is too big cannot be made smaller.
An easy way to determine your grip is download this grip sizer from Wilson, or hold the racket and you should just be able to fit your index finger between your hand and the racket.
Head Size
Headsize is the hitting area within the frame.
Headsizes are usually categorised as:
Midsize - 70 - 89 sq. in.
Midplus - 90 - 105 sq. in.
Oversize - 110 - 115 sq. in.
Super Oversize - 116 - 135 sq. in.
The general rule is that the a larger headsize gives more power, a larger sweet spot, and are more stable on miss hit shots, these are best for beginners.
Better players (especially professionals) use a racquet with a smaller headsize, because they generate a lot of power in their swing and could have trouble keeping the ball in play with a larger head racquet.
Racket Balance
A racquet is said to be "head heavy" if the balance point is closer to the tip of the head, and it is said to be "head light" if the balance point is closer to the bottom of the handle. If the balance point and midpoint are the same, the racquet is said to be "evenly balanced"
Generally baseline players prefer head heavy rackets as they have large swings and can generate a lot of power, net players prefer a head light racket so they can move the racket quickly at the net.
Racket Weight
Weight is very important when choosing a racket, a racket that is too heavy can cause injury and reduce your performance.
As a rule, the trend in weight is toward lighter and lighter racquets, particularly with the introduction of graphite. Racquets right now weigh about 11 and 1/2 ounces and decreasing with time. Some racquets are even less than 10 ounces. The lighter a racquet, the easier it is to swing. However, light racquets place less weight behind the shot, and hence you have to swing faster to get a more powerful shot.
