As a passionate tennis enthusiast, how can you choose a suitable tennis racket? If you’re not very professional and don’t know which racket fits you best, don’t worry. This article is written specifically to help amateur players select a tennis racket that suits them.
So, what aspects should we consider when choosing a racket? There are five main factors to consider: 1. Material, 2. Head size, 3. Length, 4. Stiffness, and 5. Strings.
Below is a detailed introduction:
Since everyone’s physical strength and age are different, their racket requirements will also vary. Choosing a racket depends not only on your skill level and playing style but also on the quality of the racket, which can affect your performance on the court and potentially relate to sports injuries. Therefore, it’s important to select a racket that fits your budget and needs.
Weight
A racket that is too heavy can slow down your swing, while one that is too light may struggle with powerful shots and can twist easily. General guidelines: young and strong players: 320–330g; middle-aged and older players: 300–320g; women: 280–300g.
Grip Size
Like weight, grip size should be comfortable. A grip that is too thick can cause fatigue, reduce sensitivity, and make it hard to handle short or volley shots. Conversely, a grip that is too thin may slip under strong shots. Generally, male players use 4 3/8, or 4 1/2 if they can handle it; female players: 4 1/4–4 3/8.
A proper grip is one where, when holding the racket correctly, the tips of the thumb and index finger form a slight diagonal alignment. Another method is to measure the distance from the second palm line to the tip of the middle finger – this length indicates the appropriate grip size.
Racket Head Size
Larger head rackets are more forgiving—meaning even off-center hits can produce good results. The “sweet spot” refers to the area that delivers maximum power and a satisfying feel. Larger heads increase the sweet spot, making mistakes less costly, but they reduce speed and control.
Larger head rackets are easier to use, ideal for beginners, women, and older players, typically 110–115 square inches. Smaller head rackets are preferred by advanced and younger players because they allow faster shots and better control, though the sweet spot is smaller.
Balance
Rackets can be head-heavy or head-light. Head-heavy rackets suit baseline rallies, while head-light rackets are better for volleys. Each racket design has a different sweet spot, which can usually be found on the product description or tag.
String Tension and Selection
Typical string tension is 55–60 pounds; professionals often string at around 70 pounds. Higher tension reduces elasticity but improves control for fast swings, while lower tension increases rebound power but reduces control.
Nylon strings are popular due to durability, resistance to moisture, and affordability, but they may lose tension over time. Natural gut strings offer excellent elasticity and stability but are expensive and sensitive to moisture. Choosing strings involves balancing durability and playability: thicker strings (1.35–1.45 mm) are more durable but feel less responsive, while thinner strings (1.20–1.30 mm) offer better feel and spin control but wear out faster.
Weight and Balance Types
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Heavy, head-light rackets: Many professionals prefer this traditional balance, usually 11–13 oz, with the balance point ½–1½ inches head-light. These “player’s rackets” focus on control and are designed for players generating their own power.
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Light, head-heavy rackets: Some brands developed lighter rackets while maintaining head mass for more maneuverability without reducing power. These offer increased flexibility, especially for baseline shots, but may cause additional wrist, elbow, or shoulder vibration. Changing weight affects feel, and very light rackets cannot simply be made heavier.
Racket Stiffness
The amount a racket bends affects power. Stiffer rackets bend less, absorbing less energy from the ball, while more flexible rackets bend more, losing more energy. Flexible rackets can provide a “slingshot effect,” transferring extra power to the ball.
However, stiffness is not the only factor influencing power; control and comfort matter as well. Generally, more powerful rackets are harder to control, depending on the player’s skill. Advanced players may prefer more flexible rackets for faster swings and stronger shots, while beginners or intermediate players may find stiffer rackets easier to control.
Extremely stiff rackets transmit more shock to the wrist, elbow, and shoulder than moderately stiff ones. Comfort is subjective, but players with arm or shoulder discomfort usually benefit from flexible or moderately stiff rackets, avoiding very hard models. Stiffer rackets also make spin shots harder, as the ball leaves the strings too quickly.