Beginner Mistakes When Choosing a Tennis Racket — And How to Avoid Them in 2025 (Singapore Guide)

Choosing your first tennis racket as a beginner in Singapore can be both exciting and confusing. With so many options available, it's easy to make common mistakes that could hold back your progress or even lead to discomfort and injury.

In this 2025 guide, we break down the most frequent mistakes beginners make when selecting a tennis racket — and offer clear, local-friendly advice on how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Choosing a Racket That’s Too Heavy

Why it’s a problem:

Heavy rackets are harder to swing for beginners, leading to muscle fatigue, slow reactions, and potential wrist or shoulder strain — especially in Singapore's humid climate.

What to do instead:

Look for rackets in the 255g–285g (unstrung) range. These provide a good balance between ease of use and enough weight to generate power.

Local tip:

Test lightweight graphite or composite rackets at stores like Tennis Hub or Decathlon, where beginner-friendly models are available.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Grip Size

Why it’s a problem:

An incorrect grip size can lead to poor control, over-gripping, and eventually wrist or elbow pain (like tennis elbow).

What to do instead:

Use the “pencil test” — when gripping the racket, a finger-width of space should remain between your fingers and palm. Most Singaporean adults do well with grip sizes between 4 1/8" and 4 3/8".

Mistake 3: Picking the Wrong Head Size

Why it’s a problem:

Smaller racket heads offer more control, but very little forgiveness for off-center hits — something all beginners struggle with.

What to do instead:

Start with a midplus or oversize head (100–110 square inches). These give you a larger sweet spot, helping with power and confidence.

Mistake 4: Buying Based on Brand or Aesthetics

Why it’s a problem:

Just because a racket looks good or is used by a famous pro doesn’t mean it’s suitable for you. Pro rackets are typically too heavy or stiff for beginners.

What to do instead:

Focus on function over style. A simple, well-balanced beginner racket will support your learning far more than any expensive, branded one.

Mistake 5: Overpaying for Your First Racket

Why it’s a problem:

Beginners often think they need to invest heavily upfront, but expensive rackets don’t necessarily offer beginner benefits.

What to do instead:

Stick to beginner models priced between SGD $50–$150. Many affordable options offer great performance. You can always upgrade later.

Mistake 6: Choosing the Wrong String Pattern

Why it’s a problem:

Dense string patterns (like 18x20) give more control but less power and spin — which isn’t ideal for most new players.

What to do instead:

Look for open string patterns (like 16x19), which make it easier to generate topspin and provide better comfort and power.

Mistake 7: Not Testing the Racket

Why it’s a problem:

You won’t know how a racket truly feels until you hold and swing it. Many beginners regret buying rackets online without trying them first.

What to do instead:

Visit a tennis store or facility that allows you to demo rackets. In Singapore, shops like TennisBot or Smash Arena offer test sessions.

Mistake 8: Using the Wrong Racket Length

Why it’s a problem:

Some adult beginners accidentally purchase junior rackets (23–26 inches) or extended rackets (27.5–28 inches), which can affect their swing.

What to do instead:

Ensure your racket is 27 inches long, the standard for adults. Only junior players under 12 should use shorter rackets.

Mistake 9: Overlooking Comfort Features

Why it’s a problem:

Beginners are more sensitive to vibrations and off-center hits, which can lead to discomfort or injury.

What to do instead:

Choose rackets with:

• A comfortable grip

• A forgiving string bed

• A slightly flexible frame (60–67 RA)

Some rackets also come with vibration dampeners — a nice bonus but not essential.

Mistake 10: Skipping Professional Advice

Why it’s a problem:

Trying to figure it all out on your own, especially from online reviews, can lead to confusion and the wrong purchase.

What to do instead:

Ask for help at a local tennis store, or better yet, get a recommendation from your tennis coach if you're taking lessons. Most Singapore coaches have great insights into what works best for local beginners.

Final Thoughts for 2025

Avoiding these common racket-buying mistakes can make a huge difference in your tennis journey. The right beginner racket will support your development, protect your body, and make your early experiences more fun and rewarding.

Checklist for Beginners in Singapore:

• ✅ Weight: 255–285g

• ✅ Head Size: 100–110 sq in

• ✅ Grip Size: Fits your hand (4 1/8–4 3/8")

• ✅ Length: 27 inches

• ✅ String Pattern: 16x19

• ✅ Material: Graphite or composite

• ✅ Price Range: SGD $50–$150

Take your time, ask for help, and focus on comfort and feel. With the right tennis racket, you’ll build a solid foundation and enjoy the tennis game more — right from your first lesson.