So many brands to pick from, which one catches your eye? Choosing the right tennis racquet can be a daunting task with the endless variety of options available.
Before you splash your hard-earned cash at the nearest sports shop, discover the top 3 tips to help you find the most suitable tennis equipment.
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3 Tips to Choose Your First Racket
1. Grip Size
This affects your comfort and ease of swing, and a better fit reduces the likelihood of your hand slipping off.
Grips are labeled from 1 – 5 (Euro size) or 4 – 4 ½ inches (US size) based on their circumference. For the average adult, a 4 ⅜ (3) grip size works best. If your hands are larger than average, then use a 4 ½ grip, labeled 4. Conversely, if you have smaller hands, opt for a 4 ¼ grip, labeled 2.
Pro Tip:
A common method to measure your grip size is to lay your master hand out flat, placing your fingers alongside each other, and measuring the distance between the tip of your ring finger and the middle crease of your palm.
2. Weight
A heavy racquet is more stable, but will likely tire your arm muscles easily (especially when you serve), compromising your technique. A light racquet will will be easier to swing and manoeuvre, but you may need to generate more power from your body.
Racquets can be broadly classified into 3 weight categories. Light racquets (255 – 270 grams) are most suitable for beginners or smaller-built players. Medium racquets (280 – 310 grams) are the most balanced, and work well for players who are stronger physically. Heavy racquets (320 grams and above) are mostly for skilled players looking to generate more power in their shots.
Pro Tip:
Also consider if a racquet is head-heavy or grip-heavy. A head-heavy racquet generates more power as the higher mass at the racquet head allows it to be swung with greater momentum, suiting baseliners and smaller players looking for powerful shots. A grip-heavy racquet provides greater shot control, and are preferred by net and volley players.
3. Head Size
In general, the larger the face of the racquet, the more spin and power it will produce, which leads to a bigger "sweet spot" (the area on the strung surface producing the most amount of power with the least effort).
Similar to racquet weights, there are 3 broad categories. Oversize racquet heads (106 – 135 square inches) tend to produce the largest "sweet spots", being the most forgiving racquets suited for beginners and smaller sized players. Mid Plus racquet heads (95 – 106 square inches) offer a balance of power and control, usually favoured by intermediate players. Mid racquet heads (below 95 squares inches) deliver the smallest "sweet spots", which may lead to a higher risk of missing the balls. They are most preferred by advanced players for their greater accuracy.
Pro Tip:
For beginner players, 100 square inches is a good starting point for both men and women. As you get better at the game, feel free to opt for smaller sized racquet heads.
Now that you're armed with the tips of choosing a racquet, join SimplyTennis today and put your purchase to good use!
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