Points To Consider When Deciding On a Tennis Racket

By Davis Pete


There are 7 steps to consider when selecting a tennis racket:

Step 1: One should select a tennis racket based on his or her level of tennis. For example: a beginner player should go for racket which is light, has an oversized head and is head heavy. An intermediate player can consider getting a racket that is flexible and slightly heavier as compared to a beginner's racket. Finally, an advanced player should go for a racket that offers more control, heavier in weight, a smaller head frame and a balanced head.

Step 2: Balance of the racket is important as well. Generally, lighter rackets tend to compensate through having a head heavy position. This may be good for volleys and the serve but the imbalance may make it more difficult to hold the racket for a long time. Try to go for a balanced racket.

Step 3: The head size of the racket is also another important key factor. A more advanced player should use a racket with a smaller head size, whereas a beginner or an intermediate player should preferably still use a racket with a larger head size. A larger head will provide more power as there is a larger sweet spot and hitting area. As mentioned in step 2, try getting a racket which is not too heavy initially. Anything heavy may be impairment and may cause the beginner to lose heart in the game.

Step 4: Consider the tension of the racket. A lower tension racket provides more power and a higher tension racket provides more control. The main idea is to experiment with both tensions and decide which suites you the best. Again, there is no specific rule here. One has to just adjust and try the various combinations of tension. One point to note is that, it is costly to keep changing your racket strings. Therefore, try to get a tension that is considered suitable for an average player i.e. 53-57lbs

Step 5: Grip size is very important too in your choice of a racket. If you have small hands, you should use a smaller grip. If your hands are bigger, you should use a bigger grip or you can also wrap an over grip around your racket handle. Grips are important as it prevents your racket from slipping when you play as a result of perspiration.

Step 6: The length of a racket. A longer racket allows more reach to the ball but it is harder to manoeuvre. A longer racket also gives one more power. It is a matter of physics here. For a child, he should start with a shorter racket and slowly progressing to an adult size.

Step 7: Do not buy a racket just because the professional player is using it. Experiment with rackets and decide which suits you the best. There is no fix racket one should use. So relax, have fun and remember all the 7 steps to select a racket. Some may prefer a bright racket while others prefer something more conventional looking. Always choose a racket which suits you. Do not attempt the buy a racket just because the number one player in the world is using it. The rackets the Nadals, Federers are using are not suitable for recreational players. They tend to be heavier and stiffer.

In summary, choose a racket which will make you play tennis the best you can. Do not let others push you into buying something which is cool but may not suit you. Seek advice from your coach.




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