How to choose a tennis racket?

Tennis racket is the most important element in the arsenal of any tennis player. The racket brings into our game everything that we cannot achieve solely through technique.

How do you choose from the huge number of rackets on the market that are right for you and your playing style? Where can I find the racket parameters and what do they mean?

The following parameters are indicated on the frame of most tennis rackets or in manufacturers' catalogs dedicated to them: weight, head size, balance, string formula, recommended tension, and sometimes additionally the width of the frame, its stiffness and swing style.

The main parameters that should be taken into account first of all are weight tennis racket, head size and balance.

Knowing weight, you can understand what kind of swing this racket is designed for. The weight will also indirectly indicate the skill level of the player for whom it is intended.

As a general rule, the heavier the racquet, the longer the backswing must be in order for the racket to achieve a certain amount of movement and stability when hitting the ball.

Heavy frame racket:

Light frame racket:

Separation of rackets by weight*

up to 265 grams: beginner tennis players - short swing

up to 285 grams: beginner tennis players - short swing

265 - 285 grams: intermediate tennis player - short/medium swing

285 - 300 grams: ki and intermediate tennis players - short/medium swing

> 300 grams: experienced amateurs and professionals - long swing

*racket weight is given without taking into account the weight of the strings (15-17 g)

Head size : another parameter that helps determine the purpose of the racket.

The larger the head, the larger the sweet spot of the racket, while the racket is more comfortable, dynamic, and allows you to give the ball more spin. The smaller head size allows for better feel and control of the ball, giving better maneuverability with a smaller playing spot.

Head sizes

MID (short for "midsize") up to 93 inches / 613 cm²

MP (short for "midplus") from 95 inches / 632 cm² to 102 inches / 660 cm²

OS (short for "oversize") from 104 inches / 671 cm²

Another important indicator is balance, that is, balance rackets. For a heavy racquet, balance increases its maneuverability if it is Balanced neutral or pen . In a lower weight frame, balance increases dynamics and also allows for more spin on the ball if it is balanced in racket head.

Most doubles tennis players who often play close to the net choose rackets that balanced in handle. Athletes who play on the back line, preferring aggressive topspin strokes, choose rackets that balanced at the head.

Types of balance*

balanced to the head - more than 33 cm

neutral balance - 32 - 33 cm

balanced in the handle - less than 32 cm

*balance is indicated without string weight. When installing the strings, the balance may move approximately 1 cm towards the head.

Stretching diagram (string formula)

This is the ratio of the number of horizontal strings to vertical ones, there are open and closed versions of the string formula. The open version is a large number of horizontal strings than vertical, in the open version there are more vertical strings.

The open arrangement of the strings allows you to give the ball greater dynamics and more intense rotation, provides greater control, the closed version allows you to better control and feel the ball, while the strings wear out less.The closed string formula requires higher skill from the player, therefore it is recommended for more experienced tennis players with a fast-medium or long swing.

Types of string formulas

16/18 - open option

16/19 - open option

16/20 - closed version

18/20 - closed version

Frame width

The thinner the frame, the more skill the racket requires; it is designed for a player with a long swing. The thin frame allows for better ball control and feel. Wide frame allows you to increase the force of impact and the degree of rotation of the ball, Recommended for tennis players with a short swing.

Frame width options

less than 22 mm - thin frames

22-23 mm - medium frame

over 24 mm - wide frame

Frame stiffness

Stiffness is a very important element when choosing a racket; knowing this parameter, which is indicated in RA units, you can determine the degree of comfort of the racket. This is a parameter associated with the degree of deformation of the racket at the moment of contact of the strings with the ball.

The stiffer the racket, the more dynamics it gives to the ball. In turn, the lower the RA, the more accurate the racket.

Hard rackets are more forgiving of mistakes and are recommended for tennis players with a short to medium swing. The soft frame requires the player to have a more competent position and a more accurate shot, therefore it is intended for experienced amateurs and professionals for whom control and feel of the ball is important.

Types of stiffness

less than 62 RA (low stiffness) - long swing

63-65 RA (medium hardness) - medium, long swing

more than 65 RA (high stiffness) - short, medium, long swing

Swing style:

The style of the swing is determined by the length of the “loop” that we make with the racket - this is the moment from the beginning to the end of the blow. The longer and better this movement is completed, the heavier the tennis racket a tennis player can play. In this case, the player has enough time to impart a certain dynamic movement to the blow.

Types of swing

short swing

average swing

long swing

Selection of rackets for children and teenagers:
The main rule when choosing a racket for a child is to select the length of the racket according to his height.

26 inches - height from 140 to 165 cm

25 inches - height from 125 to 140 cm

23 inches - height from 112 to 125 cm

21 inches - height from 100 to 112 cm

15.01.2018

A tennis racket, despite its apparent simplicity, is a rather complex instrument with a large number of different characteristics. What affects the quality of the game, ease and safety of use, and how to choose the right tennis racket for a child or adult player are described in this article.

The article is quite voluminous, contains a lot of information and for those who cannot afford to go into technical details We can recommend going straight to the Additional Services section. But if you still find the strength to study the article, we will be very grateful to you.

Materials for the production of rackets

Aluminum is a material for the production of inexpensive rackets for beginners and children. Since soft metal is used in the production of this type of rackets, during intensive play and heavy loads Such rackets may lose their properties, become deformed or break. Therefore, the choice in favor of an aluminum racket is usually made when purchasing the first racket - entry level for lovers and children. The service life of an aluminum racket allows a beginner to gain basic tennis skills and move to the next level. Children outgrow the racket much faster before it becomes unusable.

A composite is a material consisting of many components with different characteristics. The composition of the composite can include various polymers, metal and ceramic components, changing the composition, quantity and ratio of which, as a result, you can obtain a material with the necessary characteristics. Rackets made of composite (composite) materials differ from aluminum ones in greater strength, rigidity, resistance to mechanical damage and dynamic loads. Composite rackets are recommended for amateurs and juniors who continue to improve their skills.

Graphite is a unique mineral that can be found in a huge number of states - from soft, layered and very plastic to incredibly hard and even capable of turning into diamond under high temperature and pressure. Thanks to these properties of graphite, there are practically no restrictions in the production of tennis rackets. Graphite tennis rackets are popular among advanced amateurs and junior athletes. Professional tennis players train and play with graphite rackets made using special technologies.

Tennis racket parts

Head - top part oval-shaped rackets, which consist of a rim and strings stretched inside it through special plastic inserts called grommets. The strings intertwined in a special way form the playing surface of the racket. The playing characteristics of a racket are influenced by the number of longitudinal and transverse strings (string formula), the material and thickness of the strings, as well as their tension force. We will tell you more about strings in a separate article.

The racket handle has a special octagonal shape and a thickening at the base (boss), which serves for comfortable and correct grip rackets during the game. The racket handle has a base grip - an adhesive-based tape that is wound around the handle when the racket is made. When using a racket, an additional overgrip should be installed on the base grip. This is a thin tape without an adhesive layer, which serves to protect the main winding from wear and contamination, as well as for a comfortable feeling when playing. Overgrips have moisture-absorbing properties, do not slip in the hand, and are available in various colors. The top windings should be changed regularly as they become worn and dirty.

The neck is the central part of the racket that connects the handle and head. The shape of the neck affects design features tennis racket, such as twist, vibration damping and weight distribution.

Tennis racket handle size

The size (thickness) of the handle is important when choosing a tennis racket. The size of the handle affects the control of the racket when performing shots with rotation - it is easier to make such shots with a thinner handle, the control of the racket in cases where the ball is struck not in the center of the string surface - it is easier to control the racket with a thicker handle, as well as the feeling of weight Rackets - A racket with a thicker handle will feel heavier.

There are two systems for measuring the size of tennis racket handles: European (in units) and American (in inches). The handle size is usually indicated on the end cap of the racket handle. You can select a racket with the correct handle by holding the racket in your hand (when you wrap your hand around the handle, the index finger of the other hand should be placed between the base of your palm and the fingers) or using a comparison table:

Tennis racket handle size chart:

Handle size (American system)	Handle size (European system)	Applicability
4	0	children
4 1 /8	1	children
4 1/4 (4 2 /8)	2	children/women
4 3 /8	3	women/men
4 1/2 (4 4 /8)	4	men
4 5 /8	5	men

Tennis handle sizes larger than 5 are rare and are usually made to order.

Tennis racket head and dimensions

Another characteristic of a racket that affects the quality of the game is the size of the racket head, or in more professional language, the area of ​​the string surface. Ball control and impact power depend on this parameter.

Tennis racket head size chart.

Tennis racket balance

The balance of the racket can be neutral, as well as in the head or handle. To a greater extent, balance affects the accuracy of the strike and its power. It is possible to determine the balance of a racket visually, by feeling the advantage, or at certain points that indicate the number 1/8 between the middle of the racket and its center of gravity.

Racket weight

The average weight of a standard tennis racket is 290-300 grams. Of course, there are both heavier and lighter models. The ease of the swing and the power of the blow will depend on the weight of the racket.

Racket length

The length of the racket is chosen solely according to the height of the tennis player, therefore, as a rule, it only matters for children's rackets.

Tennis racket size chart.

Do right choice and you can purchase a racket that is ideal for your level of training and style of play only by being very well versed in all the features of this product, which cannot be included in one even such a voluminous article, or by trusting the experience of a specialist.

We help you choose and buy a racket that will fully meet all the necessary requirements, delight you and instill a sense of confidence in every training session and during the game.

Choosing a tennis racket

Tennis is very popular these days. Russian tennis players have achieved great success in international competitions. More and more adults and children are starting to engage in this sport. Some professionally - to achieve results, others for themselves - to maintain fitness and health.

Like any other sport, tennis has Sports Equipment, which is necessary to start doing it. The most important equipment in tennis is, naturally, the racket.

In order for the racket to be comfortable for you and suit your playing style, you need to know the characteristics of tennis rackets, which we will describe below.

There are 5 parameters indicated on the racket for both adults and children: head size(surface area - head size), racket weight(usually in grams - weight), balance(balance), length(length) and racket composition. Now let's move directly to her choice. To do this, you must place yourself in the following categories: CHILDREN, BEGINNER PLAYER, AMATEUR PLAYER, PROFESSIONAL.

. RACKET FOR CHILDREN AND JUNIORS

Tennis rackets for children are mainly made of aluminum and are inexpensive (from 800 to 2500 rubles), and it is not necessary for young beginner players to choose an expensive tennis racket, because children are not yet able to appreciate any of her special qualities. We also do not recommend choosing a heavier and longer racket “for growth” - there is no need to save on this. The child will still begin to grab the racket higher by the handle, but according to the rules of technique, he must hold it by the end of the handle. It would be much more correct to buy a racket for your child for his age. Children's racquets are not divided into 25 and 26 inches based on the length of the handle. Starting with handle lengths of 25 and 26 inches, handle sizes are divided into 0 and 1. Rackets are selected by weight and length. Below is a table of age and suitable racket (by following the link of the child’s age, you can see rackets for that age).

Child's age	Child's height (cm)	Racket weight (in grams)	Racket length (mm/inch))
	100 cm.	149 grams	432mm./17 inches
	116 cm.	157 grams
	125 cm.	175 grams
	135 cm.	195 grams
	140 cm.	215 grams
	145 cm.	245 - 255 grams

Older children can already buy lightweight adult rackets.

We are happy to help you choose a children's racket in the section of our store "Children's and junior tennis rackets", where you can choose a racket according to the child’s age and manufacturer’s brand.

. BEGINNER PLAYER

If you have just decided to take up tennis, then you should not chase an expensive racket, since you will not yet be able to experience certain qualities of tennis rackets. The average price for a racket will be 3,000 rubles. For adults, racquets are mainly made of composite (an alloy of graphite and titanium) and graphite. For women, we recommend choosing a lightweight racket weighing from 245 to 275 grams, for heavier men - from 270 grams to 300 grams and a racket head size from 645 cm 2 (100 in 2) to 680 cm 2 (105 in 2). The larger the string surface , the easier it is to hit the ball, but the accuracy of the shots decreases. That is, the smaller the size of the racket head, the more accurate the hits.

Weight: The lighter the racquet, the less force of the blow, but for a beginning player it is better to hone the technique rather than the power of the blow. The heavier the racket, the more powerful the shots can be.

Pen: pen size is divided from 1 to 5. Pens numbered 1 and 2 are suitable for children, women or men with small palms, pens numbered 3 and 4 are for ordinary men, and pen number 5 is for a large man with a large palm. It is customary to select handles as follows: when you wrap your palm around the handle, there should be a distance of one finger. But, still, when choosing a pen you need to be guided by convenience.

tennis racket for beginners.

. AMATEUR PLAYER

Recreational players include people who play tennis 2-3 times a week or more. Here the price range for a racket can be from 3,000 rubles to 10,000 rubles. The following criteria must be taken into account:

String surface area.

The larger the string surface area and the lower the string tension, the more the impact force increases and the control over the ball decreases. It is better to take a tennis racket with a head no larger than 645 cm 2 (100 in 2) and with a tighter string tension. You will have better ball control when playing against powerful opponents.

String composition. Strings are divided into natural and synthetic. With new technologies, synthetic strings even surpass natural strings in quality and are more affordable. Most players nowadays use synthetic strings.

Racket weight. How more weight rackets, the more powerful the blows. If you are a strong man, then you, like a professional, should choose a racket weighing more than 300 grams.

Racket balance. The balance of the racket is in the center, in the head and in the handle. Place the middle of the racket on your index finger. If the racket tilts towards the head, then it has balance in the head; if it maintains balance, then the balance of the tennis racket is in the center; if it deviates towards the handle, then the balance is in the handle. Head balance is more suitable for strong serves and attacking style of play (professionals mostly play with head balance). Hand balance is more suitable for defensive play. If the balance of the racket is in the center, then you have a universal racket and it is suitable for both attack and defense.

We are always happy to offer you an inexpensive choice amateur tennis racket .

. PROFESSIONAL

If you are a professional, then, of course, you know by what parameters you need to choose a racket, or see the “Amateur Player” section. But I would like to note some nuances.

The cost of rackets for professionals starts from 7,000 rubles. These are basically racquets with more weight and a smaller head surface to increase power and accuracy of the shot. Professional racquets mainly contain graphite and tungsten. The handle can be extended for greater maneuverability. For example, Rafael Nadal's racket - Babolat Aeropro Drive+: weight 320 grams, head size - 645 cm 2 (100 in 2), head balance, length 685 mm.

In our store we will always help you choose inexpensive

“I have always viewed the game of tennis as a fight between two gladiators,
different rackets, but their main weapon is skill and uncompromisingness ”.

Janek Noah(Yannick Noah)
winner of Roland Garros 1985

Currently, understanding the existing variety of racket models with more than 40 manufacturers is very, very difficult. Even coaches and sales managers are not able to track the entire information flow of know-how and high-tech technologies used in rackets. A new specialty has appeared in the USA - “Racquet Master”, whose representatives are certified by the American Stringers Association ( USRSA).

I do not have such a certificate, so my recommendations will be general.

In general, all tennis players can be classified according to their level of play into: beginners, intermediate levels, advanced amateurs and professionals. I am sure that the last two categories of players do not need any tips on choosing a racket, so I will try to give recommendations for beginners and tennis players with 3-4 years of playing experience.

So, what should be the approach to choosing a racket?

Under no circumstances choose the racket your idol plays with. First of all, you won't play at his level. Secondly, the rackets of professionals have strings that allow them to do what they do, and the racket does not play a major role in their super-powerful and super-twisting strokes (see " About strings"). Thirdly, rackets for them are made individually. When in a rally you see, for example, a Mitsubishi Lancer SUV, it is not at all the same as the one sold in the showroom. Fourthly, your playing style and anatomical data are unlikely to be similar to your idol .

Since we remembered cars, then when choosing a racket in general, you can adhere to the principle of choosing them (without taking into account the color). For those who don't know, I'll explain.

Need to decide:

1. With financial capabilities (reasonable price).

2. With the weight and geometric parameters of the racket.

3. With manufacturers who are more enticing. I advise you to choose no more than three or four.

The next stage is studying catalogs and filling out the table.

It should be taken into account that each manufacturer has 2-3 best-selling models. And although manufacturers always update their model range every 1-2 years, such models continue to be produced for 5 or more years. They modify the exterior, protective bumper, end cap of the handle, lengthen the frame by a couple of centimeters, etc., but do not affect the design and profile features. And here you have an old-new model, with a new letter or number in the name and, accordingly, with a new higher price. Here are a few of these, in my opinion, branded models: Wilson BLX Six.One 95 16×18, Wilson BLX Blade Tour, Babolat PURE Drive Babolat AeroPro Drive GT, Head YOUTEK IG Radical Pro, Head YOUTEK Prestige Midplus, Prince O3 Original White, Prince EXO3 Tour 100 16×18, Yonex Research Institute 100 Midplus, Yonex VCORE 95 D, Volkl Organix 6, Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 (2Hundred), Dunlop 200 Biomimetic Tour, Volkl Power Bridge 10 Midplus, Volkl Organix 8.

When filling out the table, you can use the following explanations on the characteristics and properties of rackets:

Weight (Weight). During the training stage, it is better to use in this weight range: 310 ± 10 g (10.9 ± 0.35 oz) for men and 265 ± 15 g (9.3 ± 0.52 oz) for women. For those who have already mastered the basics of hitting techniques, a lighter racket is suitable.

If a racket is sold with strings stretched, their weight is often indicated ( Strung Weight). This is done so that catalogs and documents for a racket always indicate its weight without tensioned strings, or two weight values ​​(without strings and with strings).

Balance (Balance) - removal of the location of the center of gravity of the racket from a conventional point located from the end of the racket at a distance of 32.5 cm. Read how Balance is marked.

Rim size (Headsize) – area of ​​the string surface, calculated from the edges of the bushings. Indicated in "sq.cm" or "squared inches". For those who are choosing their first racket, I recommend a racket with a rim type: " Oversize" (106-115 sq.in.) or " Midplus" (90-105 sq.in.) - for men and " SuperOversize" (116-135 sq.in.) or " Oversize" ‒ for women. Intermediate players are best suited " Midplus". But if you like to twist and cut the ball well, and also play pairs, then still opt for " Oversize".

Length (Length). For players of average and tall height, it is better to use a standard length racket: 68.7 cm (27 inches) (often the inch is indicated by the two-dash symbol " " "), and for short people, you can take a longer racket by 1.5-2.0 cm (0.6-0.9").

Rigidity (Stiffness) – resistance of the racket frame to bending. I recommend choosing a non-rigid racket: 60-65 RA.

Moment of inertia (Swing Weight) - inertia of the racket during its acceleration. I would suggest at first using a racket with inertia no more than 310 RDC .

Power (Power) – assessment of the ability to impart forward speed to the ball. Numerical values ​​are not indicated.

Don't be tempted by powerful rackets.

Control (control)‒ assessment of the accuracy of the ball hitting the place intended by the player. Numerical values ​​are not indicated. This characteristic is more important for experienced players.

Stability (Stability) - assessment of the resistance to torsion of the frame when the ball hits the center of the string surface. Numerical values ​​are not indicated. For beginners, good stability of the racket frame is necessary. Choose a racquet with a large bridge (large angle of the racket neck).

Rotation (Spin) – assessment of the ability to impart an angular velocity of rotation to the ball. For beginners, this characteristic is not particularly important.

Maneuverability (Maneuverability) (sometimes the term "controllability" is used) - an assessment of the ability to quickly and easily manipulate a racket. An important characteristic for intermediate tennis players if they vary their racket grip and have a long or medium swing.

Comfort (Comfort) - assessment of manifestation pain hands when the ball does not hit the center of the string surface. (There are no indications regarding stiffness in the table below; this is due to the fact that with greater rigidity, vibration decreases, but recoil increases, and, conversely, with lower rigidity). Comfort is often determined by the size of the so-called "sweet spot" or "sweet spot" ( Sweet Spot). But you need to know that the larger the "game spot" (as I used to call " Sweet Spot"), which means the more comfortable the blow, the less its power with the same acceleration of the racket.

Injury protection (Safety) - practically the same as comfort.

String pattern (StringPattern) – the number of longitudinal and transverse strings. What does this amount affect? Fewer longitudinal ( Main) strings creates conditions for increasing the power of the blow and its rotation. More transverse ( Cross) strings improves control. For the category of players to whom, as agreed, I give recommendations, best ratio will: 16×18 or 16×19.

Use the completed table to select a model.

Of course, you will not be able to find a racket in which all the characteristics and properties meet my recommendations. Some kind of compromise solution will be required. To better guide your final choice, use this table.

Optionsrackets	Variationparameters	Power	Control	Rotation	Maneuverness	Stability	Comfort
	heavier	more	better	worse	worse	the same	less
	easier	less	worse	better	better	the same	more
Balance	in the pen	less	the same	worse	better	Equally	more
	in the head	more	the same	better	worse	the same	less
Size heads	more	more	better	better	worse	less	less
	less	less	worse	worse	better	more	more
Frame length	extended	more	worse	better	worse	the same	more
	regular	less	better	worse	better	the same	less
Rigidity	tougher	more	worse	worse	better	less
	softer	less	better	better	worse	more
	more	more	the same	better	worse	more	less
	less	less	the same	worse	better	less	more

Then decide on the handle size ( Grip Size). Let's see how to choose it.

And now you can either contact an online store (not eBay), or go to a specialized store, or find an official dealer, which is more preferable. The latter, for many models, should have demo rackets that you can rent and try out in the game.

If you are going to buy with your own eyes, then select 2-3 models from your table and, holding them in your hands, feel how your hand will perceive them.

I don’t see anything dangerous and I even recommend buying your first racket not new. In rackets, the age-related aging of the material is insignificant, and if a used racket is scratched in places and the protective bumper is scratched a little, then this is not a big deal, the main thing is that there are no microcracks. But the price has the same tendency to fall as for used cars. However, there is one problem: on the Internet you will not find the year of manufacture of a non-new model. It can only be found in printed catalogs of past years, when the model you are interested in was new. In addition, coaches and players with many years of experience can provide approximate information.

Finally, here is a list of models that, in my opinion, from what I know, could satisfy your desire to find a good racket. But keep in mind, there is no racket that plays itself.

WOMEN		MEN
Entry level of the game	Average level of play	Entry level of the game	Average level of play
Wilson[K] Factor Zero Wilson[K]THREE FX 115 Wilson Three Two BLX Babolat Drive Z 118 Head YOUTEK Three Star Head Liquidmetal 8 Prince EXO3 Silver 115 Yonex S-Fit 5 Volkl Power Bridge 1 Dunlop 4D Aerogel 700	Wilson Cirrus One BLX Head YOUTEK IG Speed ​​Lite Yonex S-Fit 3	Head Liquidmetal Radical (Oversize) Prince Triple Threat Bandit Oversized Prince EXO3 Red 105 Prince O3 Speedport Red Volkl Organix V1 Oversized	Wilson[K] Вlade Team Wilson BLX Pro Open Babolat PURE Drive GT Babolat PURE Drive GT 107 Head Liquidmetal Radical (Midplus) Yonex E-ZONE Xi 107 Yonex Research Institute 300 Midplus Dunlop 4D Aerogel 500 Dunlop Biomimetic 700

This list contains both old and new models (compiled at the end of 2012, and most likely will not be adjusted), and in different price ranges. But you must understand that this is my personal subjective opinion and you need to perceive it as one of the possible options.

Andrey Medvedev(08/31/1974) - famous Ukrainian tennis player. Junior Champion « Roland Garros 1991.” Winner of 11 ATP tournaments, finalist of Roland Garros 1999. He won his first titles in Genoa and Stuttgart at the age of 17. He has victories over such world tennis stars as: Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Sergi Bruguera, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Roger Federer and others. The best ranking position is 4 (05/16/1994). Finished performing in 2001. Honorary President of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation since 2006. Captain of the national Davis Cup team since 2017.

What requirements when choosing a racket based on the child’s height can you find.

It is quite difficult to choose a tennis racket from a wide range of model range offered by manufacturers, but today we will try to decide on best choice for us.

Racket classification

Conventionally, rackets can be classified according to their purpose:

- professional or tournament - for players participating in competitions;
- club - for players with an average (good) level of play;
- amateur - for beginners.

Regardless of the type of racket, various materials are used to make them, which determine the effectiveness and ease of play. The most popular rackets are made of graphite. This is a very durable and fairly lightweight material.

Titanium rackets The properties are similar to graphite, so manufacturers combine these materials to make rackets light and stiff. Aluminum rackets are more durable and cheaper than others.

Used to be common ceramic rackets, but due to their considerable weight and fragility, they were no longer produced. Nowadays, ceramics are added as an admixture to other racket components (composites).

The playing characteristics of a racket are also influenced by other parameters - size, weight, length, etc.

Tennis racket size

The racket has many different parameters. We will talk about each of them below. In order to understand what we will talk about, I offer you a diagram of the racket:

Handle size

Racket handle size length, should be such that it can be grasped with both hands at the same time. For the rest, you need to rely on your feelings.

The racket should be comfortable to hold in your hand so that the muscles are not tense. You need to choose the largest handle that will be comfortable to play with.

If we talk about handle thickness, then the table will help us here:

To determine what size handle you need, hold the racket in your right palm and place your left index finger between your palm and fingertips right hand. The index finger should move freely.

Head size

There is a direct relationship between the power of the racket and the size of the head - the larger the size of the head, the higher the power of the racket.

Rackets with heads big size They also have a large playing spot corresponding to it, this helps to avoid mistakes with shots offset from the center.

Racket length

The officially regulated range of racket lengths for tennis competitions varies from 27 to 29 inches.

Most racquets are made in a standard length of 27 inches. long length The racket provides a slight advantage on serves, on rebounds and adds a little power.

Racket weight and balance

These are the most important parameters. The heavier the racket, the greater the impact power. Lighter rackets are more maneuverable, which provides the ball with more topspin.

Currently, most manufacturers produce rackets weighing up to 280 grams. However, there are quite a few rackets weighing 310-320 grams, but with rackets heavy weight Only a professional can handle it.

Racket rim

The thicker the rim, the higher the impact power and the stiffer the racket. The rim may be thicker for different models from 18 mm to 30 mm.

Thus, the faster and more sweeping the impact motion, the thinner the rim you need to choose.

Children's tennis rackets

Many global manufacturers focus on producing tennis rackets for children. When choosing a racket for a child, you need to compare his age and the parameters of the racket. The table shows age-appropriate racket parameters.

Children's tennis rackets also differ in material. So, inexpensive models Made of aluminum, which makes the child's play light and maneuverable. This is the best option, because... Children are growing quickly, and soon it will be necessary to buy new equipment.

If your child practices regularly, you can purchase a graphite racket. They are stronger than aluminum. Important and appearance rackets so that the child does not lose the desire to practice.

Tennis rackets for adults

It is a little easier for an adult to decide on a racket than for a child. To accurately choose a tennis racket, you must first hold it in your hand. Then carefully study its characteristics - what parameters it has: weight, balance, length.

Now you need to decide on the weight of the racket, whether it is comfortable to hold, and what balance is needed. This is quite difficult to do without testing the racket on the court. Heavy rackets, the balance of which is shifted towards the handle - this is the choice of many professional tennis players. Their weight varies in the range from 311 to 368 grams. They are suitable for tennis players who can independently control the power and force of their stroke.

Lighter rackets with a heavier head have better maneuverability. The main advantage of these rackets is greater maneuverability without loss of striking power. The downside is a lot of vibration, which affects the joints.

When choosing a tennis racket, you need to listen to the advice of professionals. First of all, you need to focus on your own feelings, because the choice of racket is individual.

Tennis racket care

Necessary avoid strong blows racket rim with any hard objects and surfaces - the rim may crack. To avoid this, use a special protective tape for the rim. At the end of the game, the racket is put into the case.

To protect the handle use special absorbent tape, which prevents the racket from slipping in your hand.

Racket store in a cool, dry place where there is no direct sunlight. The racket and its strings can also be damaged by high or low temperatures and humidity. Constant exposure to sunlight can damage the coating.

It is not allowed to store a racket in a car showroom or trunk. The string tension decreases already at 43 degrees Celsius, and in the car the temperature can reach 60 degrees.

That's all for now. Write your questions in the comments, I will definitely answer and advise on rackets.