How to choose a tennis racquet?
There are three important criteria to consider when selecting a racquet that is best suited to your needs: weight, grip size and head size.
The choice of a tennis racquet should not be taken lightly. A racquet that is too heavy will interfere with your game which can lead to injury. On the other hand, a racquet that is too light offers less stability, control and shock absorption, which can also lead to injuries such as tennis elbow.
Level
Every player’s skill level and preferences are different. Therefore, your playing style and skill level are important factors to consider when choosing your racquet.
Beginner
Start with a lightweight racquet
Choosing a racquet that weighs less than 280 grams will make it easier to maneuver and thus it will improve your game. Lightweight racquets are usually made of aluminum or composite. Beginner-level racquets have a large head size and a balanced handle. Why? A large head size provides a better target for hitting the ball, but offers less control over the shot.
Intermediate
Choose a slightly heavier racquet
Once you've learned to control your swing, switch to a slightly heavier racquet with a smaller head size (about 645 cm²) to increase your control of the ball and your hitting power.
If you favour maneuverability, look for a racquet that weighs between 260 and 280 g.
If you're looking for power, a racquet that weighs between 280 and 295 g will offer more stability and hitting power. Heavier racquets absorb vibrations from contact with the ball better than lighter models, giving you a more comfortable shot.
Advanced
Focus on power, control and accuracy
At this performance level, you'll likely have improved hitting power and control. Get a graphite racquet with a balanced handle. The head size should cover an area between 630 and 645 cm². The weight of your racquet should be over 295 g.
Grip size
The grip size is the circumference of the racquet handle and it must be adjusted to your hand size. It is an important criteria in determining your playing comfort.
Size 0: Suitable for children.
Size 1: Suitable for teenagers just starting out or women with small hands.
Size 2: Standard size for women or men with small hands.
Size 3: Most common size. Standard size for men of average height or for women with large hands.
Size 4 and 5: Suitable for men with large hands (and over 180 cm tall).
Head size
The head size of your racquet is an important criteria to keep in mind. It refers to the strung surface or face of the racquet. There are three types of heads: small, medium and large.
Small
The surface area of a small racquet head is approximately 600 cm². These frames are designed for people who hit the ball with power and good technique. It is important to ensure that you can master and control your racquet with ease before choosing a small head size.
Medium
The surface area of a medium racquet head covers approximately 630 cm² and 645 cm². This head size is suitable for everyone, regardless of their level. It offers the best of both worlds: power and control of the ball.
Large
The surface area of a large racquet head varies between 660 and 740 cm². These are ideal for beginners but are also suitable for those who use different types of tennis shots: slice, volley or topspin.
