Racket selection

Several different sizes and grips types are available for rackets, and the choice can be overwhelming if you are a beginer. The right racket is dependent on

hand size
your age
your strength

When selecting a racket, you have a choice of the following:

Grip size
Size of the racket head
Racket weight
How rigid the racket frame is

Racquets with large head sizes and thick and stiff frames that are relatively light in weight (with most of the weight distributed towards the head of the racquet) are generally designed to give the player more power. Longer length can also add power, but a lot of players find long racquets too cumbersome. Smaller heads, thin flexible beams and heavier weights (distributed more towards the handle) are for better control.

Tennis Racket Grip Size
Tennis Racket Head Size
Tennis Racket Weight

Grip sizes come in range usually measured in inches, and these can range from about 4" (junior players) to as large as 4 7/8"(for very large hands). This might seem like a trivial task, but selecting the wrong grip size can lead to injury after prolonged use.

So how can you determine the right size, some people use the technique of measuring the distance from about the middle of the hand up to tip of the middle finger. Women will find their size fall around the 4 1/8" and 4 3/8", whilst for men this falls above this limit up to 4 7/8" for large hands. If the grip size is selected is too small, this can still be increased in size by adding more wrapping around. The choice of the right grip intensity is as important as the choice of the racket model. There are 5 main grip sizes available for tennis rackets.

L 1 - 4 1/8 inches - 105 mm
L 2 - 4 1/4 inches - 108 mm
L 3 - 4 3/8 inches - 111 mm
L 4 - 4 1/2 inches - 114 mm
L 5 - 4 5/8 inches - 118 mm

The size of the racket head can determine the power, ball control, racket torque and ball spin. In general, the larger the head size, the easier it is to hit the ball and more power is produced. Also, the spin can be improved as the surface area is now larger. However the accuracy is reduced as there is less control. This is one of the advantages of a smaller head where control is required as there is less racket torque and ball placement is more accurate.

Beginners tend to go for rackets with larger head area which reduces the probability of a miss hit, where as more advanced players go for a mid sized or standard head as this gives them better control and power.

Head sizes usually come in the following categories:

Super-oversized: 116 to 135 square inches.
Oversize: 100 to 115 square inches.
Midplus: 95 to 105 square inches (popular choice)
Midsize: 80 to 93 square inches.
Standard: 65 to 80 square inches.

Weight is very important when choosing a racket, a racket that is too heavy can cause injury and reduce your performance.

As a rule, the trend in weight is toward lighter and lighter racquets, particularly with the introduction of graphite. Racquets right now weigh about 11 and 1/2 ounces and decreasing with time. Some racquets are even less than 10 ounces. The lighter a racquet, the easier it is to swing. However, light racquets place less weight behind the shot, and hence you have to swing faster to get a more powerful shot.