What Size Tennis Racquet Should You Use?
Choosing the right size tennis racquet is an important factor in your game. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right size racquet for your game.
Grip Size
Many people make the mistake of thinking that grip size is simply a matter of finding a tennis racket with a comfortable grip. However, there is more to finding the right grip size than just comfort. The size of your grip can actually have a big impact on your game.
How to measure your grip size
There are a few different ways that you can measure your grip size, but the most common and accurate way is to use a ruler or a tape measure. To do this, you will need to find the V-shape formed by your thumb and index finger on your dominant hand. Once you have found this V, simply measure the distance (in inches) from the bottom crease of your palm to the tip of your index finger. If you are using a tape measure, make sure that you keep the tape measure tight against your skin while you are measuring.
Once you have your measurement, you will need to locate the corresponding grip size on a chart. For example, if your measurement is 4 inches, then you will need to use a grip size of 4 (or 4 1/2 if you are between sizes).
If you do not have access to a ruler or tape measure, another option is to use a piece of string or yarn. Simply wrap the string around your hand in the same way that you would wrap a tennis racket handle, and then cut off the excess string. Once you have done this, simply measure the length of the string with a ruler or tape measure to get your grip size.
Why grip size is important
When you pick up a tennis racquet, the most important thing you should notice is how the grip size feels in your hand. A properly sized grip will feel comfortable and allow you to hold the racquet with a light grip. If the grip is too small, you will have to grip the racquet tightly to keep it from slipping; if the grip is too large, you will not be able to control the racquet as well. In either case, your game will suffer.
There are several ways to determine what grip size you need. One is to hold the butt of the racquet in the palm of your dominant hand and extend your index finger alongside the frame. If your finger touches or overlaps, you need a smaller grip; if there’s a gap of more than 1/8 inch between your index finger and the frame, you need a larger grip.
Another way to determine grip size is to measure your hand. Place a tape measure around your palm at its widest point (excluding the thumb) and make a note of that measurement in inches or centimeters. The measurement in inches corresponds to Racquet World’s Grip Size Chart below; for metric measurements, multiply by 2.5 to get an approximate idea of what size you need.
Racquet World’s Grip Size Chart:
4 inches = 0 (extra small)
4 1/8 inches = 1 (small)
4 1/4 inches = 2 (medium)
4 3/8 inches = 3 (large)
4 1/2 inches = 4 (extra large)
Racquet Length
The standard length for a tennis racquet is 27 inches (68.58 cm). However, most Recreational players use a racquet that is between 27 to 29 inches long. Most women’s racquets are between 23 to 25 inches long. If you are shorter than average, you may want to consider using a shorter racquet.
How to measure your racquet length
There are two different types of grip sizes for tennis racquets:
-4 1/4 inches (10.8 cm) – this is the most common size for women’s and juniors’ racquets
-4 3/8 inches (11.1 cm) – this is the most common size for men’s racquets
Grip sizes can be measured one of two ways: with a ruler or with a tennis grip size chart. To measure your grip size with a ruler, simply measure (in inches or centimeters) from the base of your palm to the top of your middle finger. If you don’t have a ruler handy, you can also use a tennis grip size chart. These charts list grip sizes in both inches and centimeters, making it easy to find your ideal racquet grip size.
Why racquet length is important
Racquet length is an important factor in finding a racquet that fits your game. Tennis racquets are available in a range of lengths, from short 27-inch (68.58cm) models designed for junior players or beginners to long 29-inch (73.66cm) versions for taller players with longer arms.
The racket you choose should be the proper length for your height and arm length. If the racket is too long, it will be difficult to control. If it’s too short, you won’t be able to generate enough power.
Most adult beginner and intermediate players should use a 27- or 27.5-inch (68.58- or 69.85-cm) racket. For most adults, a 27.5-inch racket is the best choice because it’s easy to swing and control, while still providing enough power for most strokes.
Taller players with long arm may prefer a 28-inch (71.12-cm) racket for added reach on their strokes. Advanced players with experience and strong swings may prefer a longer racket for extra power, especially on serve and other strokes where they can take a bigger swing.
Remember, you can always shorten a longer racket by cutting off some of the handle, but you can’t make a shorter racket longer! Choosing the right length is an important part of finding a tennis racket that fits your game.
String Tension
String tension is one of the most important factors in choosing a tennis racquet. It is the amount of force that the strings exert on the frame and the player’s arm. If the string tension is too low, the ball will not bounce off the strings very well. If the string tension is too high, the ball will bounce off the strings too well and the player’s arm will feel the vibrations more.
How to measure your string tension
If you don’t have a string tension meter, you can still get a pretty good idea of your string tension by measuring the length of an un-strung section of your racquet. An “ideal” tension for a given string and frame is determined by the manufacturer, and this number usually falls within a range recommended by the USTA. “Ideal” tension will differ from player to player, however, based on his or her playing style. A Midsize or Midplus racquet strung at 55 pounds will have different playing characteristics than the same racquet strung at 60 pounds. If you’re not sure which tension is right for you, experiment with different tensions until you find one that feels comfortable.
To measure string tension:
1. Unstring your racquet and remove any old string or rubber from the grommets.
2. Find an un-strung section of your racquet’s string bed (usually near the butt cap) and measure its length with a ruler or tape measure. Be sure to measure from the outermost part of one grommet hole to the outermost part of the next grommet hole, passing over any cross strings in between.
3. Use an online string tension calculator to convert your measured length into pounds or kilograms (string tension is always given in one of these two units). You can find many free calculators online by searching for “string tension calculator.”
Why string tension is important
String tension is important because it alters the trampoline effect of the stringbed, which in turn affects power, control, feel, and comfort. With less string tension (looser strings), the ball sinks into the stringbed more upon impact and snaps back off the strings with more energy (ball “bounces” higher). This results in more power and a “livelier” feel. With more string tension (tighter strings), the ball compressed less upon impact and doesn’t snap back off the strings with as much energy. This results in less power but better control since there is less “bounce” off the stringbed. If you have trouble generating power, you may want to consider using a lighter gauge of string or reducing string tension. If you have trouble controlling your shots or your arm tends to vibrate excessively after hitting shots, you may want to increase string tension or try a thicker gauge of string.
Racquet Weight
Tennis racquet weight is one of the key factors in choosing the right racquet for you. A heavier racquet provides more power, while a lighter racquet is easier to swing. Most beginner and intermediate players should use a racquet that is between 10 and 11 ounces. If you are a power player or have especially fast swing speeds, you may want to consider a racquet that is between 9 and 10 ounces.
How to measure your racquet weight
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a tennis racquet, and weight is just one of the many factors that you need to consider. But if you’re not sure where to start, measuring the weight of your racquet can be a good place.
Ideally, you should use a digital scale that displays in grams. If you don’t have one, you can use an analog scale or even a kitchen scale, but you’ll need to convert the measurements. To do this, simply multiply the ounces by 28.35 (or multiply by 1.0 if using metric).
Once you have your measurement, compare it to the weight range of the racquets you’re considering. Most manufacturers will give you a general idea of what weight range their racquets fall into: lightweight (under 10 ounces), midweight (10-11 ounces), or heavyweight (11+ ounces).
Keep in mind that weight is just one factor to consider when choosing a tennis racquet. Other important factors include head size, grip size, string pattern, and balance point. But if you’re not sure where to start, measuring the weight of your racquet can be a good place.
Why racquet weight is important
The weight of your tennis racquet is an important factor to consider when shopping for a new one. A racquet that is too heavy or too light can affect your performance on the court.
Racquet weight is measured in ounces (oz), and most racquets fall within a range of 8 oz to 11 oz. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with a moderate weight racquet, such as one that weighs 9 oz or 10 oz. As you become more experienced, you may want to try a heavier racquet, such as one that weighs 11 oz or more.
One way to determine what weight racquet is right for you is to hold one in each hand and see which one feels more comfortable. You should also take into account your playing style when choosing a racquet weight. For example, if you are a power player who hits the ball hard, you may want to use a heavier racket so that you can generate more power. Conversely, if you are a control player who relies on precision rather than power, you may want to use a lighter racket so that you can have more control over your shots.
experiment with different weights until you find the right one for your playing style and ability level.