How to Buy a Tennis Racquet: A Beginner’s Guide
Contents
Not sure how to buy a tennis racquet? This beginner’s guide will help you select the right size, weight, and grip for your playing style.
Introduction
If you’re new to tennis, you might be wondering what kind of racket you should buy. It’s a good idea to do some research before you make your purchase. In this article, we’ll provide a beginner’s guide to buying a tennis racket. We’ll cover the different types of rackets, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to decide which one is right for you.
Why You Need a Tennis Racquet
You need a tennis racquet to play tennis. It’s that simple. But, with all of the different choices available on the market today, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. If you’re a beginner, it’s important to choose a racquet that is comfortable and easy to use. In this guide, we will help you select a tennis racquet that is suited for your level of play and needs.
Tennis is a great way to get exercise and have fun. It’s also a competitive sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, having the right tennis racquet can make all the difference in your game.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a tennis racquet, such as weight, grip size, string pattern, and balance. If you’re not sure where to start, our experts have put together this beginner’s guide to help you find the perfect racket for your game.
The Different Types of Tennis Racquets
There are three main types of tennis racquets: power racquets, control racquets, and tweener racquets. Power racquets are the heaviest and most powerful type of racquet, making them ideal for beginner and intermediate players. Control racquets are lighter and more manoeuvrable, making them ideal for advanced players. Tweener racquets are a happy medium between power and control racquets, making them ideal for players of all levels.
Beginner Racquets
When you are just starting out, you don’t need the same performance-based racquet that an experienced player would use. Instead, it’s more important to find something that is lightweight and easy to swing. This will help you develop proper technique without tiring out your arm.
Here are some things to look for in a beginner racquet:
-Weight: Look for a racquet that is between 9 and 11 ounces. If it’s too heavy, it will be difficult to swing. If it’s too light, it won’t have enough power behind it.
-Head size: A larger head size (between 100-115 square inches) is ideal for beginners because it gives you a larger sweet spot (the area on the strings where you make contact). This means that even if you don’t hit the ball perfectly in the center, you’ll still get decent power and accuracy.
-Grip size: The grip size is the circumference of the handle and is usually measured in inches. You can find a grip size chart online or at your local tennis shop. It’s important to get a grip size that fits your hand because if it’s too big or small, it will be uncomfortable to hold and swing.
-String pattern: The string pattern is the number of main strings (running horizontal) and cross strings (running vertical) that make up the hitting surface of the racquet. A higher number of main strings will give you more power, while a higher number of cross strings will give you more control. For beginners, a string pattern of 16×19 is a good place to start.
Intermediate Racquets
If you’re an intermediate player, you’ve moved beyond the basic game and are starting to develop your own playing style. You may be playing singles or doubles on a regular basis, and have a better understanding of how to control the ball. You have some power in your swings, and are beginning to hit different shots with different strokes. You may also be starting to play in tournaments.
As an intermediate player, you need a racquet that can help you take your game to the next level. That means finding a balance between power and control, so you can swing for the fences while still keeping the ball in play. You also want a racquet that is comfortable and not too heavy, so you can swing it with ease.
Here are some of the best intermediate racquets on the market:
– Wilson Pro Staff 97S Tennis Racquet: This mid-sized graphite racquet is perfect for players who want a mix of power and control. It has a head size of 97 square inches and a weight of 11.2 ounces, making it light enough to swing with ease but heavy enough to add power to your shots. The Pro Staff 97S also has a 16×19 string pattern that provides plenty of spin potential.
– HEAD Graphene Touch Speed MP Tennis Racquet: This head-light racquet is perfect for players who want exceptional maneuverability. It has a 100 square inch head size and weighs just 10.6 ounces, making it one of the lightest racquets on the market. The Graphene Touch Speed MP also has an 18×20 string pattern that provides excellent control over shots.
Professional Racquets
If you want to competitively play tennis, then you will need a professional racquet. Professional racquets are designed for competitive players who have mastered the basics and are looking to take their game to the next level. These racquets are typically made of graphite or carbon fiber, which makes them very light and easy to swing. They also have a larger sweet spot, which means they are more forgiving if you don’t hit the ball exactly in the center of the racquet. However, professional racquets can be very expensive, so they may not be the best option if you are just starting out.
How to Choose the Right Tennis Racquet
If you’re a beginner tennis player, or if you’re just getting started, you may be wondering how to choose the right tennis racquet. There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re choosing a tennis racquet. First, you’ll want to consider your level of play. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player?
Head Size
One of the most important factors in choosing the right tennis racquet is the head size. The size of the head will determine the sweet spot, which is the area where you are most likely to make contact with the ball. The sweet spot is also where you will generate the most power for your shots.
There are three basic categories of head sizes:
-Small (105 square inches): These racquets have the largest sweet spot and are best suited for beginner and recreational players. They are more forgiving on off-center hits but don’t offer as much control as smaller racquets.
Weight
The weight of a tennis racquet is one of the biggest factors in determining how the racquet will feel to swing. Heavier racquets are going to be more difficult to swing and generate less power, while lighter racquets will be easier to swing and generate more power.
It is important to find a happy medium between the two extremes, because a racquet that is too light or too heavy can cause problems with your tennis game. If you are a beginner, it is generally advisable to choose a tennis racquet that is on the lighter side. This will allow you to swing the racquet with relative ease and generate enough power to keep up with your opponents.
If you are an advanced player, you may want to choose a slightly heavier tennis racquet. This will give you more control over your shots and help you put spin on the ball. However, it is important not to go too heavy, as this can make the racquet difficult to control.
Grip Size
Finding the right grip size is an important but often overlooked part of choosing a tennis racquet. The grip is the circular area at the end of the handle where you hold the racquet. It’s measured by circumference, not by length, and it’s important to get it right because a grip that’s too small or too large can lead to hand and wrist problems.
To find your perfect grip size, measure (in inches) the circumference of your hand above your knuckles (not including your thumb). If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a string and then measure the string with a ruler. Once you have your measurement, refer to the chart below to find the corresponding grip size.
If you fall between sizes, it’s generally better to go with the smaller size because you can always increase the size with an overgrip. An overgrip is a thin layer of cushioning that goes over the existing grip. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and they come in different thicknesses so you can fine-tune the feel of your racquet.
-4 1/8” or smaller = Extra small (XS)
-4 1/4” – 4 3/8” = Small (S)
-4 1/2” – 4 5/8” = Medium (M)
-4 3/4” – 4 7/8 = Large (L)
-5″ or larger = Extra large (XL)
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a tennis racket is not as simple as Just going to the store and picking the first one you see. With all of the different types, strings, brands, and sizes, it can be overwhelming for a beginner. It is important to do your research and talk to a professional before making your final purchase. With all of that being said, have fun and enjoy the game!