As a tennis player, I watched a lot of tennis matches. While I watched the only handful of them live, I watched most of them on TV when I was still a fan. I remember while most friends were obsessing with Djokovic’s shoes, I was more into finding what tennis racquet he used. I was more obsessed with a tennis racquet as a fan than any other tennis equipment especially tennis racquet for beginners.
After all, the racquet is the one instrument, which truly changes the game. Therefore, I suggest every beginner figure out which racquet to use before thinking about beginning a professional career.
But the sports products’ market is filled with uncountable tennis racquets from uncountable brands. In this blog, I will tell you my secret tips on how to find the best tennis racquet for yourself.
Why is it so important to get the best tennis racquet for your game?
Before I jump into how to buy the right tennis racquet, you should know why and how a tennis racquet can change the game. If you don’t understand how it impacts your performance, you wouldn’t be able to figure out your needs and then pick the right equipment.
Let’s begin with the head size of a tennis racquet. Many experts consider it to be the most important aspect of a tennis racquet’s efficiency. You may have heard a racket being described as featuring a ‘mid-plus,’ ‘mid-sized, or an ‘oversized’ head.
While a mid-sized racket means the head size is in the range of 80-94 square inches, a mid-plus racket has a head size of roughly 95-105 square inches. And an oversized racket has around 105 square inches.
According to most common tennis beliefs, the bigger the head size, the larger the ‘sweet spot,’ and the faster a ball will rebound from the racquet.
I am guessing you know what a sweet spot is, but it’s okay even if you don’t know. Basically, the sweet spot is the region of the racket face where if the ball hits the racquet, it will bounce off with maximum speed and in minimum time. Therefore, buying racquets with larger sweet spots always benefits inexperienced, beginner players. Moreover, a larger head size also ensures that a racket doesn’t twist when you make an off-center contact with the ball.
However, unlike beginners, most advanced players prefer rackets with moderate head size. And it’s because their playing style is already a powerful one, and all they need at this point is control and a better grip.
Again, you will be surprised to know how the frame thickness of a tennis racquet can impact your performance; for instance, wide frames are stiffer than other frames. In addition, wide frames make the ball rebounding more speedily, adding more power. But as much as a stiffer frame increases power, it also transmits more vibration to your arm, which can negatively impact your performance in the long run.
Besides the frame thickness, grip size is another crucial factor. If you have checked all factors and compromised with the grip size, let me warn you, you wouldn’t be able to deliver what you have prepared. For example, if you are using a racquet with a smaller grip, it may increase maneuverability but at the same time make the hand and forearm muscles work harder.
Whatever and however equipment you pick, I suggest you never ever compromise with the string of a racquet. Everything related to striking the ball depends directly on the string of your tennis racquet. From how much the ball spins to the power that can be imparted, every aspect depends on the string.
How to Buy Tennis Racquet For Beginners?
Now that I have discussed in detail why a racquet is so important for your tennis performance, I think you have already got some ideas about what to check while buying a tennis racquet for a beginner.
Anyway, let me put forward a short tennis racquet for beginners buying guide.
1. Power
Many beginners mistakenly use the same racquet as other beginner players. But remember, even if you are a beginner, you need to buy a racquet which will be suitable for you. After all, the ideal tennis racquet may change its features according to the stature and strengths of tennis players.
For example, if you are a naturally strong player, you will need a racket that doesn’t add extra power to your game but at the same time provides you with more control. Again, if you are someone with a small body structure, you may feel like needing assistance in producing more power.
Therefore, always examine your body structure and power in your gaming style.
2. Head Size
I am going to suggest to you what experts say all the time to beginner players: always pick a tennis racket with a larger head size.
As a beginner, you are always evolving as a player. You are not only learning new techniques but also developing a new style. It means every time you hit the ball, it isn’t going to be a perfect shot.
Therefore, you need a racket with larger head size and a larger sweet spot so that your chances to make a perfect shot increases even if your timing isn’t right. Trust me. It will magically help you in your growth.
If you ask me about the exact size, I would suggest you pick a racket with a head size between 95-110 square inches.
3. Length
The standard length of a tennis racket for beginner adults is considered between 27 to 29 inches. And any shorter length than that is meant for children.
I think if you are a tall statured person, it’s best to go for longer racquets. It provides you with more reach and makes it easier to hit more balls. But longer rackets are also kind of a risk because then you need more power and a good grip to control them.
And, if you are a short-statured person, it’s better to use 27 inches racket. Whatever length you choose for the first racquet, please don’t buy one longer than 28 inches. It will negatively impact your style.
4. Weight
Professional players often go to a length of using 14 ounces weighing rackets. There are also players who like heavier tennis rackets.
Sometimes, beginners and fans try using rackets of similar weight. But practically, even a 12 ounces racket is a heavy one for a beginner. That is why I think it’s best if beginner players stick to 10 to 11.5 ounces weighing rackets.
Remember, too lightweight rackets can transmit excess shock to your arm every time you hit the ball.
5. Balance
This criteria is completely a matter of personal choice. But, still, you have to check the balance before buying a racket.
Don’t know how to check it? Let me tell you.
Basically, by balance of a racket, we understand the balance between the head and the butt of a racket. While some prefer lightweight heads, some players like to go for heavy heads.
Rackets with heavy heads provide good groundstrokes, and rackets with lightweight heads provide scope for better maneuverability.
6. Strings
The next thing that you need to check before buying a tennis racket for a beginner is the racket’s strings. As a beginner, I found thick, tough strings more useful than soft strings.
Although soft strings feel good while coming in contact to the ball, it hardly manages to provide modest control and power. In addition, soft strings feel kind of fragile when using all your power while hitting a ball.
Rackets with soft strings are more likely to break frequently. However, rackets with tougher strings are stiffer than other rackets, plus they provide more power and control.
Conclusion
Remember, when it comes to finding the right racket, it’s all like the saying failures are the stepping stones to success. You will only find the best racket for yourself by using a series of wrong rackets. So, be patient with yourself.
