Tennis Racket Quick Guide

1. Purpose of Play:

  • Beginners: A larger head size provides more power and a bigger sweet spot, making it forgiving for off-center hits.
  • Intermediate Players: A mid-plus head size offers a balance between power and control.
  • Advanced Players: Often prefer smaller head sizes for precision and control, but it requires consistent hitting technique.

2. Weight:

  • Lighter Rackets (260-280g): Easier to maneuver, suitable for beginners, juniors, or players with a slower swing speed.
  • Medium Weight (280-310g): Offers a mix of power and control. Suitable for many intermediate players.
  • Heavier Rackets (310g+): Provides more stability and power but requires good technique. Preferred by many advanced players.

3. Balance:

  • Head-Heavy: Offers more power, especially for players with shorter swings.
  • Even-Balance: Balanced feel, suitable for a broad range of players.
  • Head-Light: Easier to maneuver, favored by advanced players and those at the net in doubles.

4. String Pattern:

  • Open (16x18 or 16x19): Provides more spin and power but might wear out strings faster.
  • Dense (18x20): Offers more control and string durability.

5. Choosing the Right Grip Size:

  • Method 1: Ruler Test:

    1. Open your dominant hand and extend your fingers.
    2. Using a ruler, measure the distance from the middle of your palm to the tip of your ring finger.
    3. Typically, measurements between 4 to 4 3/8 inches suit most adults.

  • Method 2: On-Racket Test:

    1. Hold the racket as you would for a backhand.
    2. There should be a finger's width of space between your fingers and the base of your thumb.

  • Common Grip Sizes:

    • Size 0: 4 inches
    1. Size 1: 4 1/8 inches
    2. Size 2: 4 1/4 inches
    3. Size 3: 4 3/8 inches
    4. Size 4: 4 1/2 inches
    5. Size 5: 4 5/8 inches

Note: When in doubt, go for the smaller grip size. Overgrips can be added to increase the grip size, but reducing a grip is more challenging.