Tennis rackets come in a variety of models and styles, with different playing characteristics. The size of the head, grip and length all affect how the racket plays. While certain rackets are made specifically for different player types, including beginners, intermediates and advance players, even these models vary slightly in their sizes. Knowing the different characteristics of tennis rackets will help you pick one that helps you serve more aces than faults.
Step 1
Select a racket with a larger head size if you are a beginner, advanced beginner or senior player. Larger head sizes give you more hitting area and a larger "sweet" spot. Oversized rackets feature head sizes that run approximately 107 to 135 square inches.
Step 2
Measure your hand from the tip of your ring finger to the second, horizontal crease in the palm of your hand to determine your grip size. Rackets are usually marked with a size and weight, such as 4-1/2 L to signify the hand measurement and weight–light, medium and heavy are marked with an L, M and H respectively.
Step 3
Grip the racket as you would for a forehand. Place the pointer finger of your non-hitting hand in the space between the palm of your hitting hand and fingers of that hand. If you can't get your pointer finger in between that space, the grip is too small. If the there is space on either side of your pointer finger, the grip may be too big.
Step 4
Place on overwrap on the handle if you will be using such grips to address sweating. Use the finger test above to measure the racket handle with an overwrap on it to give you a true estimation of how the grip will fit you.
Step 5
Select a longer length racket if you are a beginner or intermediate player. A longer racket creates more acceleration on tennis shots, and most rackets made for less-skilled players measure 27.5 to 29 inches.
Step 6
Select a lighter racket if you desire a faster swing. Beginner's rackets are lighter than those made for skilled players to help newer players generate more racket speed. If you are new to the game but are very muscular and can generate more power with your swings, you may want to consider a slightly heavier racket. A heavier racket deforms less on impact and provides more control. The lightest rackets are usually less than 10 oz.
Tips and Warnings
- Play test any racket before you buy it. While a racket may feel as if it's the right size for you in the store, after you have swung it for 30 minutes or more, you may find it too heavy or unwieldy. Many tennis specialty shops have demo programs that allow you to check out a racket and play with it before you purchase it.
Things You'll Need
- Ruler or measuring tape
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