Thinking of picking up a tennis racquet and heading to the tennis court? You're not alone. In fact, the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" estimated that more than 75 million individuals play tennis across the world. But if you've never played tennis before, the large number of available tennis racquets can be intimidating. Since the right racquet will help make your initial trip to the tennis court a success, you'll need to choose wisely. So what do you need to look for when buying your first tennis racquet?
Size
For a beginner, the size of your racquet is one of the most important factors in how well you'll be able to play. Whereas more experienced players can get away with smaller, more compact racquets, you'll want to go with the largest racquet you can find. Because the largest racquets are labeled as being "oversized" and are sold in many consumer-friendly sporting stores, it is easy to find a racquet that will fit your size requirements.
Weight
Also important is the weight of your racquet. Instead of grabbing the first oversized racquet you find, look for the lightest racquet available. Tennis matches can get long. You don't want a heavy racquet to cause you to grow tired before you're finished playing. A racquet that weighs less than 9.5 oz. is a good choice. And make sure the racquet's weight is balanced in a way that allows you to move the racquet comfortably through your various strokes. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to perform a fluid serve, backhand or forehand.
Comfort
If your racquet doesn't fit well in your hand when you first pick it up, it will remain uncomfortable the entire time you use it. Instead of running the risk of dropping tennis because of an uncomfortable racquet, seek a tennis racquet that feels good. The ideal racquet has a well-padded handle that fits in your hand without being too small or large, which can result in the racquet twisting in your hand.
Strings
The best strings on a beginner's racquet are the strings already installed on your racquet. They are able to be used in various situations and therefore fit your beginning level perfectly. Once you play tennis for a while, you may want to restring your racquet. At this point, you will need to consult a tennis professional to determine an appropriate string material and tension for your skill level.
Member Comments