If you've walked into a sporting goods store lately, the number of different tennis racquets to choose from may have overwhelmed you. Picking the right one is an important decision; your tennis racquet is an extension of your arm and an essential tool in helping you reach your maximum potential on the court. There are numerous aspects to take into consideration when deciding on a tennis racquet, including the level of power, the size of the racquet head and the manufacturer. Racquets can be pricey so make sure to test a few out before making a final decision.
Power vs. Control
Most tennis racquets fall in one of two categories; power and control. As the names indicate, power racquets provide more oomph to your shots, while control racquets help you to gain better maneuverability and improve your placement of the ball. Power racquets usually have a heavier head, whereas the weight of control racquets is in the handle.
Head Size
Tennis racquets come in a variety of head sizes, ranging from 85 to 135 square inches, and determining which is right for you is a combination of preference and experience. Racquets with larger heads contain a bigger sweet spot, which is the part of the strung surface where the player can more easily generate power. It is most players' goal to hit the ball with the sweet spot, so beginner and intermediate players tend to favor a larger racquet head than more advanced players. Most professional players use smaller racquet heads, although most of the racquets manufactured today tend to have larger heads than those of 15 or 20 years ago.
Length
Racquets range from 27 to 29 inches long. Most adult players prefer to use racquets that are around 27 inches, however, if you feel that you need more reach you may want to try one that is 28 or 29 inches. Longer racquets also give you more power on your serve, but the extra length can interfere with control and maneuverability.
Manufacturer
The most popular racquets on the pro tour, and therefore for amateurs as well, are made by Babolat, Wilson and Prince. While it is common to want to emulate the pro players, it is important for you to choose a racquet that will help you with your game. It can appear as though there is not much difference between brands, however, each manufacturer's racquets have a specific feel to them when in use. Most sporting goods stores will allow you to test several racquets before making a choice; it can be a good idea to try out several different brands to determine the one that is best for you.
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