The standard tennis racket size has evolved with the introduction of new materials and production techniques from smaller wooden frames to those of modern rackets, which consist of composite materials. The new materials have allowed manufacturers to produce frames of varying sizes and significantly increase the power available to the recreational and professional player alike.
Modern Racket Frames
As you browse through the sporting goods store, you will become aware of the huge variety of tennis rackets on sale, from the bright yellow graphite composite to the neon blue aluminum, but what they all will have in common is length and width of the hitting area. It must be no more than 29 inches in length, including the grip, and the hitting area must be no more than 12.5 inches in width. What all rackets marketed to the adult player will not share, however, is the width of the frame; those aimed at the recreational market much thicker to allow powerful shot making with a more compact swing, while those used by the professional tend to feature a thinner beam to allow for a full swing without causing overhitting.
Hitting Area
The majority of modern tennis rackets feature a pattern of stringing that usually means there are 18 or 20 main vertical strings and 20 cross or horizontal strings, producing a hitting area that gives an exceptionally true sweet-spot --- the area that gives greatest power and feel on a shot. Double-stringing or two layers of string is not allowed, but variations of stringing pattern are allowed --- for example diagonal stringing.
Profile of Frame --- Thin vs. Thick
When you study modern rackets, you will notice the significant difference in thickness of the width, or profile, of the frame. Frames vary in profile from 17.9 to 20 mm for control to 29 mm for a lot of power. As a recreational player, you will probably seek out a thicker profile, which should offer all of the power you require without risk of injury such as tennis elbow. The opposite is true for you if you are a pro or serious recreational player, with an NTRP of 5.0 or above, because your technique has developed to a point where the added power of a thick frame would be unwelcome and difficult to control.
History of Rackets
Until the advent of the Wison T2000 racquet, used most notably by Wimbledon champions Ann Jones and Jimmy Connors, wood was the material of choice for all racket manufacturers. Wilson, Dunlop and Spalding all carved out fine reputations with frames made of natural wood, but the need to shape the frame meant it was almost impossible to produce racquets longer than 27 inches and with a head size of more than 11 inches. With the advent of steel frames, initially of a similar size to their wooden brothers, and later composite rackets, tennis really has now become a different ball game.
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