HOW TO CHOOSE TENNIS RACQUET SIZE?
The best tennis racquets enable players to maximise their skills and strategies to dominate the court–this is why picking the right racquet is crucial!
What tennis racquet should you buy? The choice generally starts with picking the correct size for you, which is generally determined by the racquet’s head size. A great tip to determine this is to base it on your own size. To check this, while standing up straight, place a racquet with its handle facing upwards beside your foot on your playing side (e.g., your right foot if you’re right-handed). You should be able to comfortably hold the tip of the racquet’s handle with your fingers without having to stretch or lean over. If you can place the heel of your hand on the base of the handle, the racquet is too small for your size.
Factors That Affect the Size of a Tennis Racquet
The size of a tennis racquet is primarily affected by four factors: the head size, the racquet length, the grip size, and the racquet weight. Here’s a brief explanation of each one and how they can influence your game:
Head Size
A racquet’s head size can be categorised as mid-size (550 to 625 centimetres2), mid-plus (630 to 680 centimetres2), or oversized (685-870 centimetres2). A racquet with a larger head size is ideal for beginner players since it’s more forgiving; it offers a larger sweet spot, making it easier to hit the ball. Plus, it allows for a greater rebound effect, which means that the ball will bounce back easier and with more power.
More advanced players, on the other hand, prefer to play with smaller head sizes especially if they’re already confident with their power and skills. Mid-size racquet heads are much more manoeuvrable and they offer better precision.
Racquet Length
The length of a tennis racquet generally ranges between twenty-seven inches (68.5 centimetres, the most common) to twenty-nine inches (72.5 centimetres). Racquets on the longer end are usually lighter; they enable more power and higher swing weight, which lets players deliver stronger serves (because the ball can be hit from a height and aimed at a steeper angle).
That said, longer racquets can be difficult to control, and they can put you at a disadvantage when you’re hit with body shots or net volleys.
Grip Size
Grip size refers to the measurement of a racquet handle’s circumference. To check if you have the right grip size, hold your racquet in a forehand position. The index finger of your non-playing hand should fit the space between your fingers and your palm on the gripped hand. If you’re in between sizes, it’s always better to choose the smaller one; you can always adjust with overgrips later on.
Racquet Weight
The weight of a racquet is how heavy it is without the strings attached. The heavier it is, the more power and stability you’ll get. However, weighty racquets are less manoeuvrable and they can make you tire faster. You can always start with a lighter base racquet, then customise the weight as you go. For example, you can add lead tape to make it heavier once you’re comfortable wielding something with more weight.
The Best Racquet Sizes Based on Skill Level
Here’s a guide on the best racquet size for you depending on whether you’re just starting to play tennis or are already a seasoned player:
Beginner Players
Beginner players should start with racquets that have larger head sizes and lighter weights. This allows for more power with every swing, fewer chances of missing the ball during rallies, and a lower risk of wearing out your arm.
Intermediate Players
Intermediate players may opt for reduced head sizes and weightier racquets. Those who’ve played for a while and have developed certain skills may also start to explore other technical aspects of their equipment, such as swing weight, tension, and beam.
Advanced Players
Mid-size heads and medium to heavy-weighted racquets are best for advanced players and are the most common choices. That said, at this stage, each player would already be aware of their own skills and limitations, and should be able to determine the type of racquet that can best maximise these to improve their game.
The Best Tennis Racquets From Intersport
The best way to find the right tennis racquet size for you is to try out different options and see which one feels the most comfortable to handle. Intersport has a variety of tennis racquets from top brands to choose from, giving you greater flexibility to find the perfect one for you. Find your next tennis racquet from Intersport today!
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