How to Choose a Tennis Racquet

Too many people just grab the first tennis racquet they find. If you want to make the most of your game, then knowing how to choose a tennis racquet is key to performing your best every time you hit the court.

1. First: Determining your ideal racquet grip size

   Your grip on your tennis racquet greatly affects the power, speed and control of both your serves and returns. Racquet grip also affects your comfort level, as a racquet grip that is too small or large for your hand can tire it out too fast. As a general rule, the tips of your fingers should not touch your palm when you are holding the grip. When in doubt, choose a smaller grip since you can always use tape to increase its size.

2. Second: Determining your ideal racquet head size

   Many beginners gravitate toward a larger head size since it gives them a better chance of snagging errant balls. That said, more experienced players elect for smaller heads since they give the player more control over the speed and power of every hit.

3. Third: Choosing a racquet material

   Racquets come in a variety of materials. Wooden tennis racquets are largely considered obsolete. Instead, most beginner racquets are constructed of aluminum, graphite or titanium. The lightweight nature of these racquets makes them ideal for players that are still building their strength but at the same time helps them absorbs shock well and gives them just enough heft to for powerful returns. More advanced players gravitate toward even lighter, stiffer racquets constructed of boron or Kevlar. These racquets are manufactured with speed and efficiency in mind.