How Racquet Parts Affect Performance

1. Head Size:

   • Larger heads provide more power, while smaller heads offer better control.

2. Beam Width:

   • Wider beams increase power by allowing the strings to move more. Thinner beams improve control by limiting string movement.

3. Weight:

   • Heavier racquets give more power and stability, while lighter racquets are easier to maneuver.

4. Throat Flexibility:

   • A stiffer throat adds power to your shots, while a more flexible throat can improve control.

5. Grommets:

   • Wider grommets let strings move more, increasing power. Narrower grommets keep strings tighter, boosting control.

6. String Tension:

   • Lower tension = more power. Higher tension = more control.

Tennis racquets are generally categorized into three types:

1. Power Racquets: Designed for beginners, these racquets have larger head sizes and lighter weights to help generate power.

2. Control Racquets: Used by advanced players, these racquets offer precision but require more skill to use effectively.

3. All Around Racquets: A blend of power and control, these are suitable for intermediate players.

For beginners, power racquets are the best choice. They provide forgiveness and help you focus on learning the basics.

When selecting a racquet, consider the following factors:

1. Playing Style: Are you an aggressive baseliner or a defensive player? Your style will influence the type of racquet you need.

2. Physical Attributes: Your height, strength, and fitness level play a role in determining the right weight and grip size.

3. Budget: Tennis racquets range from 50to50to300. As a beginner, you don’t need to splurge on a high-end model.

Pro Tip: Start with a mid-range racquet that offers a good balance of features and affordability.

1. Price (don’t spend too much money)
   • An expensive racquet will not improve your development or enjoyment at the beginner level.
   • A suitable racquet costs between $50 and $130.
   • Aluminum racquets are often priced around $30-60 and will suffice. However, if your budget allows, select a graphite or graphite composite model that will be more stable and reduce vibration. 
     
     
     
     
     
2. Brand
   • Most major racquet brands offer suitable options for beginners of varying physical ability. There is no need to favour one brand over another but stick with the major brands to assure quality. These brands include Wilson, Head, Babolat, Yonex, Prince, Dunlop and Tecnifibre.
3. Emphasize ‘Control’
   • Some racquets are designed to provide more Power (ball speed). These are meant for experienced players who lack power due to poor technique or physical limitations.
   • Your goal is to develop long, smooth, fast strokes. A beginner who uses a powerful racquet may develop shortened or hesitant strokes because they are afraid of hitting the ball out.
   • Control racquets usually have the following characteristics:
     a) Standard 27-inch Length
     b) MidPlus Head Size between 95 and 104 square inches. However, we would highly recommend getting a head size close to 100 sq in racquets for a beginner.
4. Weight (lighter isn’t always better)
   • It is commonly assumed that a lighter racquet is easier to use or provides a performance advantage. A lighter racquet does provide greater maneuverability, but it will provide less power, stability, and shock absorption than a racquet of greater weight. You may be surprised to learn that most professional players use extremely heavy racquets.
   • The optimal weight for a beginner will depend on their size and physical strength. Select the heaviest racquet that still feels comfortable and maneuverable when swung. Below is a stereotypical, gender-based guide to beginner racquet weight:

     Average Men: 10.7 to 11.3 oz Strung Weight 

     Average Women: 10.0 to 10.6 oz Strung Weight
     
     

     *These indications are based on strength/height, not necessarily on gender.

5. Grip Size

   Just like a pair of gloves, a racquet is offered in a number of sizes to fit your hand.

   • There are 6 sizes which relate to the circumference of the grip in inches:

     4” (also known as ‘Size 0’),
     4 ⅛” (Size 1),
     4 ¼” (Size 2),
     4 ⅜” (Size 3),
     4 ½” (Size 4),
     4 ⅝” (Size 5).

   • A grip that is too small may allow the racquet to twist in your hand and affect your ability to control the ball. It can also lead to wrist and forearm injury.

   • A grip that is too large will reduce your wrist’s range of motion.
     

6. Strings
   Most beginner racquets come pre-strung from the factory. Those strings will do the job just fine.

   • Most beginner racquets come pre-strung from the factory. Those strings will do the job just fine.

   • Performance racquets come unstrung because experienced players like to select the type of string and the tension.

   • If the racquet you selected requires strings, select a modestly priced, nylon-based string. These will provide a nice mix of power, control, and comfort without breaking the bank.

   • If having the racquet strung, you will also need to select the String Tension. All racquets have a recommended tension range (printed on the racquet). Higher tension provides more control, while lower tension provides more power and shock absorption. We recommend that a beginner string the racquet in the middle of the range. 

Before making a purchase, demo racquets to see how they feel in your hand and on the court. Here’s what to look for during testing:

• Comfort: Does the racquet feel good in your hand?

• Feel: Can you control the ball easily?

• Control: Does the racquet respond well to your swings?

RacquetGuys offers demo programs, so take advantage of them! Check it out here!

Avoid these common pitfalls when choosing a racquet:

1. Choosing Based on Brand: Just because a racquet is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

2. Focusing on Looks: Aesthetics are secondary to performance.

3. Opting for Advanced Features: As a beginner, you don’t need a racquet designed for professional players.

Here are some beginner-friendly racquets to consider:

Shop Beginner Racquets Here