How to Choose a Tennis Racket | Beginner Guide
This guide is designed for tennis beginners and anyone needing help selecting their first racket. Understanding racket specifications will help you make an informed choice that enhances your game and prevents injury.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Many new tennis players make these costly errors:
- Buying the most expensive racket - Price doesn't guarantee suitability for your skill level
- Copying professional players - Pro rackets are designed for advanced techniques and power
- Asking for the "best" racket - The best racket is the one that matches your playing style and skill level
These mistakes often lead to dissatisfaction, potential injuries, and unnecessary expenses when you inevitably need to purchase a more suitable racket.
Tennis Racket Specifications: The Basics
Before diving into specifications, familiarize yourself with the main parts of a tennis racket to better understand product descriptions and recommendations.
Key Factors for Beginners
1. Head Size
Head size, measured in square inches (inch²) or square centimetres (cm²), is the most noticeable difference between rackets. Current models fall into three categories:
- Mid (90-93 inch²): Precision-focused for advanced players
- Mid Plus (95-100 inch²): Balanced option suitable for developing players
- Oversize (100+ inch²): Maximum power and forgiveness
Beginner Recommendation: Choose 100 inch² or larger for maximum power and a bigger sweet spot, making it easier to connect with the ball consistently.
Trade-offs: Larger heads create more air resistance, potentially reducing swing speed and spin generation, but the benefits far outweigh these concerns for beginners.
2. Weight
Racket weight affects stability, power, and manoeuvrability. Heavier rackets provide better stability against fast balls and during volleys, while lighter rackets allow faster swing speeds and easier positioning.
Beginner Recommendation: 285g to 305g (approximately 10-10.8 oz)
The sweet spot is around 300g - light enough for comfortable extended play sessions while providing sufficient stability against powerful shots. This weight helps generate racket head speed for quality ball striking without causing excessive fatigue.
3. Beam Width
Beam thickness directly impacts power and feel:
- Thin beam (19-22mm): Enhanced feel and flexibility
- Thick beam (23mm+): Increased power and stiffness
Beginner Recommendation: Opt for a thicker beam to generate more power with less effort, compensating for developing technique.
4. Grip Size
Proper grip size prevents injury and improves performance. Tennis rackets come in various grip sizes based on hand measurements.
Beginner Tip: When uncertain, choose the smaller size. You can always add an overgrip to increase the grip circumference, but you cannot reduce an oversized grip.
Making Your Final Decision
Remember that these guidelines provide a foundation for your choice. Personal preference plays a significant role, and what works for one player may not work for another. The key is finding a racket that feels comfortable, doesn't cause strain during extended play, and allows you to develop proper technique.
As your skills advance, you may want to explore additional factors like balance point, swing weight, stiffness, string pattern, and beam shape. These advanced considerations can fine-tune your racket selection for specific playing styles and preferences.
Next Steps
Start with a racket that meets these beginner-friendly criteria, and focus on developing your fundamentals. As your game improves, you'll better understand your playing preferences and can make more informed decisions about advanced racket features.
Check out our Tennis Racket catalog here!
For more detailed information on advanced racket specifications, check out our comprehensive tennis racket guide for advanced players: