A Guide to Choosing the Right Tennis Racquet

If you want increased power, spin and surface area of the sweet spot, you should choose a larger head size of 107 square inches or more. 100-105 square inches will give you even control and a head of less than 98 square inches will allow you to swing freely and aggressively.

Beginners and recreational players may choose a longer racquet than the standard 28 inches providing more reach power and a greater capacity for spin. For a little more control, minimise the length.

The heavier the racquet, the more power potential and the easier it is to return an opponent's powerful shot. These heavier racquets however are more taxing on the player so many beginners choose a lighter racquet to conserve energy levels. Most players tend to choose a racquet that weighs 310 grams or more. Anything less than 270 grams lacks power and stability.

Another great measure is swing rate which describes how heavy a racquet feels when you swing it.

Head shape is another important factor in your choice of tennis racquet. It defines the shape and location of the sweet spot which is the most powerful part of the string bed and generates the least amount of vibration. Round head shapes tend to have a round sweet spot, while teardrop shaped heads generally have an oblong sweet spot that lets the spot extend higher up the bed.

Source: © Kristy Lee 2008.