The most basic of all needs to play tennis, is a tennis racket

[caption id="attachment_137525" align="alignleft" width="479"] The “finger rule”: When the player holds the racket in his/her usual grip, he/she needs to be able to insert the forefinger of the other hand between the four fingers and the palm that is holding the racket. If the player is not able to do so, that usually means that the racket’s grip size is probably too small for him/her[/caption]

 Whilst you can play tennis wearing your normal clothes and, even for that matter, without wearing shoes, it is impossible to play tennis without a tennis racket. Therefore, it is important that the players are knowledgeable regarding the choosing of a tennis racket.

In cases of young kids, mostly they would choose a racket on the basis of “looking good”.

In other words, they are likely to be attracted to a colorful racket more than a functional racket. Marketing companies make full use of this particular situation by making sure that they keep flooding the market with colorful rackets. But at least in the case of intermediate-level players, it is important to make sure that basic guidelines are followed when choosing a racket.

Size and strength of the player

The above two components matter most, out of all, in choosing a right tennis racket. Since the player has to be able to maneuver the racket in as agile a manner as possible, it is important that these two components be understood by the players.

In terms of size, what is important to be discussed is the height of the player. This is because of the fact that taller players normally have longer arms which means that they normally have powerful swings. The power of the swing matters in choosing a racket because, if the player has a more powerful swing, the player will need to go with a racket which gives the player more control. Whereas, if the player does not have a powerful swing, the player will need to go for a racket with more power.

Following on from the above point, the strength of the players matters as well. Whilst measuring the strength of a player is a tricky business, applying the same logic from the above discussion, a strong player will need a racket with more control while a player with less strength will need a racket with more power.

Playing style

This is an absolutely basic point. This is because of the fact that the player will definitely need to have a racket that will suit his playing style. A player with an aggressive playing style such as serve and volley or an aggressive baseliner will need a racket with more control.

Whereas if he/she is a more defensive player who uses the power of the opponent to play his shots, he/she will probably need a racket with more power. Another point to keep in mind is the fact that normally, wide-body rackets have more power.

Swing speed

There are three types of swing that can be discussed in tennis. That is the fast swing, average swing, and the slow swing. Whilst there are no parameters as to how these swings are measured, an experienced coach will always be able to help the player with such decisions.

A player with a fast swing will always need a racket with more control. Whist a player with an average or a slow swing will always need a racket with more power. But of course, the player needs to be comfortable with the choice of the racket. That is the most important thing.

Grip size and head size

Grip size is a very important aspect of choosing a racket. The “finger rule” is a well known way of choosing a racket. That is when the player holds the racket in the usual grip, the player needs to be able to insert the forefinger of the other hand between the four fingers and the palm that is holding the racket. If the player is not able to do so, that usually means that the racket grip size is probably too small for the player.

In terms of the head sizes of the rackets, these range from 93-135 square inches. Bigger heads offer more power since they are considered “wide body” rackets. These usually offer a wider “sweet spot” as well. This usually aids the ability to land a better hit. Smaller heads give the player more control and are typically for players who are confident they can hit the ball cleanly without “framing” it.

Weight and the length

These are again two of the most important aspects of choosing a racket. A weightier racket will be having more power for the shots but will tire the player out quickly. On the other hand, a weightier racket will possibly be difficult to maneuver as well. But of course, it compensates by having more power. Therefore, the weight of the racket should be chosen in consultation with the coach.

Whilst there are small junior rackets, senior racket lengths range mostly from 27-29 inches. But in most of them, they are 27. Longer racquets are normally lighter and produce more reach and power on a serve. But since they are harder to control it is once again a choice for the player to make.

Stiffness

Rackets with stiffer frames lose less energy on the hits and therefore will have more power. But since there is a bigger shock to your arm once you land your strike, it should be chosen with care after long deliberation with regard to the impact that will have on future injuries.

These are most of the points that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a racket. But since in terms of playing tennis, this is the most intimate of choices it has to be based purely on personal preference.