If you are a newcomer to tennis, deciding on a suitable racket requires you to ask yourself a few key questions. Firstly, your age will determine your ultimate choice of racket, with slightly different things to bear in mind depending on whether you are an adult or child. You also need to decide what exactly you want from a racket. Some beginners seek out a racket that will help create more powerful shots, while others prefer a racket that will allow for better overall control. If you already have good levels of physical strength, you probably want a tennis racket that will help you maintain more control over your shots. Need more guidance on what to look for when shopping for the best tennis racket for beginners? Our in-depth guide has everything you need to know about buying the best tennis rackets for beginners.<\/p>\n
The first thing any beginner needs to think about when shopping for a tennis racket is frame size. Newcomers to tennis are usually best suited to a larger frame. A racket with a larger frame will make it much easier to add power to your shots. If you are a complete novice, you probably also want to pick out a racket that is more forgiving than more advanced models. While more proficient tennis players can effectively use a small racket and consistently make contact with the ball in the same place, those with less skill will struggle to make consistent contact. A racket with a larger head will provide you with a much larger contact area, meaning you do not have to worry about being precise when you come to make contact with the ball.<\/p>\n
Those who are completely new to tennis often overlook the importance of grip size. Most racket models provide you with a range of grip size options. Grip size specifications are printed on the bottom edge of the racket itself. Grip sizes begin at 4 \u2155 and go up to 4 \u215d. Not all rackets will include the grip size in fraction form, with some specifying the grip as a number instead. Beginners should look for rackets with a grip size of 4\u215c whenever possible. If you do not see a fraction, look for the number 3 printed on the bottom of the frame itself. You may wish to deviate from this guidance, however. Players with smaller hands will probably do best to invest in a smaller grip. If your hands are larger than most, follow the same guidance and opt for a larger grip size.<\/p>\n
Beginners will definitely benefit from a racket that is lightweight and easy to carry. A lighter racket is much easier to swing, allowing you practice and play for longer stretches of time before succumbing to fatigue. Those with little to no playing experience also need to think about building up strength in the right muscles. If you attempt to play with a bulkier racket too early on, you run the risk of injuring yourself and putting yourself out of the game before you have even had a chance to start.<\/p>\n
A suitably lightweight racket should result in zero strain when it comes to picking it up and swinging. At the same time, you should avoid purchasing a racket that is significantly lighter than the average model. An ultra-lightweight racket can impact your training and the development of your skills, leading to improper playing technique.<\/p>\n
Unlike rackets for intermediate and advanced players, string and tension specifics are not something beginners need to worry about too much. In fact, you can slash the cost of your investment by opting for affordable strips when picking out your racket. However, when it comes to stringing the racket, manufacturer guidance should be followed to the letter for best results. This guidance can be found printed on the racket frame. To make life simple, simply pick the midpoint of the printed range.<\/p>\n
If you want a much larger sweet spot and more power from your shots, loose strings are preferable. Looser strings are also a good bet if you suffer from existing ailments like tennis elbow as you will not be required to swing with as much gusto. The absolute beginner will benefit from looser strings, but those who have developed a little more skill will certainly want to think about tighter strings. If you want a little more control over the ball and are prepared to make compromises when it comes the overall size of the racket sweet spot, tighter strings are the way to go.<\/p>\n