How to Find the right Racket
Finding the right racket can be a difficult thing to do....
what size grip should i use?
What weight should it be?
What Length should it be?
What Strings should I have and what Tension should they be?
Below are some pointers to help you choose the right racket for you.... if you need any further advice feel free to get in touch....
Grip sizes will vary according to the size of your hands but generally the following can be used for guidelines:
grip size 00, 01 for juniors u11
grip size 02 for Ladies and juniors between 12 + 15
grip size 03 for some ladies, Most men and older juniors
grip size 4 Some men with bigger hands
grip size 5 - you need to have big hands for this one !!
The weight of the racket you use will be closely linked with the type of game you play....
If you have a long flowing swing, usually more advanced player styles, then a heavy racket will allow you to impart more pace on your shot.
A mid range racket will accomodate good female players and some better juniors who are making the transition into heavier rackets as they grow stronger
If you have a shorter more compact swing then a lighter racket will help you generate some pace, usually for beginners or intermediete players
Racket Lenght is usually more of an issue at Mini Tennis Level
for those aged 3-7 a racket between 19" and 23" is usually fine
for those aged 8/9 a 25" racket
for those aged 9/10 - 11/12 a 26"/26.5", lighter racket will help develop good racket speed and technique
for those aged 12/13 and over a full size 27" racket will be fine
Now youve picked the right racket, you need some strings !! Most strings will offer a similar playing characteristic and lifespan. A synthetic gut or Nylon/Poly string will be fine for any players from beginner to world ranked.
The tension may make a bigger difference.....
having your strings tight will limit power but help control
having your strings loose will increase power but limit control
most players will find a mid range tension fine to play with. You can find out what the tension range of your racket is by looking at the inside of the throat. Most rackets are between 50lbs and 60lbs so the average club player would use 55lbs
Roger Federer played the Australian open with his rackets strung at 42lbs .... you need incredible timing to even attempt a string tension that low !!! My advice.... start in the middle and see how it feels, you can then make any slight adjustement next time you break a string !