How to Select a Tennis Racket

A good racket can make the difference between a great day on the court and a day where you want to crack the racket on the ground. The secret to selecting a good racket is considering the elements that affect your game.

Instructions

1. Consider the grip. Most grips come in a standard width, but many players don't have standard size hands. Grip the racket and see if your thumb is just overlapping your fingers. If it is, then you're fine. If not, request a larger grip or smaller grip as appropriate. Remember to go smaller if you're undecided. The grip can always be built up.

2. Look at head size. Larger heads provide a larger, more forgiving racket. They also offer a larger sweet spot. But you trade off in control. Smaller head size is less forgiving of the novice player. Consider your level to choose a head size that's best for your skills.

3. Consider stiffness. A stiffer racket makes for a more powerful stroke. But it can also be very unforgiving and feel quite unwieldy to the recreational player. Balance the need for power against the need for control.

4. Think about weight. Rackets that are heavier can slow down your stroke, but you don't want to play with something that feels like a flyswatter, either. Heavier rackets absorb more shock and can provide more power. But you may find they weigh you down too much towards the end of a game.

5. Borrow a few rackets. The best way to navigate through all of these choices is to play a few matches with a bunch of rackets. Most clubs have rackets available for borrowing. Take a few with you and see which one feels best. In the end, there's no one right racket, other than the one that feels best when you're on the court.