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Step 1
Pricing for an adequate racket for beginners starts at $25-30. These are usually aluminum, pre-strung, and available at big box stores (Target, Walmart) or major sporting goods stores (Big 5, Sport Authority). Graphite rackets are also popular choices for both beginners and advanced players, but are more expensive. There's really no need to spend $100 and up for a beginner's racket until you've mastered the basics and decided if this is a sport right for you.
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Step 2
For an adult (or child over 5'2"), a racquet length should be approx 27-28" and weigh less than 12 oz. Grip size is important as well and will take some "hands-on" testing to find a grip that is comfortable and won't create shooting pains in your elbow after an hour or so of practicing your swing.
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Step 3
Rackets with a larger head provide extra power --helping beginners get the ball over the net. "Oversized" heads (recommended for beginners) are 107 sq. in. or more, compared to a racket head for advanced users, which is usually in the 90-97 sq. in. range. The larger head also allows beginners to concentrate on perfecting their swing.
Comments
goodselfme said
on 2/26/2009 Sorry my mouse slipped and only awarded 4.5 stars. I loved your article with lots of info about tennis rackets.
prism said
on 1/10/2009 Great information. I've been wanting to get a racket for my son and had no clue what to look for. Thanks!
celticeagle said
on 12/22/2008 Great tips!
celticeagle said
on 12/22/2008 Great tips!
Wasatch said
on 12/20/2008 Great tips. As a kid my folks bought a few yard sell rackets. We used those until they saw we were dedicated enough to use a quality racket. Good tips.