Choosing a Tennis Racquet

If you are in the market to buy a new tennis racquet, it is no longer as simple as choosing a brand name and a look you like. You need to understand the type of racquet you need, the technology that will best improve your game and you should have a comprehensive understanding of the parts of a tennis racquet and what they mean to overall performance on the tennis court. For instance, you should understand features like:
· Racquet Weight
· Balance
· Head size
· String Pattern
In this article, we will discuss these features and others that impact you tennis racquet selection. We'll also talk about a few types of tennis rackets including Control Racquets, “Tweener” Racquets and Power Racquets and which are appropriate for what level of player.
We'll begin with tennis racquet head size. There are three main options in Head Size which include:
· Mid-Size Head: 90-95 square inches
· Mid-Plus Head : 95-105 square inches
· Oversize Head : 105 square inches and up
The head size is a very noticeable characteristic of a website and has a huge impact on tennis racquet behavior. The head size has a huge impact because the larger the surface area, the more power you can get from your racquet. Many people feel this is analogous to a trampoline where the smaller trampoline is firmer and offers minor bounce and the larger trampoline, with the same force applied will propel you much further. Therefore, the larger the head size, the more strings can yield and bend and the more power you can get from the frame.
The next aspect of a tennis racquet would be the length. Tennis Racquets offer a variety of lengths including:
· Standard length tennis racquet- 27 inches
· Extended length tennis racquet - 27.25 inches
· Extended length tennis racquet - 27.5 inches
· Extended length tennis racquet - 27.5 + inches
The length of a tennis racquet also has a profound effect on its power. While the standard tennis racquet length offers good control and power, the longer racquet will allow more force and a longer reach.
You also need to consider the weight of your racquet. Standard unstrung* tennis racquet weights include:
· Light Weight- < 9 ounces
· Medium Light Weight - 9.1 to 9.6 ounces
· Medium Weight- 9.7 to 10.3 ounces
· Medium Heavy Weight - 10.4 to 10.8 ounces
· Heavy Weight - 10.9 ounces and above
*Strung vs. Unstrung weight is something to consider when reviewing racquet weight.
The weight of your tennis racquet is obviously going to play a critical role in your game play. The heavier the racquet, the more potential momentum you can build up with your swing but if you get a tennis racquet that is too heavy, you may impede your game play rather than augmenting it. Generally, it is accepted that the heavier the racquet frame the more control and stability the tennis racquet will offer but in turn the lighter the frame, the more that same power and maneuverability that can be utilized.
Balance:
The balance of the racquet related to the overall weight distribution. For instance, in some racquets, the weight may be more in the head of the racquet while in others it may rest in the frame. In many cases, lighter head weight racquets are easier to maneuver and position while those heavier in the head can provide additional stability and power. Everything is a trade-off on some level, so you need to assess your own strengths as a player and purchase accordingly.
String Pattern:
The string pattern of a racquet related to the number of horizontal* and vertical* strings a racquet uses.
· Dense String Pattern (Closed) : 18 vertical strings x 20 horizontal strings
· In The Middle (Medium): 16 vertical strings x 19 horizontal strings
· Less Dense String Pattern (Open): 16 vertical strings x 18 horizontal strings
*Vertical strings are also sometimes called mains while horizontal strings are sometimes called crosses.
Generally, a more dense string pattern will yield a firmer more controlled response from your tennis racquet, while a more open string pattern will give you more power. The more give and bend offered by the string pattern, the more power you get.
Getting a good “spin” on the ball is also affected by the string pattern. A more open string pattern offers more opportunity for the strings to catch on the ball and create desirable spin on a return shot.
Finally, its important to understand how all of these factors can come together to create the perfect tennis racquet for you. We'll talk about just a few main categories of tennis racquets here.
Tennis Racquet Categories:
Power Racquets Characteristics:
· Lighter in weight (8 to 9.5 ounces)
· Larger head size (105 sq inches and above)
· Open (less dense) string pattern
· Wider frame width
This tennis racquet is made for power. This is for the player who does not use a fast or full length swing but instead one who takes more limited and relaxed swings and wants the racquet to yield the power boost they need.
“Tweener” Racquets Characteristics:
· Medium in weight (9.6 to 11 ounces)
· Medium in head size (100 to 105 sq. inches)
· String pattern varies
· Medium frame width
“Tweener” racquets are for people who want something “in between” power and control - or rather some of both characteristics. These racquets are great for tennis players with medium to long swing speeds and who tend to take medium to long cuts at the ball. Many players who are making the transition from junior to full length tennis racquet have success with this category.
Control Racquets Characteristics:
· Heavier in weight (11.1 ounces and above)
· Smaller in head size (90 to 98 sq. inches)
· String pattern varies
· Thinner frame width
The control racquet category is really meant for players who like to take long and fast swings at the ball - they don't need the power from the racquet since they generate that on their own - they need control to ensure their power places the ball correctly.