Sporting Goods – Finding the Right Tennis Racket for You
Is bigger always better?
As a beginner, the size of your racket head will help you initially get started, helping you achieve more success in your game. As a result, you’ll be able to put more balls on the court, which will help you make faster improvements in your game. The larger the racket, the more surface area, also known as the sweet spot, you will be able to use when playing. At first, you will still be learning how to play correctly, and therefore this will allow you to develop your technique. Regardless of your stroke and timing, a bigger racket will help you hit the ball.
How heavy is too heavy?
The second factor to consider when choosing a racket is the weight of the racket. The ideal weight for a beginner starting out in tennis is one that is light. This will allow you to swing the racket more easily and play longer before tiring out. Since your muscles are still developing, the rackets will be more difficult to swing. A racket should feel light and be easy for you as the user to swing. However, asking for help when choosing your racket is a good idea, as if the racket is too light it can cause you to develop poor technique, such as flicking your wrist.
How the way you grip the racket will determine your choice
The final bill when choosing a tennis racket as a beginner is choosing the correct grip size. If your grip size is too small, you’ll end up holding the handle too tightly. This can lead to accelerated fatigue or, worse still, injury. On the other hand, if you choose a grip size that is too large, you will find it more difficult to use your wrist correctly and may change the way you grip the racket as a result. A good grip is one that means you can hold the racket comfortably, while still allowing a wide range of motion and movement using your wrist and forearm.
The best way to determine the correct grip size is to hold the racket with the normal forearm grip. When you hold it, you should be able to squeeze a finger’s width between your fingertips and palm. Once you have understood your playing technique, there are a few other variables that can be taken into account, for example, if you hit a lot using a topspin, then you should choose a smaller grip size. Alternatively, if you choose to play and hit flat, a larger grip should be considered. Another method that can be used to determine the correct grip size is to measure your ring finger from the tip to one inch below the finger; this should give you the correct grip size.
Other things to think about…
Many tennis rackets are sold pre-strung. The strings on a tennis racket often depend on the quality of its frame. The tighter the strings are, the more control the user has when hitting the ball, while the looser the strings are, the more force and power behind the swing. Therefore, by changing these characteristics, you will be able to change the way your racket performs.
p.p1 { margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; colour: #000000}
p.p2 { margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Helvetica; colour: #000000; min height: 13.0px}
span.s1 {source-kerning: none}
When choosing your new tennis racket, it is also recommended that you choose one made of graphite or aluminum, as these are lighter materials for a beginner. With a wide variety of tennis rackets on the market, be sure to choose your preferred brand and color, although these are of course personal preference and depend on your style and take on aesthetics. They will have no relation to your performance and game.