How to choose a tennis racket for training

Tennis is a very popular sport that is enjoyed not only by adults, but also by teenagers and even children. Spectacular, spectacular and extremely emotional – these are the features of modern tennis. In order for the game to bring maximum pleasure, a huge role must be given to the correct selection of equipment and, first of all, a tennis racket. But if professionals do it as easy as shelling pears – all they need to do is pick up the racket, then choosing such an accessory for a beginner can take a lot of time.

The best tennis racket manufacturers – which company to choose

First of all, attention should be paid not to the design of the racket, but to the manufacturer of this or that model. Choosing branded accessories, everyone can be sure that their racket is the best fit for the game. In this regard, the following manufacturers can be recommended for purchase:

1. Prince;

2. Gamma;

3. Wilson;

4. Babolat;

The second thing that needs to be done before buying is to read the reviews of tennis players who have dealt with a particular model and managed to test it in practice. Close attention should be paid not only to the positive, but also to the negative.

Types of tennis rackets

The next step is to decide what kind of tennis racket you want. Depending on the specific functional purpose, all tennis rackets are divided into several main groups.

Amateur rackets

To some extent, they are considered universal and allow almost any style of play and the implementation of any hitting technique. Among professionals, they are known under the name tweener, which literally translates as mid-level models. The weight of such rackets is about 300 grams, and the surface area of ​​the head can vary from 500 to 650 square centimeters.

Advantages

• Universal;

• Democratic cost;

• Universal balancing, suitable for any playing technique;

disadvantages

• A large head can be uncomfortable;

• Do not allow you to achieve high-speed and super-maneuverable play;

• Heavy enough;

Professional models

Rackets widely used in various tennis competitions. They differ in significant weight (more than 300 grams), however, the balance is shifted towards the handle, which provides excellent balance and allows the use of any playing technique. The latter depends solely on the skills and physical strength of the tennis player.

Advantages

• Convenient and maneuverable devices;

• High ergonomic performance;

• Exceptional build quality

• Correct balance;

• Allows you to practice any technique of the game;

disadvantages

• Expensive enough;

• Requires certain tennis skills, not suitable for beginners;

Training rackets

As a rule, they are purchased as the second or third in the arsenal and are intended to improve their own playing technique, practice blows and improve the racket control. They are characterized by an impressive, about 300 grams, weight, balance shifted towards the head, as well as an enlarged head area – about 700 square centimeters.

Advantages

• Ergonomic and comfortable to operate;

• Inexpensive;

• Large head area minimizes the risk of missing the ball;

• Strong and hardy;

• The balance shifted to the side of the head allows for quite powerful strikes;

disadvantages

• Due to the increased area, the mesh quickly deforms;

• Large weight;

• Low maneuverability;

The main criteria for choosing a tennis racket

Weight

One of the key characteristics that has the most direct impact on the comfort of the game. If the racket is too light, the player will not be able to achieve sufficient control. Overly heavy, on the contrary, can lead to rapid fatigability. The optimal weight of tennis rackets varies between 300 and 400 grams – these are the models that are popular among both beginners and experienced tennis players;

Racket length

It also depends on the experience of the player. A beginner should prefer compact models, the length of which will be 63-65 centimeters. With their help, it is much easier to control the ball and make strikes of various techniques. Professionals, on the other hand, look towards longer models – thanks to the longer 'lever', the probability of delivering a powerful and accurate blow increases many times over.

Racket balance

The introduction of special balancing elements into the design provides the ability to shift the balance both towards the handle and towards the head. He is selected, first of all, with an eye to your playing technique. So, those who prefer an attacking, daring style of play should prefer rackets whose center of gravity is shifted towards the head. Conversely, a defensive, defensive style of play requires balance in the handle.

The material of which the racket is made

1. Aluminum is a pretty good choice for an entry-level tennis racquet. Differs in decent strength, light weight and correct balance. Its disadvantage is its increased plasticity – with the wrong technique, it is very easy to bend an aluminum racket;

2. Composite materials – fiberglass combined with graphite. Tough and easy-to-use material. The weight of most models is acceptable, and therefore composite rackets are currently considered one of the best;

3. Titanium. A great alternative to graphite and aluminum. Lightweight, highly durable and tough material for maximum performance. Minus – extremely high cost;

4. Carbon fiber. Or in the folk way carbon. Lightweight, strong and durable material is currently one of the best for making tennis rackets. The disadvantage is the same as that of titanium – high price;

Head form factor

Currently on sale you can find rackets with the following markings:

1. Midsize. The smallest models with an area of ​​450-500 cm2. Comfortable, agile and practical. However, such rackets can be recommended for purchase only to more or less experienced tennis players, while beginners, due to their small size, will often miss;

2. Midplus. Medium sized rackets, which are often purchased by both beginners and experienced players. The head size of such models is 550-600 cm2;

3. Oversize. Models with a fairly large head (700-750 cm2) are great for beginners. These rackets resist vibrations very well, and also allow you to make powerful hits, while spinning the ball;

4. SuperOversize. The largest rackets, they are most often preferred by beginners. Due to the size of the canvas increased to 750-820 cm2, it is quite difficult to miss the ball, but the maneuverability of such rackets leaves much to be desired.

What should be a tennis racket?

Racket for baby

For a little tennis player, the most compact model should be preferred, the dimensions and weight of which will not cause trouble for the kid. The weight of such a racket should not exceed 200-250 grams, and as a size, you can give preference to models shortened to 45-55 centimeters. Balance also plays an important role – it should be either neutral or biased towards the handle – it is this racket that is easiest to control for a kid.

Choosing a racket for a beginner

If you are a beginner and are just getting started with the wonderful world of tennis, your best bet is an amateur racket. Its length should be about 60-65 centimeters, and its weight should not exceed 300-320 grams. The head size – oversize or super oversize – is the easiest way to hit the ball with such a racket and not miss. The balance should also be biased towards the stick for maximum maneuverability and comfort.

Choosing a professional racket

It is inappropriate to advise a specific model for those who have made up their minds and have vast tennis experience, because the ideal model for each tennis player will probably be his own, and their characteristics will very often be directly opposite. The only thing that you should pay attention to is that such rackets must be of a professional class and be made by a well-known manufacturer with a worldwide reputation. The head size is usually either midsize or midplus. The balance may differ depending on what tactics of the game the tennis player prefers. Well, of course, the prerequisites are maximum strength and minimum weight, and therefore titanium or carbon rackets are the most popular.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a badminton and the secrets of choosing a table tennis racket.

Video on choosing a tennis racket

---

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.