Are you aware that you need a new tennis racquet, but afraid to make the choice? Maybe it's the price tag that's scaring you away. Maybe it's that frightening pro shop smell of stale palm sweat and tennis balls (you love it, though - admit it). Most likely, however, you're intimidated by the sheer number of racquet options. Choosing a tennis racquet can be tricky, whether you've been playing for three days, three weeks or three years. After three decades, you should have the idea. In the meantime, this article can get you started on the right path.
Are you a beginner? If you've only been playing for a few days or haven't played at all, you'll probably want a cheap racquet with an oversized head. The larger hitting area will likely make it easier for you to connect the ball with the strings instead of the racquet frame (or missing the ball entirely), and there's no point spending a hundred dollars on a racquet if you aren't yet sure you want to seriously pursue this sport. Give it a little time and then, if you desire, by all means buy a nicer racquet. At that point you'll probably want a smaller head, as opposed to the unwieldy oversize.
Intermediate and advanced players have a much better idea of their style of playing. Do you like to hit with a lot of spin? Do you rely on your strong, flat serve? Does your stroke involve a full backswing or do you hit the ball in shorter, compact motions? Do you approach the net all the time and want a racquet that will respond quickly at the net? Do you prefer to play your game from the baseline with large, steady ground strokes? Or are you one of those rare all-around players with a truly balanced game?
Guess what? We hate all-around players. Just kidding. Here's the deal: you'll find a tennis racquet out there marketed toward every possible kind of player. Big spin racquets, power-enhancing racquets, racquets with more control, racquets best for serve-and-volley - you name it, you'll find it. But though the variety can be overwhelming, there are some guidelines that can help you sort through all of your racquet options, saving you from a lot of frustration and elbow pain.
- How big is the head? The bigger the head, the more power you can generate. Also, your chances of hitting the sweet spot will increase because the sweet spot is simply larger. These are the reasons why an oversized racquet makes sense for a fresh beginner. But as you improve and gain strength in your swing, you'll likely want to graduate to a tennis racquet with a smaller head, as it will provide greater control and maneuverability....
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Author: Brian McDonald