Choosing a Tennis Racquet
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Match the racquet to your level and swing. Beginners usually suit a lighter frame with a larger head, and Wilson's sizing chart suggests 105 to 110 square inches. Advanced players with long, fast swings often prefer heavier frames and smaller heads for control. Get your grip size right and demo a few racquets before buying.
Head size and weight shape how a racquet plays. A bigger head gives a larger sweet spot and more power. A smaller head gives more control but less margin on off-center hits. Wilson's chart suggests 105 to 110 square inches for beginners, 100 to 105 for intermediates and 95 to 100 for advanced players. Most adult racquets weigh about 9 to 12 ounces strung. Lighter frames are easier to swing and less tiring. Heavier frames are more stable against hard-hit balls.
Balance and length matter too. Head-light frames feel quicker in the hand. Head-heavy frames add stability and power. The standard adult length is 27 inches. Extended frames add reach and leverage, and the rules allow up to 29 inches (ITF Appendix II). Open string patterns such as 16x19 help spin. Denser patterns such as 18x20 give a flatter, more controlled ball.
Grip sizes run from 4 inches (size 0) to 4 5/8 inches (size 5). Wilson notes that most adult women use 4 1/4 (size 2) and most adult men use 4 3/8 (size 3). Your fingertips should not wrap all the way around and touch your palm. If you are between sizes, go smaller and build it up with an overgrip. Before buying, demo two or three frames on court and play real points with them. Choose the one you control best, not the one that feels most powerful in the shop.
Tips by skill level
Start with a light frame and a larger head. If you are unsure of your grip size, take the smaller one and add an overgrip.
Compare demo frames on swingweight and stiffness as well as static weight. Two frames with the same weight can swing very differently.
Example
A new adult player tries three demo racquets over a week. The heavy, small-headed frame feels great in the shop but tires her arm. She picks a light 105-square-inch frame in grip size 2 and adds an overgrip for a fuller feel.
Why it matters
The wrong racquet makes learning harder and can tire the arm. A frame that fits your swing and hand lets your technique develop instead of fighting the equipment.
Common mistakes
- Buying a heavy, small-headed pro model before your strokes are ready for it
- Guessing the grip size instead of checking it
- Choosing by brand or player endorsement instead of by feel on court
- Judging a racquet only in the shop without playing points
Frequently asked questions
What tennis racquet should I buy?
Pick by level and swing. Beginners usually suit a light frame with a larger head, about 105 to 110 square inches. Experienced players with fast swings often prefer heavier frames with smaller heads. Demo a few before buying.
What grip size tennis racquet do I need?
Your fingertips should not wrap all the way around the handle and touch your palm. Wilson notes most adult women use 4 1/4 and most adult men 4 3/8. If unsure, go smaller and add an overgrip.
What is a good tennis racket for beginners?
A light frame with a larger head is the usual starting point. It is easier to swing and more forgiving on off-center hits. Check the grip size, and demo two or three rackets before buying.
What head size racquet is best for beginners?
A larger head is more forgiving. Wilson's chart suggests 105 to 110 square inches for beginners, with smaller heads for more advanced players who want control.
Sources
Related terms
- SwingweightSwingweight measures how heavy a racquet feels when swung, accounting for where its mass is distributed. Higher swingweight gives more plow-through and power but is harder to maneuver.
- RA / StiffnessRA is a racquet's stiffness measured by how much the frame deflects under load. Higher RA (66+) means a stiffer, more powerful but harsher frame; lower RA (under 58) flexes more for feel and arm comfort.
- String TensionString tension is how tightly a racquet is strung, in pounds or kilograms. It shapes the string bed's trampoline effect, control, and power.
- RestringingA common rule of thumb is to restring as many times a year as you play each week. Playing three times a week means about three restrings a year. Polyester loses tension faster and usually needs restringing more often. Restring when the strings feel dead or lose control, even if they have not broken.
- Starting Tennis as an AdultStart with a group clinic or a few lessons with a qualified coach to learn grips, footwork and a simple serve. Use a light racquet with a larger head, and try slower, lower-bouncing balls such as the green-dot ball while you learn. Play little and often, and move into social play or a beginner league once you can keep a rally going.
Related guides & benchmarks
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