How To Choose A Tennis Racket

Tennis rackets vary in weight from anywhere between 240grams and 310grams, with some extreme rackets being either side of this. Lightweight rackets (240-265grams) provide greater control and manoeuvrability but won't generate as much power. These rackets are generally aimed at juniors progressing onto full sized racket or players looking for a racket that is easier to move around the  court. Mid weight rackets (270-295grams) provide a combination between power and control, designed for club players who want to improve their game. Heavy weight rackets (+ 300grams) help produce more power behind the ball and can help to maintain control in a faster swing.

The tennis racket head size refers to the size of the actual hitting area within the tennis racket frame. Tennis racket head sizes are usually defined as follows: Midsize 85-96 square inches, Midplus 96-106 square inches, Oversize 10-115 square inches, Super oversize 116+ square inches A larger (oversize or super oversize) head size lets you generate more power and will have a larger sweet spot ie the area on the strings where you get the maximum response from the racket. These more forgiving tennis rackets are generally more suited to beginners. More experienced players and professional tennis players with greater power, precision and skill will usually opt for rackets with a smaller head size ie midplus or midsize.

If you are a less experienced player you should probably go for a power tennis racket or head heavy racket as it is likely that you have a shorter swing and less strength. Your swing alone may not generate enough power so a power racket can help to improve your game. More experienced players will tend to choose control rackets which are head light or have the weight more evenly distributed through the racket. As these rackets have more weight in the handle, they can absorb more shock than a lighter racket and therefore appeal to players who already generate a lot of power by themselves. Head light rackets are also be great for generating spin, manoeuvrability and net play, again something a more experienced player will be looking for from their tennis racket.

Tennis racket grip sizes/measurements available are shown below. The grip sizes convert from US sizes to UK sizes as follows with size 1 being the smallest and Grip size 5 being the largest:
4 1/8" = 1
4 1/4" = 2
4 3/8" = 3
4 1/2" = 4
4 5/8" = 5
Most juniors using full size tennis rackets choose grip size 1, most women opt for grip sizes 2 or 3 and most men opt for grip sizes 3 or 4.

To check you have the correct grip size: you should be just about able to place the index finger of your non-racket hand inbetween your fingers and palm when hold the racket normally in your racket hand. 

Here is a guide to junior tennis racket sizes. This is an indication of the appropriate junior tennis racket size only as it will also depend on factors such as the ability and strength of the junior.

Age 10 + / Height 140cm-150cm - Choose a 26" racket

Age 8 -10 / Height 130cm - 140cm - Choose a 25" racket

Age 6 - 8 / Height 120cm - 130cm - Choose a 23" racket

Age 4 - 6 / Height 105cm-120cm - Choose a 21" racket

Age 3 - 4 / Height 90cm - 105cm - Choose a 19" racket

Age 3 & Under / Height Up to 90cm - Choose a 17" racket