What should a tennis racket be like? How to choose a racket? Expert advice. Racket selection. How to choose a tennis racket What material to choose from?

Updated: 02/14/2018 16:11:33

Tennis is very popular look a 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 correct selection equipment and, first of all, a tennis racket. But if it’s easy for professionals to do this - 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 manufacturers of tennis rackets - which company to choose

First of all, attention should be paid not to the design of the racket, but to the manufacturer of a particular model. By choosing branded accessories, everyone can be sure that their racket is perfectly suited for the game. In this regard, we can recommend products from the following manufacturers for purchase:

The second thing you need to do before purchasing is to read the reviews of tennis players who have dealt with this or that model and managed to try it out 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 on the type of specific tennis racket. Depending on the specific functional purpose, all tennis rackets are divided into several main groups.

To some extent, they are considered universal and allow almost any style of play and execution of any striking technique. Among professionals they are known as 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;

Affordable cost;

Universal balancing, suitable for any playing technique;

Flaws

Big head may cause inconvenience;

They do not allow you to achieve high-speed and super-maneuverable play;

Quite heavy;

Professional models

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

Advantages

Convenient and maneuverable devices;

High ergonomic indicators;

Exceptionally high quality build;

The right balance;

Allows you to practice any playing technique;

Flaws

Quite expensive;

Requires certain tennis skills and is not suitable for beginners;

As a rule, they are purchased as the second or third in the arsenal and are intended to improve one’s own playing technique, practice strokes and improve racket control. They are characterized by an impressive weight, about 300 grams, a balance shifted towards the head, as well as a head of increased area - about 700 square centimeters.

Advantages

Ergonomic and easy to use;

Inexpensive;

The large head area reduces the risk of missing the ball to a minimum;

Durable and durable;

The balance shifted towards the head allows you to make fairly powerful blows;

Flaws

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

Heavy weight;

Low maneuverability;

The main criteria for choosing a tennis racket

Weight

One of the key characteristics that has a direct impact on the comfort of the game. If the racket is too light, the player will not be able to achieve sufficient control. Excessively heavy, on the contrary, can lead to rapid fatigue. 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

Here, too, everything depends on the player’s experience. A beginner should prefer compact models, the length of which will be 63-65 centimeters. They make it much easier to control the ball and make shots. various equipment. Professionals, on the contrary, look towards longer models - thanks to the longer “lever”, the likelihood of delivering a powerful and accurate blow increases many times over.

Racket balance

The introduction of special balancing elements into the design makes it possible to shift the balance both towards the handle and towards the head. It is selected, first of all, with an eye on 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. On the contrary, a defensive, defensive style of play requires balance located in the handle.

Material from which the racket is made

Aluminum is a very good option for an entry-level tennis racket. It is distinguished by decent strength, low weight and proper balancing. Its disadvantage is its increased plasticity - if the technique is incorrect, it is very easy to bend an aluminum racket;

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;

Titanium. An excellent alternative to graphite and aluminum. Lightweight, very durable and rigid material providing maximum performance. Disadvantage: extremely high cost;

Carbon fiber. Or popularly carbon. Lightweight, durable and durable material this moment is 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:

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

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

Oversize. Models with enough head big size(700-750 cm2), which are great for beginners. Such rackets resist vibrations very well and also allow you to make powerful hits while spinning the ball;

SuperOversize. The largest rackets are the ones most often preferred by beginners. Thanks to the increased size of the canvas 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 a tennis racket be like?

Racket for a child

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

Choosing a racket for a beginner

If you are a beginner and just getting acquainted with the wonderful world of tennis, it is best for you to choose an amateur racket. Its length should be about 60-65 centimeters, and its weight should not exceed 300-320 grams. Head size - oversize or super oversize - this is the easiest racket to hit the ball and not miss. The balance should also be towards the handle for maximum maneuverability and comfort.

Choosing a professional racket

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

Video on choosing a tennis racket

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

Choosing a racket for tennis

Tennis is very popular these days. Russian tennis players have achieved great success in international competitions. More and more adults and children are starting to engage in this sport. Some professionally - to achieve results, others for themselves - to maintain sports uniform and health.

Like any other sport, tennis has sports equipment that is necessary to start playing it. The most important equipment in tennis is, naturally, the racket.

In order for the racket to be comfortable for you and suit your playing style, you need to know the characteristics of tennis rackets, which we will describe below.

There are 5 parameters indicated on the racket for both adults and children: head size(surface area - head size), racket weight(usually in grams - weight), balance(balance), length(length) and racket composition. Now let's move directly to her choice. To do this, you must place yourself in the following categories: CHILDREN, BEGINNER PLAYER, AMATEUR PLAYER, PROFESSIONAL.

. RACKET FOR CHILDREN AND JUNIORS

Tennis rackets for children are mainly made of aluminum and are inexpensive (from 800 to 2500 rubles), and it is not necessary for young beginner players to choose an expensive tennis racket, because children are not yet able to appreciate any of her special qualities. We also do not recommend choosing a heavier and longer racket “for growth” - there is no need to save on this. The child will still begin to grab the racket higher by the handle, but according to the rules of technique, he must hold it by the end of the handle. It would be much more correct to buy a racket for your child for his age. Children's racquets are not divided into 25 and 26 inches based on the length of the handle. Starting with handle lengths of 25 and 26 inches, handle sizes are divided into 0 and 1. Rackets are selected by weight and length. Below is a table of age and suitable racket (by following the link of the child’s age, you can see rackets for that age).

Older children can already buy lightweight adult rackets.

We are happy to help you choose a children's racket in the section of our store "Children's and junior tennis rackets", where you can choose a racket according to the child’s age and manufacturer’s brand.

. BEGINNER PLAYER

If you have just decided to take up tennis, then you should not chase an expensive racket, since you will not yet be able to experience certain qualities of tennis rackets. The average price for a racket will be 3,000 rubles. For adults, racquets are mainly made of composite (an alloy of graphite and titanium) and graphite. For women, we recommend choosing a lightweight racket weighing from 245 to 275 grams, for heavier men - from 270 grams to 300 grams and a racket head size from 645 cm 2 (100 in 2) to 680 cm 2 (105 in 2). The larger the string surface , the easier it is to hit the ball, but the accuracy of the shots decreases. That is, the smaller the size of the racket head, the more accurate the hits.

Weight: the lighter the racquet, the less force of the blow, but for a beginning player it is better to hone the technique, not the power of the blow. The heavier the racket, the more powerful the shots can be.

Pen: pen size is divided from 1 to 5. Pens numbered 1 and 2 are suitable for children, women or men with small palms, pens numbered 3 and 4 are for ordinary men, and pen number 5 is for a large man with a large palm. It is customary to select handles in the following way: When you wrap your palm around the handle, there should be a distance of one finger. But, still, when choosing a pen you need to be guided by convenience.

tennis racket for beginners.

. AMATEUR PLAYER

Recreational players include people who play tennis 2-3 times a week or more. Here the price range for a racket can be from 3,000 rubles to 10,000 rubles. The following criteria must be taken into account:

String surface area.

The larger the string surface area and the lower the string tension, the more the impact force increases and the control over the ball decreases. It is better to take a tennis racket with a head no larger than 645 cm 2 (100 in 2) and with a tighter string tension. You will have better ball control when playing against powerful opponents.

String composition. Strings are divided into natural and synthetic. With new technologies, synthetic strings even surpass natural strings in quality and are more affordable. Most players nowadays use synthetic strings.

Racket weight. The greater the weight of the racket, the more powerful the blows. If you are a strong man, then you, like a professional, should choose a racket weighing more than 300 grams.

Racket balance. The balance of the racket is in the center, in the head and in the handle. Place the middle of the racket on your index finger. If the racket tilts towards the head, then it has balance in the head; if it maintains balance, then the balance of the tennis racket is in the center; if it deviates towards the handle, then the balance is in the handle. Head balance is more suitable for strong serves and attacking style of play (professionals mostly play with head balance). Hand balance is more suitable for defensive play. If the balance of the racket is in the center, then you have a universal racket and it is suitable for both attack and defense.

We are always happy to offer you an inexpensive choice amateur tennis racket .

. PROFESSIONAL

If you are a professional, then, of course, you know by what parameters you need to choose a racket, or see the “Amateur Player” section. But I would like to note some nuances.

The cost of rackets for professionals starts from 7,000 rubles. Basically, these are rackets with more weight and a smaller head surface to increase power and accuracy of the shot. Professional racquets mainly contain graphite and tungsten. The handle can be extended for greater maneuverability. For example, Rafael Nadal's racket - Babolat Aeropro Drive+: weight 320 grams, head size - 645 cm 2 (100 in 2), head balance, length 685 mm.

In our store we will always help you choose inexpensive

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the size of the handle. It is recommended to choose the largest handle possible - this will make you feel much more comfortable and confident in the game. To check how well the chosen handle suits you, you can use the following technique: first take either hand (the palm should clasp the handle), then place the index finger of the other hand in the free space between the fingers and the palm of the hand that holds the racket. If the width of this gap is equal to your index finger, then this means that it completely suits you.

Then you need to decide on the size of the racket head, it comes in several options: - Oversize and Super Oversize rackets are suitable for those people who prefer to play in pairs or stand on the back line, since this type of racket allows you to perform the most powerful shots, spin and cut the ball. However, for beginners, this head size can only lead to an increase in the number of inaccurate shots;
- Mid Size and Mid Plus rackets provide the best stroke control. In addition, the Mid Plus size differs more with a strong blow.

The thickness of the rim usually ranges from 18 to 30 millimeters. The thicker it is, the stronger the serve and the stiffer the tennis racket itself. When choosing a rim, remember that if you prefer to perform fast strikes on the ball, then you need a thin rim. The thicker the rim, the more likely it is that the ball will fail to hit it. You can get rid of this problem only through constant training.

The length of the racket varies from 27 to 29 inches (this is established by the rules). The longer you pick up the racket, the more powerful the blow you will get.

The last thing to check is balance. Grasp the racket by the middle, this way you will check its balance. If the racket tilts towards the head, then it is intended for playing on the back line. If it's the other way around, then it's for serving. Professionals prefer to use tennis rackets that are center balanced.

note

Racket Head Size: Tennis rackets with heads over 110 inch2 are suitable for back row or doubles play. This racket is more convenient for twisting and cutting, as well as making powerful shots. If the gap is the width of your finger, then this racket is suitable for you.

Helpful advice

How to choose the right racket. Tennis is very popular these days. Russian athletes have achieved great success in the world. More and more adults and children are starting to play tennis. Tennis rackets for children are mainly made of aluminum and are inexpensive (from 800 to 2500 rubles), and for young beginner players there is no need to choose an expensive tennis racket, because children are not yet able to appreciate any of her special qualities.

Racket handle size. Racket sizes for adults range from 10 to 10 and 5/8. These are numbers in centimeters, they show the size handles, a line from the curve of your palm to the tip of your ring finger.

• A proven method is to take the racket in one hand and place the index finger of the other hand between the tips of your fingers and the base of your palm.
• If the index finger does not fit, then the racket handle is too small.
• If there is too much free space, the handle is too big.
• If you have to choose between two sizes, choose the smaller one because you can always make the handle larger by wrapping it tape(soft, cloth tape that wraps around the handle).

Head size. The size of your racket head will depend on your playing style.

• Large rackets have a head area of ​​266-330 square centimeters. This makes them ideal for beginners - big square the head used to hit the ball means fewer misses. A larger head size also allows for better spin on the ball and more power in the shot.
• Traditional medium-sized racquets are used by more experienced players, and the working surface of the racket ranges from 215 to 266 square centimeters. A smaller head gives greater maneuverability and reliability, but at the same time it requires more force to strike.

• The weight of the racket and the material from which it is composed. Most rackets are made from graphite. It makes the racquet light, controllable, and yet still capable of delivering quite a powerful hit. All this makes it ideal for beginner players. Other rackets for beginners are also made from lightweight aluminum or titanium. Such rackets also develop good hitting power and at the same time improve ball control during the stroke. The lightest and fairly rigid rackets are made of Kevlar or boron. As a result, when you miss, vibration is transmitted to the hand. These rackets are more often used by professionals. You can play with wooden and plastic rackets, but you are unlikely to be able to show off your best game with them. To sum it up, the lightest racquet is not necessarily the best for beginners because you need to hit the ball harder and you lose accuracy and ball control.

  Racket length. The traditional length of a racket is 68-71 centimeters, but you can take a longer racket, up to 73 centimeters. The longer the racket, the longer the swing and the stronger the blow.

  Bezel width. The rim is the part around the head of the racket. A wide rim, due to the fact that the strings are springy, gives the blow greater force, but at the same time the degree of control of the ball decreases.

  String tension. Most racquets you buy will already have the strings at half tension, but you can then tighten the strings if necessary. The tighter the strings are, the greater the control of the ball and the more twisted the serve is. Therefore, if you are working on accuracy, it is better to tighten the strings. Less string tension means more hitting power with less ball control. More experienced players prefer to play with strong with stretched strings, which gives more control over the ball.