Racket selection. How to choose a tennis racket. What should a tennis racket be like? How to choose a racket? Expert advice Weight of a tennis racket for tennis

The style and quality of a tennis player's game depend on many factors, the main one being the choice of racket. Despite the perfection of technology, without good equipment impossible to play successfully. To choose the right one, you need to understand many nuances, including understanding what weight of a tennis racket is right for you. Modern models, made of graphite, have a small weight, manufacturers are working towards reducing it. But is a lightweight racket really that good? More on this below.

Some features

Companies that produce tennis equipment indicate all parameters on stickers. You may encounter the fact that the weight is indicated in ounces and not in grams, which is unusual for a Russian. The ratio 1 ounce = 28.35 g will help you convert one unit of measurement to another. Words such as unstrung and strung are also found on the label. They mean the weight of the racket without strings and with strings. The difference between them is about 20 g (the exact value is determined by the thickness, type, number of strings, tension area, racket size). The weight is not affected by additional elements - overgrip, vibration damper, etc.

Racket weight categories

An incorrectly chosen instrument can affect the hitting technique and the outcome of the game as a whole. But more importantly, it will lead to injury to the wrist joint. Therefore, be careful about the weight. What kind of rackets are there:

Lightweight. Their mass is no more than 310 g. They cannot be called powerful, but they are easier to control the ball. Handling is highly valued by professionals, which is why they choose these options. A lightweight racket is easier to “accelerate,” which means the swing will be fast and create the effect of surprise for the opponent.

Standard. Weight from 310 to 320 g. They are preferable for “average” and “amateurs”, as they provide an optimal balance between power and controllability.

Heavy. The weight reaches 340 g. It is believed that the heavier the racket, the more powerful and accurate the blow. In addition, they dampen vibration well. But they have significant drawbacks: poor maneuverability and speed.

When planning to play tennis, you need to know how much a tennis racket weighs. Professionals can use any equipment, depending on their level of training. Beginners and amateurs are recommended to choose the standard or lightweight version. If you are in doubt about your decision, TennisDay consultants will help you choose the right racket. We have a large range of tennis equipment at good prices.

Materials used in a tennis racket.
Currently, many different materials are used in the production of tennis rackets. To ensure that a tennis racket is durable, manufacturers have tried a wide variety of materials. Information about them can be found in the markings on the racket or packaging:

Composite materials. As a rule, such an inscription appears on models that were produced in a combination of certain materials (a mixture of graphite, carographite, fiberglass, titanium, etc.)
Graphite (graphite)- basically, it is from this that the bulk of modern tennis rackets are made. Graphite is very durable, but at the same time it is also light. Gives a punch high level strength and at the same time allows you to feel good tennis ball. Achieves its best properties in combination with various thermoplastic and fiberglass resins. Tennis rackets made from composite materials including graphite are suitable for both beginners and professional players.
Aluminum (aluminum)– an inexpensive material used in the production of tennis rackets. Therefore its advantages are low price and long service life. If you accidentally hit the floor or your partner's racquet while playing, most likely it will not break. But, naturally, the tennis racket will become deformed and lose its playing properties.
Hyper carbon– Wilson has been actively promoting this material on the tennis market over the past few years. Hyper carbon was developed in conjunction with NASA and is said to be four times stiffer, four times stronger and 65% lighter than titanium. That's why Wilson tennis rackets are particularly durable.
Fiberglass– one of the impurities in the tennis racket material. Allows for additional flexibility.
Titanium (titanium)– very close in its playing characteristics to graphite. Manufacturers mix titanium and graphite for the ideal ratio of rigidity and weight of a tennis racket!

What does a tennis racket consist of?

"Tennis Racket Head"- that part of it inside which they are stretched tennis strings, the main playing surface.
« Fork " - that part of the racket that connects its head and handle. The fork allows you to better dampen vibrations that occur when the string surface of the racket comes into contact with the tennis ball.
« Pen "- the handle of a tennis racket is usually measured in units from 1 to 5. It is impossible to determine by simple calculation what size handle you need. A consultant at any tennis store or coach will always be able to help you correctly determine the number of your pen. 1 is the smallest tennis racket handle, and 5 is the largest. More often on a racket you can see the following designation of handles: 4 1/8 is the first handle, 4 1/ is the second, 4 3/8 is the third, 4 1/2 is the fourth, 4 3/8 is the fifth.

Tennis racket head dimensions

A tennis racket with a head size of 90-95 or Mid Size is designed for professional players, while 98-100 or Mid Plus is mainly intended for a wide range of players, from professional to amateur. These rackets are for tennis They are almost always chosen by professional tennis players, because with their help they have the opportunity to better control the tennis ball, coping with aggressive, hard shots. Tennis rackets with a head size of 103 and above or Oversize have large area string surface and, accordingly, a larger “impact spot”, which allows you to avoid a large number of errors associated with not hitting the ball with the center, and also significantly increase the power of the strike. They are more suitable for amateurs who are primarily interested in comfortable playing and striking power; the same characteristic as control takes only second place in their priorities. There are often situations when manufacturers produce the same model of tennis racket in two versions: as a rule, with a Mid Plus and Oversize head size. Therefore, if you have doubts about the option that is right for you, The best way choose - play with both rackets, and only then make the final decision. You can also consult with Raketlon employees, and they will always advise right size Tennis racket head suitable for your game.

Racket balance

Rackets with a neutral balance have a balance point of approximately 32.5 cm. Balance “in the head” is approximately 33.5-34.5 cm, and “in the handle” - 32 cm. How can you measure the balance of a tennis racket yourself, if suddenly you can't find its data on the racket? Place the racket on any narrow stick or tube so that the “head” of the racket is to the left of the balance point, and the handle is to the right. When the racket lies flat, without deviating either to the right or to the left, then mark this point and use a tape measure to measure the distance from the heel of the handle to the balance point. This will be the balance value in centimeters. Different balances can result in two racquets with exactly the same weight having completely different performance characteristics when playing! Head-balanced tennis rackets appear heavier and impart greater force to the shot. Hand-balanced rackets are designed primarily for players who use a variety of technique in their game, they actively play both from the volley and from the back line.

Tennis racket weight

The average weight of a tennis racket is currently 290 – 320 g, but there are also models that weigh less than 270 g. The lighter your tennis racket, the more free and sweeping your swing can be. However, in order to achieve the required impact force when the game is easy racquets, you must accelerate it much faster when making a shot and have very good technique.
Advanced amateurs play with tennis rackets weighing 280-310 g. , professionals - 295 - 340 gr. , and even sometimes higher. Beginning tennis players choose rackets weighing 255-300 grams.

How to measure the length of a tennis racket before buying

This characteristic is of paramount importance if you are buying a racket for your child. Do not buy a racket that is yours young tennis player will be difficult to hold in your hand only because it is designed for taller players.

For adults, a tennis racket has a normal length of 68.5-68.6 cm, with the exception of elongated models that were specially designed by manufacturers to increase hitting power. To play with an extended racket you will need additional training or simply the ability to make high-precision strikes. Therefore, if you consider yourself a novice player, it is better to choose standard length models. Our online store staff will always help you choose the right racket.

You can buy tennis rackets through the Raketlon online store in Russian cities:

Moscow, St. Petersburg, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Smolensk, Bryansk, Kursk, Belgorod, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Tula, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar, Saratov, Penza, Samara, Ufa, Kazan, Izhevsk,

Yoshkar-Ola, Orenburg, Perm, Kirov, Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Kurgan, Tyumen, Syktyvkar, Tyumen, Khanty-Mansiysk, Salekhard, Yaroslavl, Ivanovo, Ryazan, Tver, Kaluga, Tomsk, Novosibirsk, Barnaul, Kemerovo, Novokuznetsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Chita, Yakutsk, Magadan, Blagoveshchensk, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok , Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Okha, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Nakhodka, as well as in the Republic of Belarus (Minsk) and Kazakhstan (Almaty).

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 is why they are ideal for beginners - the larger head area with which the ball is hit 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 tight strings, which gives more control over the ball.

Tennis - olympic event a sport that is popular among Russian residents. To play it easily and with pleasure, you need to know how to choose the right tennis racket.

Tennis racket structure

The racket consists of several elements:

Head. This is the working surface of the racket, in which the main place is occupied by the rim and stretched strings. A good racket should have a head without sagging, and the tension should be the same at any point on the surface. When choosing, also pay attention to the material. It must be strong and durable.
Lever. The part of the racket that an athlete holds when playing tennis. It is good if the handle is made of a reliable surface that will not slip out of your hands. Practice shows that losses often occur due to the inconvenience of the handle.
Fork. It is a special connection in the shape of the letter V of the fork and handle. Technically, the fork's job is to absorb the impact of the ball on the head. The inevitable vibrations are dampened, and the player gets less tired.

Important: beginner tennis players can buy a racket without a fork. This is a grave mistake, since such rackets are used for another game - badminton.

Types of tennis rackets

Training

Specially designed models for practicing strong shots and developing playing skills.

Among the distinctive features is the large head area. The minimum value is 690 square centimeters. Accordingly, the weight of such rackets increases. It can reach up to 300 grams.

The maximum length of the rackets is approximately 70 centimeters, and the balance is shifted towards the head. The center of gravity is usually located at around 38.5 centimeters, although different models may demonstrate different indicators.

The grid is open and has 19 strings horizontally and 16 vertically. Experts usually explain: such a net stretches quite quickly, and therefore rackets are used relatively infrequently and exclusively for training.

Important: if you want to buy a racket that will serve you long years without additional repair or improvement steps, it is better to choose another model.

However, training rackets also have advantages. First of all, an affordable price and the ability to spin the ball due to a shifted center of gravity. Finally, big head simplifies the game - it’s easier to hit the ball.

However, in the vast majority of cases, such rackets are used exclusively for practicing strikes.

Amateur

Such rackets are otherwise called club rackets, and in English language they have a wonderful name - tweener. The head can be from 590 to 660 square centimeters, and Weight Limit reaches 320 grams.

However, the formula and balancing are already very different. In fact, you can find any kind of amateur rackets. Experienced tennis players decide for themselves what to prefer: maneuverability or striking power.

Typically, such rackets are considered universal. This means that they are equally comfortable to serve or return.

You can send curved balls, which is very convenient in competitions. Practice shows that it is these types of balls that are most difficult for most to hit.

Most often, such rackets are sold with neutral balance. This means their versatility, and the assortment presented in stores makes it easy to choose a model specifically for yourself.

Professional

Distinctive features of rackets - heavy weight, which can reach 370 grams and a small head, whose maximum dimensions are only 610 square centimeters.

The balance shifts to the handle. The player is able to better control the playing instrument, but the blow is not very strong.

Important: the lack of striking power is compensated by the athlete’s own strength, as well as by well-developed playing technique.

Professional rackets are available only in specialized stores, and they usually sell for a fairly high price. Therefore, playing tennis with professional rackets requires significant funds.

However, professional rackets have ideal ergonomics, which have been tested in practice.

Criteria for choosing a tennis racket

Weight

Preferences depend on the characteristics of the athlete and the nature of the game. There is a rule: the heavier the instrument, the harder blows. However, you should not immediately choose the heaviest rackets. If you're not used to it, it can be uncomfortable.

The small impact force from light rackets can be compensated by the ability to play well and the player’s own strength.

Rackets weighing from 240 to 280 grams are best suited for beginners, lighter equipment for children, and heavier equipment for men.

This rule is not universal. If you wish, you can choose a different model that suits your playing style.

Length

The preferred racket length depends on your tennis experience.

Beginners choose short options up to 69 centimeters. The models allow you to hit and direct the ball better and are easy to maintain and control.

Professionals prefer longer racquets due to the ability to hit significantly harder shots.

However, long rackets cannot boast the same level of maneuverability.

Some people prefer a middle ground, choosing a racket of medium length. However, most professionals believe that this approach will not allow you to make truly powerful balls and will not provide the control that a small racket could provide.

Balance

Tennis rackets can have three types of balancing:

To the head. Suitable for players who prefer to attack and deliver powerful blows. Professionals who remember that best protection- this attack is often recommended by these rackets. The enemy will be forced to switch mainly to defense, and for your victory the enemy only needs to make one mistake.
Into the handle. This racket, on the contrary, is suitable for people who prefer defense. Precision and maneuverability provide ideal protection that will not be so easy to break through. The attacking opponent will not be able to defend himself and will lose - this is how another part of the professional players thinks.
Centered. The golden mean between power and agility. It will allow you to attack and defend, but it will not allow you to make such powerful blows as rackets with balancing in the head and as accurate as rackets with balancing in the handle.

Each player chooses a racquet with a balance that is ideal for his playing style.

Material of manufacture

The material determines the period during which the racket will retain its high consumer properties:

Aluminum. The material is lightweight and affordable. Breaking it is not an easy task, but bending it is quite possible.
Graphite. Hit of the season and the choice of modern professionals. The material is light and very durable. True, it costs much more than aluminum.
Titanium. Suffice it to say that titanium alloys are used to make parts for space rockets. Of course, a different type of titanium is used there, but the material for rackets also has significant consumer properties. The only negative is that it costs more than graphite.
Hypercarbon. Material created by specialists from NASA. Weighs less than titanium, but is much stronger. Suitable for children and women.

The best performance is demonstrated by composite materials that combine the positive properties of many materials at once.

String surface

The following labeling options are found in stores:

Midsize. The smallest rackets. Their advantage is ease of control and quality of impact. But they can only be used by real professionals.
Midplus. The most common. They allow you to hit the ball and provide impact force.
Oversize. Head of increased area. Suitable for beginners. Due to the size, the number of unsuccessful hits is reduced.
Superoversize. The largest rackets that allow you to make powerful shots, but control much worse.

The number of strings also varies. Although there is a wide variety in stores, the weaving formula is usually either 16x19 or 18x20. The first option allows you to throw curveballs, but the racket quickly deteriorates; the second option guarantees control, but there is a huge load on the handle.

Lever

Everything depends directly on the player. Usually the handle fits your palm. The most important thing is ergonomics. A good handle should fit in the palm of your hand.

Rim width

The wide rim is suitable for beginners who are just taking their first steps in tennis. Ideal for slow swings.

The narrow rim is suitable for professional players.

1) Units of measurement. The weight of tennis rackets in the past was measured primarily in ounces (ounce, abbreviated as oz), but is now more commonly measured in grams. Often in catalogs or on the rackets themselves, the weight is indicated in both grams and ounces. The ratio between them is: 1 ounce = 28.35 grams. To convert weight from ounces to grams, multiply by 28.35. For example, 10oz= 10x28.35g= 283.5g.

To convert back from grams to ounces, you need to multiply by 0.0353. For example, 400g x 0.0353 = 14.12 oz. Or divide by 28.35.

2) Weight with and without strings. The weight of a racquet can be measured with or without strings (that is, for an unstrung racket). The difference for modern rackets and strings is usually 15-20g (weight of strings per tension). The exact value depends on the thickness and type of string, the number of strings in the tension and the area of the string surface of the racket. If a racket says 305g unstrung, it means that the weight of that racket without strings is 305g. 317g strung means this racquet weighs 317g with strings. In both cases, the weight is measured without additional overgrips, vibration dampers, etc.

If it is not indicated on the racket or in the catalog exactly what weight is indicated (with or without strings), then look in another catalog. Since the options for specifying weights with and without strings are used approximately equally often, it will not be possible to say with certainty which case this is. The weight information indicated on the racket itself is more reliable than in catalogs. In the past, weight variations were also often indicated, for example, 305+- 5g. Rarely now. Typically, the more expensive the racquet, the less deviation. If in a batch of rackets of the same model the difference between the lightest and heaviest is within 5g, then this is a very good indicator. But anyone will feel such a difference between the two rackets in the game. average amateur, not to mention stronger players. That's why even rackets best quality(and among the most expensive) may require additional adjustment if you want to have a pair of identical rackets that are indistinguishable in terms of feel in the game.

3) What weight of rackets are used by whom? Professionals usually use heavy rackets, 320-360g. For good players, it is usually recommended to use light rackets, 270-310g. For weak amateurs of any gender, even lighter rackets, 250-270g, are recommended. Children's rackets come in the same weight or even lighter, but also have a reduced length, which makes them easier to control.

4) The controllability of a racket is determined not only by its weight. It is important to understand that weight is not a sufficient or comprehensive indicator of the “lightness” or controllability of a racquet. Which also depend on the balance of the racket (as well as on the aerodynamic characteristics). If the racket has a strong balance in the head, then it is harder to control, even if its weight is light. In practice, this consideration is often not very important, since almost all modern amateur racquets are produced with a head balance. Those that weigh less will be easier to handle.

5) In the past, amateurs and professionals used much heavier rackets than now. For example, wooden racquets most often weighed between 13 and 14 ounces, which is approximately 370 to 400 grams. With the beginning of the use of modern composite materials for the manufacture of rackets, it became possible to produce rackets with an increased string surface area, a varied profile and high rigidity, that is, much more powerful. With a high power racket, its large weight is no longer necessary in order to hit shots with sufficient force. Therefore, modern rackets have begun to be made much lighter.

Note: after the start of using composite materials, the understanding that heavy weight was no longer needed did not immediately come to manufacturers. For some time, very heavy rackets made of graphite fiber were produced (by external signs, they are quite modern even now). For example, 350g with an area of 110 sq. inches and obviously (by color, etc.) of the upper price category. You may be offered to buy one used racket. According to modern standards, it is unsuitable for playing (at least at the amateur level), its market value is close to zero. Some, for example, coaches leading groups for adult beginners, give advertisements like “I’ll buy graphite rackets in good condition, weighing no more than 300g,” with this very circumstance in mind. If you buy a racket of an unknown year of manufacture, pay attention first of all to its weight. If the racket is one of the expensive ones (at one time), then the weight should be indicated on it. Usually inside or outside the fork of the rim a little higher than the handle, less often in other places.

6) The most common misconception among amateurs regarding the weight of a racket - this is the desire of some male amateurs to use rackets that are too heavy “because that’s what the professionals do.” This is pointless and reduces the level of play of an amateur, since the controllability of such a racket is lower than that of a lighter one. Professionals use heavy rackets to create a high tempo in the game. An amateur will still not be able to create such a pace, nor will he be able to maintain it if such a pace is created by an opponent. Because an amateur does everything too slowly. The tempo of an amateur’s game is limited not by the fact that the racket does not allow him to hit and spin harder, but by the fact that at a higher tempo he ceases to hit the ball with the center of the racket and the ball into the court often enough. Also, when an untrained player uses heavy rackets, the likelihood of shoulder injuries significantly increases.

A player can increase the weight of the racket he uses (for example, adding weight to it, gluing a special lead tape) as his level of play increases. Up to the level of approximately the first category, it is better not to think about this at all, using light rackets.

7) Changing the weight of the racket. It is usually impossible to reduce the weight of a racket (unless you consider barbaric methods such as sanding the surface of the racket or cutting off those plastic elements of the bumper that you can do without). Used to increase weight various ways. Most often this is lead tape (some companies now produce weights from other materials, claiming that they are less harmful to health). Additional vibration dampers, protective tape on the rim, additional overgrips also add weight. For more information on this issue, see the note “Adjusting rackets for weight and balance.”