Whether you’re just starting to play tennis or you’ve been playing for a while and want to take your game to the next level, you have to know how to choose a tennis racket.

A racket suited to your playing style and physical condition can be the difference between playing your best and experiencing frustration on the court. Unfortunately, the variety of options in the tennis racket market can lead to confusion. This guide aims to demystify racket shopping so you can play Golden Ocala tennis with confidence.

Head Size

Racket heads (the part that strikes the ball) range in size from 85 to 118 square inches. A larger head adds power and makes it easier to make contact with the ball, while a smaller head increases shot control, which is desirable for more advanced players.

Balance

Most rackets are either “head-light,” with more weight in the handle, or “head-heavy,” with more weight towards the top. Head-light rackets are more maneuverable, while head-heavy rackets have increased momentum.

Flex

Rackets are rated from 0-100 on flex, with lower numbers indicating more bend and higher indicating increased stiffness. Stiffness adds power but reduces player comfort and control.

Cross Section

This is a measure of how thick the racket’s beams are. Usually, thicker beams translate into less flex and more power.

Grip Size

To determine what grip size is right for you, use a ruler to determine the distance between your palm crease and the end of your ring finger. If you are between sizes, go with a racket that’s slightly too small and use an overgrip to bring it up to the proper size.

String Choices

Rackets can be strung with an open or dense pattern, indicating that the strings are either far apart or close together. Open stringing adds power and spin but reduces racket durability, while dense stringing improves control. You can choose to buy a pre-strung racket or a performance racket that needs to be strung by a professional. Pre-strung rackets are cheaper and suitable for new players.

Overview

Generally, rackets fall into three categories: control, tweener and power, important considerations when you want to choose a tennis racket. Control rackets are heavy, at 11 ounces or more, and have features that improve shot control like dense stringing, thin beams and a smaller head. These are best for physically strong players who don’t need extra power. Power rackets are larger and stiffer but also lighter, increasing pop and distance. Tweener rackets, as the name suggests, are somewhere in between. Novice players and people with short, weak swings do well with power and tweener rackets.

If you buy the perfect racket and want to participate in Golden Ocala tennis, contact one of Golden Ocala’s tennis professionals today at 352-402-4351.

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