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Tennis racket string weight. What should a tennis racket be like? How to choose a racket? Expert advice. Lightweight rackets with thick rims

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 large area of ​​the head with which 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 play your best 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.

Today, tennis is very popular. Beginners to this sport often wonder how to choose a tennis racket. After all, there are many of them on sale. Selecting the necessary equipment is not so difficult if you know simple rules.

The article will tell you how to choose a tennis racket by size, weight and shape. Below are the selection rules for each player level. Therefore, it will not be difficult to understand which equipment to choose for yourself.

What is required for tennis

The problem of how to choose a tennis racket for a child or an adult is becoming more and more urgent. Today, anyone can sign up for a section and understand all the benefits of this sport. Some people want to go out on the court to simply take their mind off everyday problems and enjoy active recreation. And for some, sport is of great value. Regardless of the chosen goal, you will have to spend money on buying a tennis racket. Not every tennis fan knows how to choose equipment for a beginner, but professionals don’t have such problems.

  • string surface area (head size);
  • weight;
  • balance;
  • length

The remaining parameters can rarely be seen on the racket, so they must be checked with the seller before purchasing.

How to choose a tennis racket for beginners

People who are just starting to engage in this sport and only go to the court on weekends do not need to delve too deeply into the characteristics of the equipment. Figuring out how to choose a tennis racket for an adult beginner is quite simple. After all, there are no special rules here. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention to some details, including the length, string surface, weight and characteristics of the handle. The remaining parameters are not worth considering.

Length

Adults often ask how to choose a tennis racket for a beginner player. A racket is designed for them, the length of which is about 69 cm. Of course, there are also options with a longer length on sale, but they are bought by more experienced players, since their purpose is to increase the power of the blow. At the initial stage, you don’t even need to waste time choosing a racket that is too long.

String surface area

For beginners, a racket with a string surface of more than 670 square meters is ideal. see. This option will work well in the hands of an inexperienced player. Thanks to this area of ​​the strings, all inaccuracies in hitting the ball in the very center of the racket are perfectly smoothed out. And this happens quite often among beginners. In addition, the large string surface helps reduce stress on the joints. Therefore, the risk of injury during training or play is significantly reduced.

Weight

When deciding how to choose a tennis racket, you must remember the weight of the product. Heavier options, of course, increase the impact force. Although this does not have a very good effect on the accuracy of hits during the game. If a person is confident that he can hit any ball without much effort, then he is recommended to choose a racket with a mass of no more than 275 g. It will be quite easy to accelerate it, without particularly straining the hand. The impact force will be slightly less, but you should not pay attention to this, since you need to learn to play without mistakes with light rackets. The weight of the equipment, and therefore the impact power and the speed of the ball, must be gradually increased in order to avoid injury.

Pen

Beginner players are often interested in how to choose a tennis racket based on the width of its handle. When girping between the fingers and the palm, it is necessary to maintain a distance of about 1.5 - 2 cm. But it should be noted that this rule does not always apply, since in most cases players rely only on their own sensations. The racket should lie comfortably in your hand when swinging and hitting, so that the hand and fingers do not strain too much.

The length of the handle should not be too long, but not too short. It should be enough to be grasped with both hands at the same time. This point is especially important in cases where the shot is taken from the backhand. It is for this that you need to use two hands at once. A backhand is a blow that a player delivers from an inconvenient side for him, that is, left-handed - from the right, and right-handed - from the left.

Professionals

Most players who have decided to connect their lives with this game know how to choose the right tennis racket. If a person has been involved in this type of sport for several years, then he will not have problems with the choice. But still, this issue needs to be approached in more detail. In this case, you need to take into account your own preferences in the game itself, and also use the racket to highlight the advantages for yourself.

String surface

To increase the impact force, it is necessary to choose not only a large string surface, but also a minimum string tension. If you buy just such a racket, the blow will, of course, be strong, but control over the ball will decrease. This point must under no circumstances be ignored.

Professional players are advised to buy rackets with a string surface of no more than 645 square meters. cm. In addition, they need to consider options with the tightest possible string tension. Thanks to this, players will be able to better control the ball when reflecting the most powerful shots of the enemy.

String composition

As you know, there are two types of strings: natural and synthetic. The first ones are made from animal veins and are considered the most comfortable. Thanks to the development of technologies for creating synthetic versions, nylon strings are no longer inferior to natural strings in terms of playing qualities.

They have a lot of other distinctive properties. The first advantage of synthetic strings is their affordable cost. Therefore, every player can afford such a racket. In addition, nylon strings have fairly high wear resistance. For these reasons, tennis rackets with synthetic strings are actively used not only by amateurs and professionals, but also by beginners.

Stretching diagram

Few people know that it is the string tension pattern that indicates the number of transverse as well as longitudinal strings in a tennis racket. Their number is written through a fraction, in which the first number denotes longitudinal, and the second, respectively, transverse.

The rigidity of the string surface directly depends on the number of strings. The fewer there are, the weaker this indicator is, and vice versa.

Rim width

When choosing equipment for a professional player, be sure to take into account the width of the rim, which, in turn, affects the size of the impact spot. This term refers to the area in the very center of the string surface that the ball must hit in order to hit it better.

If the width of the rim increases, the spot becomes larger. But at the same time, the aerodynamics of the racket deteriorate significantly. That is why experienced players need to select rackets with a rim width of no more than 2 cm.

Ideal weight

As mentioned above, the force of the impact depends on the weight. Professionals in this sport need to take rackets whose weight will not be less than 310 g. Thanks to such equipment, there is a good opportunity to strengthen the hand and significantly increase the power of the blow.

Balance

The choice of equipment should match the style of play. You can check the balance of the racket quite simply: place the center on your index finger, placing the handle on one side and the head on the other. If it deviates towards the head, then it should be used for powerful serves and attacks. But if you want to strengthen your protection, it is best to buy a racket whose balance will tip towards the handle. Options with balance in the center are considered universal. They are perfect for players who know how to change tactics based on the situation happening on the field.

Which tennis racket to choose for children

When buying your child his first racket, you should not pay attention to expensive ones. While he does not have any experience in the game and does not have a proven hitting technique, he will not be able to feel the difference between rackets costing 400 rubles and 4 thousand rubles. When choosing a tennis racket for a small child, only its length and weight should be taken into account. Other parameters do not matter. Therefore, spending time and money on them simply does not make sense.

Length and weight of equipment

The first and most important selection criterion is length. A racket that is too long will not be comfortable for a child, as he simply will not be able to direct the ball to the center of the string surface. Today, many manufacturers produce children's products that are ideal for young athletes. They are beautiful not only in design, but also in their comfortable length.

The weight of a baby's racket should also not be too heavy. It should be remembered that while playing, the child needs to have fun, and not exhaust himself with heavy physical activity. Otherwise, the young player will quickly get tired of playing tennis and will give it up. The weight of the equipment should be selected individually for each child. Most importantly, the racket should rotate freely in your hand without causing inconvenience.

Conclusion

There are many nuances in choosing the right equipment for the game. It is worth remembering that an ideal racket does not guarantee constant victories in competitions. Therefore, if you want to achieve any peaks in this direction, you need hard training and willpower.

I have always viewed the game of tennis as a fight between two gladiators,
different rackets, but their main weapon is skill and uncompromisingness ”.

Janek Noah(Yannick Noah)
winner of Roland Garros 1985

Currently, dealing with the existing variety of racket models with more than 40 manufacturers is very, very difficult. Even coaches and sales managers are not able to track the entire information flow of know-how and high-tech technologies used in rackets. A new specialty has appeared in the USA - “Racquet Master”, whose representatives are certified by the American Stringers Association ( USRSA).

I do not have such a certificate, so my recommendations will be general.

In general, all tennis players can be classified according to their level of play into: beginners, intermediate levels, advanced amateurs and professionals. I am sure that the last two categories of players do not need any tips on choosing a racket, so I will try to give recommendations for beginners and tennis players with 3-4 years of playing experience.

So, what should be the approach to choosing a racket?

Under no circumstances choose the racket your idol plays with. First of all, you won't play at his level. Secondly, the rackets of professionals have strings that allow them to do what they do, and the racket does not play a major role in their super-powerful and super-twisting strokes (see " About strings"). Thirdly, rackets for them are made individually. When in a rally you see, for example, a Mitsubishi Lancer SUV, it is not at all the same as the one sold in the showroom. Fourthly, your playing style and anatomical data are unlikely to be similar to your idol .

Since we remembered cars, then when choosing a racket in general, you can adhere to the principle of choosing them (without taking into account the color). For those who don't know, I'll explain.

Need to decide:

1. With financial capabilities (reasonable price).

2. With the weight and geometric parameters of the racket.

3. With manufacturers who are more enticing. I advise you to choose no more than three or four.

The next stage is studying catalogs and filling out the table.

It should be taken into account that each manufacturer has 2-3 best-selling models. And although manufacturers always update their model range every 1-2 years, such models continue to be produced for 5 or more years. They modify the exterior, protective bumper, end cap of the handle, lengthen the frame by a couple of centimeters, etc., but do not affect the design and profile features. And here you have an old-new model, with a new letter or number in the name and, accordingly, with a new higher price. Here are a few of these, in my opinion, branded models:

Wilson BLX Six.One 95 16×18, Wilson BLX Blade Tour, Babolat PURE Drive Babolat AeroPro Drive GT, Head YOUTEK IG Radical Pro, Head YOUTEK Prestige Midplus, Prince O3 Original White, Prince EXO3 Tour 100 16×18, Yonex Research Institute 100 Midplus, Yonex VCORE 95 D, Volkl Organix 6, Dunlop Aerogel 4D 200 (2Hundred), Dunlop 200 Biomimetic Tour, Volkl Power Bridge 10 Midplus, Volkl Organix 8.

When filling out the table, you can use the following explanations on the characteristics and properties of rackets:

Weight (Weight). During the training stage, it is better to use in this weight range: 310 ± 10 g (10.9 ± 0.35 oz) for men and 265 ± 15 g (9.3 ± 0.52 oz) for women. For those who have already mastered the basics of hitting techniques, a lighter racket is suitable.

If a racket is sold with strings stretched, their weight is often indicated ( Strung Weight). This is done so that catalogs and documents for a racket always indicate its weight without tensioned strings, or two weight values ​​(without strings and with strings).

Balance (Balance) - removal of the location of the center of gravity of the racket from a conventional point located from the end of the racket at a distance of 32.5 cm. Read how Balance is marked.

Rim size (Headsize) – area of ​​the string surface, calculated from the edges of the bushings. Indicated in "sq.cm" or "squared inches". For those who are choosing their first racket, I recommend a racket with a rim type: " Oversize" (106-115 sq.in.) or " Midplus" (90-105 sq.in.) - for men and " SuperOversize" (116-135 sq.in.) or " Oversize" ‒ for women. Intermediate players are best suited " Midplus". But if you like to twist and cut the ball well, and also play pairs, then still opt for " Oversize".

Length (Length). For players of average and tall height, it is better to use a standard length racket: 68.7 cm (27 inches) (often the inch is indicated by the two-dash symbol " " "), and for short people, you can take a longer racket by 1.5-2.0 cm (0.6-0.9").

Rigidity (Stiffness) – resistance of the racket frame to bending. I recommend choosing a non-rigid racket: 60-65 RA.

Moment of inertia (Swing Weight) - inertia of the racket during its acceleration. I would suggest at first using a racket with inertia no more than 310 RDC .

Power (Power) – assessment of the ability to impart forward speed to the ball. Numerical values ​​are not indicated.

Don't be tempted by powerful rackets.

Control (control)‒ assessment of the accuracy of the ball hitting the place intended by the player. Numerical values ​​are not indicated. This characteristic is more important for experienced players.

Stability (Stability) - assessment of the resistance to torsion of the frame when the ball hits the center of the string surface. Numerical values ​​are not indicated. For beginners, good stability of the racket frame is necessary. Choose a racquet with a large bridge (large angle of the racket neck).

Rotation (Spin) – assessment of the ability to impart angular rotation speed to the ball. For beginners, this characteristic is not particularly important.

Maneuverability (Maneuverability) (sometimes the term "controllability" is used) - an assessment of the ability to quickly and easily manipulate a racket. An important characteristic for intermediate tennis players if they vary their racket grip and have a long or medium swing.

Comfort (Comfort) - assessment of the manifestation of pain in the hand when the ball does not hit the center of the string surface. (There are no indications regarding stiffness in the table below; this is due to the fact that with greater rigidity, vibration decreases, but recoil increases, and, conversely, with lower rigidity). Comfort is often determined by the size of the so-called "sweet spot" or "sweet spot" ( Sweet Spot). But you need to know that the larger the "game spot" (as I used to call " Sweet Spot"), which means the more comfortable the blow, the less its power with the same acceleration of the racket.

Injury protection (Safety) - practically the same as comfort.

String pattern (StringPattern) – the number of longitudinal and transverse strings. What does this amount affect? Fewer longitudinal ( Main) strings creates conditions for increasing the power of the blow and its rotation. More transverse ( Cross) strings improves control. For the category of players to whom, as agreed, I give recommendations, the best ratio would be: 16×18 or 16×19.

Use the completed table to select a model.

Of course, you will not be able to find a racket in which all the characteristics and properties meet my recommendations. Some kind of compromise solution will be required. To better guide your final choice, use this table.

Optionsrackets Variationparameters Power Control Rotation Maneuverness Stability Comfort

heavier

more

better

worse

worse

the same

less

easier

less

worse

better

better

the same

more

Balance

in the pen

less

the same

worse

better

Equally

more

to the head

more

the same

better

worse

the same

less

Size

heads

more

more

better

better

worse

less

less

less

less

worse

worse

better

more

more

Frame length

extended

more

worse

better

worse

the same

more

regular

less

better

worse

better

the same

less

Rigidity

tougher

more

worse

worse

better

less

softer

less

better

better

worse

more

more

more

the same

better

worse

more

less

less

less

the same

worse

better

less

more

Then decide on the handle size ( Grip Size). Let's see how to choose it.

And now you can either contact an online store (not eBay), or go to a specialized store, or find an official dealer, which is more preferable. The latter, for many models, should have demo rackets that you can rent and try out in the game.

If you are going to buy with your own eyes, then select 2-3 models from your table and, taking them in your hands, feel how your hand will perceive them.

I don’t see anything dangerous and I even recommend buying your first racket not new. For rackets, the age-related aging of the material is insignificant, and if a used racket is scratched in places and the protective bumper is scratched a little, then this is not a big deal, the main thing is that there are no microcracks. But the price has the same tendency to fall as for used cars. However, there is one problem: on the Internet you will not find the year of manufacture of a non-new model. It can only be found in printed catalogs of past years, when the model you are interested in was new. In addition, coaches and players with many years of experience can provide approximate information.

Finally, here is a list of models that, in my opinion, from what I know, could satisfy your desire to find a good racket. But keep in mind, there is no racket that plays itself.

WOMEN MEN

Entry level of the game

Average level of play

Entry level of the game

Average level of play

Wilson[K] Factor Zero

Wilson[K]THREE FX 115

Wilson Three Two BLX

Babolat Drive Z 118

Head YOUTEK Three Star

Head Liquidmetal 8

Prince EXO3 Silver 115

Yonex S-Fit 5

Volkl Power Bridge 1

Dunlop 4D Aerogel 700

Wilson Cirrus One BLX

Head YOUTEK IG Speed ​​Lite

Yonex S-Fit 3

Head Liquidmetal Radical (Oversize)

Prince Triple Threat Bandit Oversized

Prince EXO3 Red 105

Prince O3 Speedport Red

Volkl Organix V1 Oversized

Wilson[K] Вlade Team

Wilson BLX Pro Open

Babolat PURE Drive GT

Babolat PURE Drive GT 107

Head Liquidmetal Radical (Midplus)

Yonex E-ZONE Xi 107

Yonex Research Institute 300 Midplus

Dunlop 4D Aerogel 500

Dunlop Biomimetic 700

This list contains both old and new models (compiled at the end of 2012, and most likely will not be adjusted), and in different price ranges. But you must understand that this is my personal subjective opinion and you need to perceive it as one of the possible options.

Andrey Medvedev(08/31/1974) - famous Ukrainian tennis player. Junior Champion « Roland Garros 1991.” Winner of 11 ATP tournaments, finalist of Roland Garros 1999. He won his first titles in Genoa and Stuttgart at the age of 17. He has victories over such world tennis stars as: Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Sergi Bruguera, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Roger Federer and others. The best ranking position is 4 (05/16/1994). Finished performing in 2001. Honorary President of the Ukrainian Tennis Federation since 2006. Captain of the national Davis Cup team since 2017.

What requirements when choosing a racket based on the child’s height can you find.

How to choose a tennis racket?

A tennis racket is the most important element in any tennis player's arsenal. The racket brings into our game everything that we cannot achieve solely through technique.

How do you choose from the huge number of rackets on the market that are right for you and your playing style? Where can I find the racket parameters and what do they mean?

The following parameters are indicated on the frame of most tennis rackets or in manufacturers' catalogs dedicated to them: weight, head size, balance, string formula, recommended tension, and sometimes additionally the width of the frame, its stiffness and swing style.

The main parameters that should be considered first are the weight of the tennis racket, head size and balance.

Knowing weight, you can understand what kind of swing this racket is designed for. The weight will also indirectly indicate the skill level of the player for whom it is intended.

As a general rule, the heavier the racket, the longer the backswing must be in order for the racket to achieve a certain amount of movement and stability when hitting the ball.

    Heavy frame racket:

    Light frame racket:

Separation of rackets by weight*

    up to 265 grams: beginner tennis players - short swing

    up to 285 grams: beginner tennis players - short swing

    265 - 285 grams: intermediate tennis player - short/medium swing

    285 - 300 grams: ki and intermediate tennis players - short/medium swing

    > 300 grams: experienced amateurs and professionals - long swing

*racket weight is given without taking into account the weight of the strings (15-17 g)

Head size : another parameter that helps determine the purpose of the racket.

The larger the head, the larger the sweet spot of the racket, the racket is more comfortable, dynamic, and allows you to give the ball more rotation. The smaller head size allows for better feel and control of the ball, giving better maneuverability with a smaller playing spot.

Head sizes

    MID (short for "midsize") up to 93 inches / 613 cm²

    MP (short for "midplus") from 95 inches / 632 cm² to 102 inches / 660 cm²

    OS (short for "oversize") from 104 inches / 671 cm²

Another important indicator is balance, that is, balance rackets. For a heavy racquet, balance increases its maneuverability if it is Balanced neutral or pen . In a lower weight frame, balance increases dynamics and also allows for more spin on the ball if it is balanced in racket head.

Most doubles tennis players who often play close to the net choose rackets that balanced in handle. Athletes who play on the back line, preferring aggressive topspin strokes, choose rackets that balanced at the head.

Types of balance*

    balanced to the head - more than 33 cm

    neutral balance - 32 - 33 cm

    balanced in the handle - less than 32 cm

*balance is indicated without string weight. When installing the strings, the balance may move approximately 1 cm towards the head.

Stretching diagram (string formula)

This is the ratio of the number of horizontal strings to vertical ones, there are open and closed versions of the string formula. The open version is a large number of horizontal strings than vertical, in the open version there are more vertical strings.

The open arrangement of the strings allows you to give the ball greater dynamics and more intense rotation, provides greater control, the closed version allows you to better control and feel the ball, while the strings wear out less.The closed string formula requires higher skill from the player, therefore it is recommended for more experienced tennis players with a fast-medium or long swing.

Types of string formulas

    16/18 - open option

    16/19 - open option

    16/20 - closed version

    18/20 - closed version

Frame width

The thinner the frame, the more skill the racket requires; it is designed for a player with a long swing. The thin frame allows for better ball control and feel. Wide frame allows you to increase the force of impact and the degree of rotation of the ball, Recommended for tennis players with a short swing.

Frame width options

    less than 22 mm - thin frames

    22-23 mm - medium frame

    more than 24 mm - wide frame

Frame stiffness

Stiffness is a very important element when choosing a racket; knowing this parameter, which is indicated in RA units, you can determine the degree of comfort of the racket. This is a parameter associated with the degree of deformation of the racket at the moment of contact of the strings with the ball.

The stiffer the racket, the more dynamics it gives to the ball. In turn, the lower the RA, the more accurate the racket.

Hard rackets are more forgiving of mistakes and are recommended for tennis players with a short to medium swing. The soft frame requires the player to have a more competent position and a more accurate shot, therefore it is intended for experienced amateurs and professionals for whom control and feel of the ball is important.


Types of stiffness

    less than 62 RA (low stiffness) - long swing

    63-65 RA (medium hardness) - medium, long swing

    more than 65 RA (high stiffness) - short, medium, long swing

Swing style:

The style of the swing is determined by the length of the “loop” that we make with the racket - this is the moment from the beginning to the end of the blow. The longer and better this movement is completed, the heavier the tennis racket a tennis player can play. In this case, the player has enough time to impart a certain dynamic movement to the blow.

Types of swing

    short swing

    medium swing

    long swing

Selection of rackets for children and teenagers:
The main rule when choosing a racket for a child is to select the length of the racket according to his height.

    26 inches - height from 140 to 165 cm

    25 inches - height from 125 to 140 cm

    23 inches - height from 112 to 125 cm

    21 inches - height from 100 to 112 cm

Tennis is an Olympic 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 purchase a racket that will serve you for many years without additional repairs or improvements, it is better to choose a different 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, a large head makes the game easier - 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 they have a wonderful name - tweener. The head can be from 590 to 660 square centimeters, and the maximum weight 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 the rackets are their 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 stronger the 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:

  1. To the head. Suitable for players who prefer to attack and deliver powerful blows. Professionals who remember that the best defense is an attack often recommend these rackets. The enemy will be forced to switch mainly to defense, and for your victory the enemy only needs to make one mistake.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. Aluminum. The material is lightweight and affordable. Breaking it is not an easy task, but bending it is quite possible.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Midsize. The smallest rackets. Their advantage is ease of control and quality of impact. But they can only be used by real professionals.
  2. Midplus. The most common. They allow you to hit the ball and provide impact force.
  3. Oversize. Head of increased area. Suitable for beginners. Due to the size, the number of unsuccessful hits is reduced.
  4. 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.



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