by Learning how to play tennis is difficult. Really tough. But the lack of a proper tennis racket can make life on the court even more difficult. This applies to professionals, such as world champion Serena Williams, as well as anyone new to the game. A good tennis racket — especially when you are a beginner — can help you improve your level of play, while a mistake can reveal your weaknesses and injure you on the road if you are not careful. That said, it is important to find one that matches your skill level.
As a beginner, the main goal is to find something that will help you get used to the strength you need to hit the ball. This means choosing a racket that is comfortable and easy to use, which is often determined by the intensity of the strings, the size of the racket and the grip.
Ask a professional: The best tennis rackets for beginners have these 3 basic elements
1. Soft strings
Strings are the most important part of the racket as they help determine the force of your shot. The tighter strings give you more control of the ball, while the softer and looser strings allow you to have more power in your swing. If you are just starting out, choose a racket that has the last one. The softer strings absorb more vibration, so your hand does not have to strain too much just to hit the ball hard.
Related stories
“The softer the strings, the better for beginners, as beginners will use muscles, tendons and ligaments they are not used to, especially on the wrist, forearms and shoulder,” says Jose Tolentino, a tennis coach. and assistant director. of the NGTA Tennis Academy. “This is important for minimizing stress and avoiding potential stress and injury.” (Professional advice: Look for strings that are multi-threaded or multi-threaded hybrid strings.)
2. Light body and large frame
The size of the racket should be large and responsible, especially the frame and the head. “For beginners, I would recommend a racket with a head size between 100-110 sq.m. and 280-300 grams of weight “, says Tolentino. “The larger head size provides a larger sweet spot, which will allow a novice player to hit the ball more accurately during the player’s learning stages.” But just because it is bigger does not mean it has to be heavier. Instead, it’s best to stick to a light racket as you learn the basics, as the heavier weight can quickly tire your hands.
3. Correct handle size
Finally, it’s important for you to have the right grip or handle size. This will affect how well you control and hold the racket. “If the grip is too small, it can cause the racket to twist in the player’s hand, which can cause wrist and elbow problems,” says Tolentino. On the other hand, if the grip is too large, it can restrict the movement of your wrist and make it difficult for the ball to spin and spin.
FYI, grip size is measured in inches and US sizes are: 4 “, 4-1 / 8”, 4-1 / 4 “, 4-3 / 8”, 4-1 / 2 “, 4- 5/8 “, 4-3 / 4”, with 4-3 / 4 inches being the largest size. Now that we’ve covered the basics of what to do, here are some of the top rackets you can use for tennis beginners.
The best tennis rackets for beginners
Yonex, Vcore 100L – $ 245.00
In addition to its high quality, this Yonex Vcore 100L checks all the right boxes for beginners, according to Tolentino. It has a frame of 100 square inches and seven percent bigger sweet spot than the previous models of the brand to increase your frequency and accuracy. The graphite material of the frame is also a nice touch, as the toner is naturally light and absorbs vibrations well.
Head, Titanium Ti S5 Comfort Zone – $ 89.00
If you want something easy enough to use from the beginning, look no further than the Head Titanium Ti S5 Comfort Zone. All around, it’s an extremely forgiving racket that allows you to focus on building strength. It comes pre-corded and has an oversized frame of 107 t. But note, the handle sizes are limited.
Wilson, Blade 104 V8 – $ 249.00
One of Wilson’s most innovative rackets is the Blade 104 V8. Designed to be flexible thanks to FortyFive ° technology and DirectConnect. These designs allow you to feel more connected to your crib using a carbon fiber handle attached to the end cap. This helps you to have more stability when your hand locks to hit the ball.
Dunlop, SX600 – $ 229.00
The big head is just one thing that makes this racket a home run. The 16 × 18 string pattern helps you to have more spins. Also, players with shorter swings will love it, as it can be used to perform high power shots. But elastic material is really the point of sale here, as it reduces vibrations by up to 37 percent. The only downside is that you have to buy the strings separately.
Yonex, Ezone 100L – $ 245.00
Another of Tolentino’s recommendations is this Yonex Ezone 100L. Although it has the same size sweet spot as the Yonex Vcore 100L, it is made to help increase power. Specifically, it has unique hole rings (also known as the holes where the strings are attached to the racket) to maximize your strength and comfort when shooting off center.
Babolat, Pure Aero – $ 239.00
If you are a little further away in tennis lessons, this racket is ideal to help you take your game to the next level. Although it is more of an instant racket, it still has some qualities that beginners can take advantage of. For example, it has a 100 square inch head frame to help you hit the ball more accurately. FSI Spin technology also enhances your ability to put spin and force behind the ball.
Wilson, H2 – $ 119.00
Whether you’re entertaining or taking regular classes, this Wilson H2 is a pretty safe bet for convenience. Many of them have to do with the lightweight frame that facilitates rotation, as well as C-Matrix technology that increases stability.
Head, Gravity S – $ 229.00
If you do not want something to weigh you down every time you swing, Head Gravity S is here to save you. The Graphene 360+ toner technology in this racket is designed to give you a clearer feel as you watch your swing. In addition, it is lighter to avoid long-term discomfort to your wrist and arm.
Want to be the first to know about the latest (and best) SHOP product discounts, custom collections, discounts and more? Sign up to have intel delivered directly to your inbox.
Our authors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links can earn a Well + Good commission.
