What should a tennis racket be like? How to choose a racket? Expert advice. Choosing a tennis racket Dimensions of tennis rackets for tennis

Being a universal sport, tennis is also an active leisure activity. It helps greatly to strengthen muscles, keep the body in good shape and recharge in a good mood. Purchasing a racket is a serious investment for both beginners and professional athletes. And her choice will completely affect the course of the game. In order to figure out which tool is best to buy, you need to take into account a few tips.

When considering the criteria for choosing the right attribute for tennis, you need to know that rackets are evaluated primarily by their swing strength. Children and beginners do not have a particularly intense blow and swing. Therefore, they need an instrument with a weak string tension, which gives power to the blow. But for players with more experience and a strong and fast swing, a tight racket is needed.

Before choosing the appropriate sports equipment, you need to know that each racket differs in its functionality.

  1. HEAD. The playing surface of the instrument and its dimensional parameters completely influence the course and style of play. Its varieties: Standard Surface Area 600-700 square cm is great for tennis beginners. Provides a minimum of misses and good spin on the ball; Raised work surface 700-1000 cm square. Ideal for experienced athletes. Provides the athlete with excellent maneuverability, but requires more intense impact force.
  2. HANDLE. The dimensional parameters of the handle circumference are selected individually. Externally similar to a badminton racket, the tennis tool is distinguished by a fork located in the upper part of the handle. Thanks to the V-shaped fork, all vibration moments are successfully damped, and the athlete’s hand gets tired much less. Handle length parameters are selected individually. The most important thing is that the grip is ergonomic.
  3. WEIGHT PARAMETERS. For beginners, the lightest rackets are ideal. However, with its low weight, a low-power blow is carried out. Heavy tools are great for professionals who will be able to apply increased impact force to swing and spin the ball.
  4. COMPOUND. The main range of tennis equipment is made from lightweight materials: graphite, aluminum, lightweight titanium, kelaur, boron. For beginning athletes, choosing a racket made from this material is the best option.
  5. SIZE BY LENGTH. The standard tool is 68-73 cm. However, one should not forget that the longer the racket, the more intense the blow itself.
  6. RIM THICKNESS. A corpulent and thick rim will make it possible to carry out a more powerful blow, while the instrument itself will be tougher. But for high-speed strikes, a thin rim would be most suitable.
  7. BALANCE. When purchasing a racket, its strings must be tightened. It should be borne in mind that the tighter the tension, the steeper and stronger the blow.

You also need to know how to calculate the balance. For those who like to play under the net, choosing a racket with a massive handle will be optimal, since this is where the specific gravity will be balanced. For those tennis players who prefer to play close to the baseline, attributes with a heavy working surface and a wide rim are suitable. Or you can adjust and balance the weight in the desired direction yourself. To do this, you just need to add sticky or dry overgrip tape to the handle.

The best manufacturers

Tennis tools are not cheap at all. Therefore, if there is a dilemma about which company is better to purchase inventory, you should pay attention to a branded manufacturer that is quite popular with consumers. Samples of popular models from well-known companies will not only be convenient to use, but will also serve their owners faithfully and for a long time.

Flagship manufacturer of sports equipment for ball competitions. Tennis tools from this company are in demand among most professionals around the world. The company introduces innovative technologies when creating and manufacturing racket samples, thanks to which the attributes have increased strength and endurance. Rackets from this company are 23% more stable and intense than standard models.

Advantages:

  • Innovative technologies in creation;
  • Durability and quality.

Flaws:

  • High price for goods.

An American brand that introduces innovative technologies into the creation of tennis tools. Composite materials for the manufacture of fiberglass-based instruments improve existing characteristics several times. When creating samples, hybrid-carbon fabrics are used. The company was one of the first sports equipment manufacturers to create a racket with a wide-profile frame, which significantly increases the power of impact.

Advantages:

  • Revolutionary technologies;
  • Decent quality.

Flaws:

  • High price.

Having considerable popularity all over the world, the company from the USA publishes and markets high-quality tennis instruments on the sports goods market. The popularity of the manufacturer’s models is quite high, and they are used in both amateur and professional competitions. Samples of rackets from this company show decent quality, practicality and reliability when used.

Advantages:

  • Quality from the manufacturer;
  • Long-term use.

Flaws:

  • Frequent sale of counterfeits.

Ranking and characteristics of the best tennis rackets at a relatively inexpensive price

Sample rackets for initial stage tennis lessons should have a weak tension and an increased working surface area to practice the intensity of the blow. Of course, such tools do not have proper maneuverability. However, they can be purchased at a relatively budget price.

Equipment for tennis competitions. Intended for organizing games for beginners. The ergonomic handle fits perfectly in the hand. Made from lightweight aluminum, it has a non-cast joint and a working surface area of ​​723 square centimeters. When playing, it provides a quick swing and decent ball control. It has weight parameters of 305 g.

Average price: from 1250 rubles.

tennis racket LARSEN JR 2500

Advantages:

  • Ease of swing;
  • Good ball control;
  • Light weight;
  • Optimal price.

Flaws:

  • Stretching the strings too quickly.

HEAD TI. INSTINCT COMP GR3

A tennis training attribute with an increased working surface of 680 square meters. cm. It has a tension pattern of 16 by 18, which makes it possible to spin the ball quite well. It has neutral balancing, allowing maximum absorption of vibration moments from impacts. An excellent attribute for those starting a tennis career, created from composite materials. Has an unstretched weight of 305 g.

Average price: from 2100 rubles.

tennis racket HEAD TI. INSTINCT COMP GR3

Advantages:

  • Increased head area;
  • Absorption of vibration moments;
  • Optimal ball spin;
  • Affordable price.

Flaws:

  • Reduced maneuverability.

BABOLAT EVOKE 102 GR 2

An ideal instrument for beginning athletes, designed for comfortable playing. A slightly larger work surface gives confidence and determination to beginners. The rigidity of the 68RA contour and the use of composite compounds in creating the racket provide the necessary balance of intensity and strength. Equipped with additional equipment in the form of an ergonomic case.

Average price: from 4000 rubles.

tennis racket BABOLAT EVOKE 102 GR 2

Advantages:

  • Increased head area;
  • The right balance;
  • Good ball spin ability.

Flaws:

  • Lack of required power.

YONEX RQ IS TOUR

An amateur racket that is successfully used in the game even by professionals. Created with the introduction of innovative POWER ISOMETRIC technology, which gives greater intensity to the swing and impact. Lightweight and compact instrument with neutral balancing. It was successfully used in competitions by tennis players E. Dementieva and J. Simon. Features a string tuning feature that provides greater control over power. The best option for both beginners and professionals.

Average price: from 6900 rubles.

tennis racket YONEX RQ IS TOUR

Advantages:

  • Optimal balancing;
  • First-class maneuverability;
  • Vibration dampening.

Flaws:

  • Frequent sale of counterfeits.

WILSON BLX PRO STAFF SIX. ONE 95

A club racket, suitable even for experienced athletes. The working area of ​​the tool is 613 square meters. cm, which provides a universal and optimal ratio of impact intensity and control over the direction of the ball. The tightness of the strings in this instrument allows for excellent twisting. Constructed from soft graphite composite and weighing in at 314g, the instrument offers the experienced player stability and complete control over the game.

Average price: from 8300 rubles.

tennis racket WILSON BLX PRO STAFF SIX. ONE 95

Advantages:

  • Feeding power;
  • Full control over the game;
  • Optimal balancing;
  • Reliability and quality from the manufacturer.

Flaws:

  • Difficulty of playing the instrument for a beginner.

Description and characteristics of popular tennis rackets at a high price

Club and professional super rackets are designed to the smallest detail. These tools have increased weight and are designed to move the balance into the handle for improved control. They have a reduced working surface. And the low intensity of their blow is compensated by the athlete’s strength gained through experience.

Varieties of such sports equipment can only be purchased in elite or specialized stores, as well as on the Internet sites of official representatives of manufacturer brands. The cost of such models sometimes reaches very high prices. However, you should know that before choosing the right sample, you need to remember that an expensive model should be bought only after acquiring the skills.

PRINCE LIGHTNING 105

For beginners who have already shown some achievements in tennis and who are thinking about how to pick up suitable model rackets for further career development. Lightweight, fast and powerful attribute for intermediate and high level athletes. Due to the 16 by 19 string formula, the racket produces high-speed rotation, and its slightly increased length ensures a fast and controlled pace. The increased size of the working surface allows for a good and high-quality swing and strike. Comes with a convenient storage case.

Average price: from 9800 rubles.

tennis racket PRINCE LIGHTNING 105

Advantages:

  • Speed ​​and ease;
  • Impact power;
  • High ball rotation speed.

Flaws:

  • Provides only average game performance.

HEAD CRAPHENE TOUCH SPEED ADAPTIVE

A professional tennis tool created with the introduction of innovative Graphene technology, which creates increasing power while absorbing vibration moments. The racket is made of particularly durable and at the same time lightweight material. Controlled racket weight and length. It is possible to independently replace the string formula. Comes complete with secondary O-rings and spacer rings. An additional tip allows you to add weight to the handle. It has dimensions of the working surface of the head of 0.97 square meters. cm.

Average price: from 14,000 rubles.

tennis racket HEAD CRAPHENE TOUCH SPEED ADAPTIVE

Advantages:

  • Graphene function;
  • Power;
  • Adjustable weight, length and string pattern.

Flaws:

  • Heavy instrument for beginners.

WILSON BURN 100CV LIMITED EDITION 2017

A limited edition model that combines power, spin and precision. The instrument will be an excellent choice for athletes of the highest or intermediate professional level. Thanks to the balancing offset in the handle, the racket performs super high-speed rotational movements. The COUNTERVAIL function dampens all vibration moments, reducing muscle tension. Excellent sense of control and gaming comfort. A very ergonomic tool for attacking intermediate and professional level athletes.

Average price: from 16,000 rubles.

tennis racket WILSON BURN 100 CV LIMITED EDITION 2017

Advantages:

  • Power and reliability;
  • Reduced vibration;
  • Full control over the game.

Flaws:

  • Inconvenient tool for beginners.

BABOLAT PUR EJ AERO

A professional instrument with an optimized string formula. This function, due to the larger gap between the strings, provides super high-speed rotation of the ball. Aerodynamic head rotation and excellent streamlining contribute to resistance to air disturbances. The built-in CORTEX function allows the athlete to produce a more powerful and accurate shot. Neutral balancing with a working surface area of ​​100 square meters. cm. Equipped with an ergonomic storage case and a secondary set of strings.

Average price: from 18,000 rubles.

tennis racket BABOLAT PUR EJ AERO

Advantages:

  • Power and speed;
  • Improved aerodynamics;
  • Excellent streamlining;
  • Supplied with a set of strings and a convenient carrying bag.

Flaws:

  • High price.

Incorrect selection of the racket can lead to injuries and injuries during the game. Using the tips correctly, you can not only choose the right equipment for yourself, but also, with its help, achieve considerable results in tennis.

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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 rackets allows you to perform the most powerful blows, 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 hit the ball quickly, 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.

If your young athlete is just beginning to learn the basics of tennis, then the main criterion when choosing a racket is the child’s height. Children's rackets start with number 19 and end with 26, these numbers indicate the length of the racket in inches. Each of these numbers shows how much growth it is designed for.

  • 19" - from 91 to 101 cm
  • 21" - from 100 to 113 cm
  • 23" - from 110 to 125 cm
  • 25" - from 125 to 140 cm
  • 26" - from 140 to 155 cm

There are also children's rackets without a number, on such models they write "jr" or "junior" - these rackets are transitional from children's to adults, and are usually suitable for children with a height of 145 to 155 cm. They cost 1. 5 or 2 times more expensive than regular 26 rackets, because the same materials and technologies are used in their production as in the production of adult sports models.

If your child has grown significantly over the summer and his height is already approaching 150-155 centimeters, then you should consider buying a lightweight adult racket. We would recommend weight from 255 to 275 grams, but here a lot depends on the child’s playing experience, strength, preparedness, build, etc. That's why Be sure to consult with our qualified sales associates or your trainer before purchasing.

Weight of children's rackets ranges from 200 to 260 grams and grows as the size of the racket increases. If very approximately, then: the taller the child, the larger size rackets and their weight. But lightweight versions of rackets are also often found. Therefore, a 26" number can weigh either 235 grams or 255.

Now let's talk about handle size in children's rackets, they have their own sizing system, not similar to the adult one. Children's rackets, from sizes 19 to 25, have zeros in the handle size indication, and the fewer there are, the larger the diameter of the handle. 80% of modern children's rackets have this correspondence: 19" racket - handle size: 0000; 21" racket - handle: 0000; 23" - 000; 25" - 00. And only in size 26" there are two types of handle sizes, these are “0” and “1”.

Material of manufacture also affects the choice of racket and its price. The cheapest and simplest rackets are made of aluminum; they should be considered in two cases:
1. If a child is just starting to play tennis and it is possible that after 5-6 months this desire will disappear. In this case, you simply won’t feel sorry for the money spent.
2. The child’s height does not exceed 125-130 cm. This is due to the fact that children above this height have a higher impact force, a longer swing and training more often. Therefore, the load on the racket is greater, and aluminum models are distinguished by their fragility.

If you are sure that your child will enjoy tennis or he has been training for several years, then you should choose rackets made of composite material. They use graphite, fiberglass and minor amounts of aluminum. These rackets cost a little more than similar aluminum models.

The third category of children's rackets is made from the same materials as adult sports models (graphite, basalt, tungsten, carbon) and does not contain aluminum at all. They are characterized by increased wear resistance, increased playing comfort and better controllability.

Rackets are usually supplied with a case and tensioned strings. The strings are one of the simplest and cheapest to install, the tension is the weakest, so it is recommended that after 4-6 months of playing, you should have them re-strung at a service center.
Vibration damper- not just a decoration, but also a useful device. A good vibration damper significantly reduces the amount of harmful vibration that occurs when hitting the ball, thereby increasing comfort and reducing stress on the arm.

Materials used in a tennis racket.
Currently in production tennis rackets many different materials are used. 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 the blow a high level of force and at the same time allows you to feel the tennis ball well. 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?

  1. "Tennis Racket Head"- that part of it, inside which the tennis strings are stretched, the main playing surface.
  2. « 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.
  3. « 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. Such tennis rackets are almost always chosen by professional tennis players, because with their help they are able to better control the tennis ball, coping with aggressive, hard shots. Tennis rackets with a head size of 103 and above or Oversize have a larger string surface area and, accordingly, a larger “impact spot”, which allows you to avoid a large number of mistakes 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 the Rocketlon staff, and they will always tell you the correct tennis racket head size 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 played! Head-balanced tennis rackets appear heavier and give great strength hit. 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, to achieve the necessary power when playing with light racquets, you must accelerate the racquet 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. Don't buy a racquet that your young tennis player will struggle to hold just 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 elongated racket, you will need additional training or simply the ability to make high-precision shots. 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).