If your young athlete is just starting to learn the basics of tennis, then main criterion when choosing a racket, it 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.
Children's rackets weight 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.
15.01.2018
A tennis racket, despite its apparent simplicity, is a rather complex instrument with a large number of different characteristics. What affects the quality of play, ease and safety of use, how to choose the right racket for tennis for a child or adult player is described in this article.
The article is quite voluminous, contains a lot of information, and for those who cannot afford to go into technical details, we can recommend immediately turning to the Additional services section. But if you still find the strength to study the article, we will be very grateful to you.
Materials for the production of rackets
Aluminum is a material for the production of inexpensive rackets for beginners and children. Since soft metal is used in the production of rackets of this type, with intense play and heavy loads such rackets can lose their properties, become deformed or break. Therefore, the choice in favor of an aluminum racket is usually made when purchasing the first racket - entry level for lovers and children. The service life of an aluminum racket allows a beginner to gain basic tennis skills and move to the next level. Children outgrow the racket much faster before it becomes unusable.
A composite is a material consisting of many components with different characteristics. The composition of the composite can include various polymers, metal and ceramic components, changing the composition, quantity and ratio of which, as a result, you can obtain a material with the necessary characteristics. Rackets made of composite (composite) materials differ from aluminum ones in greater strength, rigidity, resistance to mechanical damage and dynamic loads. Composite rackets are recommended for amateurs and juniors who continue to improve their skills.
Graphite is a unique mineral that can be found in a huge number of states - from soft, layered and very plastic to incredibly hard and even capable of turning into diamond under high temperature and pressure. Due to these properties of graphite, there are practically no restrictions in the production of tennis rackets. Graphite tennis rackets are popular among advanced amateurs and junior athletes. Professional tennis players train and play with graphite rackets made using special technologies.
Tennis racket parts
Head - upper part oval-shaped rackets, which consist of a rim and strings stretched inside it through special plastic inserts called grommets. The strings intertwined in a special way form the playing surface of the racket. The playing characteristics of a racket are influenced by the number of longitudinal and transverse strings (string formula), the material and thickness of the strings, as well as their tension force. We will tell you more about strings in a separate article.
The racket handle has a special octagonal shape and a thickening at the base (boss), which serves for comfortable and correct grip rackets during the game. The racket handle has a base grip - an adhesive-based tape that is wound around the handle when the racket is made. When using a racket, an additional overgrip should be installed on the base grip. This is a thin tape without an adhesive layer, which serves to protect the main winding from wear and contamination, as well as for a comfortable feeling when playing. Overgrips have moisture-absorbing properties, do not slip in the hand, and are available in various colors. The top windings should be changed regularly as they become worn and dirty.
The neck is the central part of the racket that connects the handle and head. The shape of the neck affects the design features of a tennis racket, such as twist, vibration damping and weight distribution.
Tennis racket handle size
The size (thickness) of the handle is important when choosing a tennis racket. The size of the handle affects the control of the racket when performing shots with rotation - it is easier to perform such shots with a thinner handle, on the control of the racket in cases where the ball is not struck at the center of the string surface - it is easier to control the racket with a thicker handle, as well as on the feeling of weight Rackets - A racket with a thicker handle feels heavier.
There are two systems for measuring the size of tennis racket handles: European (in units) and American (in inches). The handle size is usually indicated on the end cap of the racket handle. You can select a racket with the correct handle by holding the racket in your hand (when you wrap your hand around the handle, the index finger of the other hand should be placed between the base of your palm and the fingers) or using a comparison table:
Tennis racket handle size chart:
|
Handle size (American system) |
Handle size (European system) |
Applicability |
| 4 | 0 | children |
| 4 1 /8 | 1 | children |
| 4 1/4 (4 2 /8) | 2 | children/women |
| 4 3 /8 | 3 | women/men |
| 4 1/2 (4 4 /8) | 4 | men |
| 4 5 /8 | 5 | men |
Tennis handle sizes larger than 5 are rare and are usually made to order.
Tennis racket head and dimensions
Another characteristic of a racket that affects the quality of the game is the size of the racket head or, in more professional language, the area of the string surface. Ball control and impact power depend on this parameter.
Tennis racket head size chart.
Tennis racket balance
The balance of the racket can be neutral, as well as in the head or handle. To a greater extent, balance affects the accuracy of the strike and its power. It is possible to determine the balance of a racket visually, by feeling the advantage, or at certain points that indicate the number 1/8 between the middle of the racket and its center of gravity.
Racket weight
The average weight of a standard tennis racket is 290-300 grams. Of course, there are both heavier and lighter models. The ease of the swing and the power of the blow will depend on the weight of the racket.
Racket length
The length of the racket is chosen solely according to the height of the tennis player, therefore, as a rule, it only matters for children's rackets.
Tennis racket size chart.
Do right choice and you can purchase a racket that is ideal for your level of training and style of play only by being very well versed in all the features of this product, which cannot be included in one even such a voluminous article, or by trusting the experience of a specialist.
We help you choose and buy a racket that will fully meet all the necessary requirements, delight you and instill a sense of confidence in every training session and during the game.
Tennis is an activity for everyone. But, if you once picked up a racket, then, one might say, you joined the this species sports It is clear that the racket is selected according to individual characteristics. To choose the right tool, you need to know about all the subtleties of choosing it.
What are tennis rackets made of?
There is nothing complicated in their design. But you should still remember the name of the main parts:
- The head is the working area of the racket, consisting of an oval rim and strings. The most important thing is that the strings are tensioned evenly over the entire area.
- Handle – the athlete holds on to it during the game.
- The fork is the connection between the handle and the blade, shaped like the letter V. It is this part that distinguishes tennis rackets from badminton.
Species
All tennis rackets are classified according to the level of training of the players:
Professional
Produced for athletes participating in competitions. They have heavy weight and are designed for increased control during the game. The balance of professional models is shifted to the handle, and therefore inventory management is improved.
Benefits include:
- Maneuverability.
- Impact concentration.
- Strength.
- Durability.
- Ergonomics.
Flaws:
- Heavy weight.
- High cost.
- Sold only in specialized stores.
Club
High-quality rackets, but big sport you can't play with them. Suitable for experienced tennis players.
Benefits include:
- Strength.
- Vibration dampening.
- Low cost.
Cons:
- Heavy weight.
- Impossibility of maneuvers.
- The mesh is stretched.
Amateur
Suitable for beginner athletes who are just trying themselves on the court. When choosing such a racket, you should remember that beginners need to hone their playing technique, not power and speed. These two qualities develop as you gain experience.
Advantages:
- Light weight.
- Suitable for honing technique.
- Low cost.
Flaws:
- Possibility of wrist injury.
- Inability to maneuver.
- Not suitable for competitions.
Size
Most easy method choose the perfect racket for yourself - take it in your hand. Grasp the handle and measure with index finger clearance on the handle. If your finger easily fits into this distance, then this equipment is for you.
But in general, the main rule is that the larger the handle, the more convenient it is to play. There are two systems for measuring handles - European and American. In the first system, rackets are simply assigned numbers from 1 to 7.
Children's racquet handles range in length from 4 1/8 to 4 1/4 inches. Women's have handles ranging from 4 3/8 to 4.5 inches. Men's rackets are the longest. Their handle sizes range from 4 5/8 to 4 7/8 inches. This length is indicated according to the American measurement system.
In addition to the length of the handle, the size of the blade matters:
- Standard - this blade has an area of 426 square centimeters.
- Midsize - These tennis rackets have a head area from 430 to 574 centimeters square.
- Midplus - those with large blades, the area of which varies from 575 to 677 centimeters square.
- Oversize - with heads up to 742 centimeters square.
- Super Oversize - the largest rackets, the blade area of which can reach up to 871 square centimeters.
The last two types are more suitable for those who play on the end or in pairs. These types of equipment allow you to trim and spin the ball. But it should be remembered that the accuracy of these strikes decreases sharply.
These tennis rackets are capable of powerful hits. Due to the increased center of gravity, the impact becomes comfortable. But if the ball hits off-center, then such rackets “forgive” them.
Thickened rims have become common since the late 80s of the last century. The thicker the rim, the more powerful blow provides the racket. The thickness of the rim can vary from 18 to 30 mm. When choosing a tool, you should focus on your stroke - the larger the swing, the narrower the rim.
Children's rackets
The main criterion when purchasing equipment for children is the size of the handle. A long handle will make it difficult to hold the racket. In addition, the young athlete must coordinate his strikes well. The shorter the handle of a tennis racket, the better coordination child's movements.
Nuances of choice
To choose the perfect racket for yourself, you should determine its center. Take the inventory in your hand and find the midpoint. If it stays balanced when you hold the center, then the instrument is balanced. When one part, the handle or head, is overbalanced, the center of gravity is shifted. It is possible to play with such a racket, but it is difficult. Moreover, if the head is heavier, then the entire racket will feel heavy. By shifting the center of gravity towards the handle, the racket will seem lighter.
Tennis rackets that are balanced on the handle are designed for close play, while those balanced on the blade are designed for play from the end of the court. But the best equipment is considered to be one with center balancing.
Racket weight
Now they are trying to reduce the weight of rackets. First of all, graphite ones began to appear. Currently their weight is about 300 grams. Moreover, this value is constantly decreasing. The weight of the equipment determines how much easier it is to swing. But light rackets are not as powerful as heavy ones.
Equipment care
To extend the life of your racket, you should take proper care of it. If possible, avoid hitting the rim against hard objects. To avoid damage to equipment, store it in a special case.
The sun's rays negatively affect the equipment, so if you are not using it, store it in a case. Moisture and extreme heat also have a negative effect on the racket. The strings cease to be elastic at a temperature of 43 degrees Celsius. But in hot weather, the temperature in the car can be up to 55 degrees.
To prevent the racket from slipping out of your hand, use absorbent tape. It is initially sold with inventory, but, unfortunately, it wears out quickly. This should not be allowed, because the success of the game depends on how firmly the racket lies in the hand.
How to choose a racket
Choosing is not as easy as it seems to an ignorant person. There are a huge number of options, and many athletes wonder which one is better. Many beginners buy rackets for professionals and make a big mistake.
To learn to play, you need to hone your technique, and equipment for professionals is completely unsuitable for this. You should buy a racket that is suitable for the athlete according to his level. It is an amateur or training racket that will allow you to learn to play.
Before purchasing a tennis racket, you should remember what exactly you want to achieve in the end. Experienced players already understand whether they want power, speed or maneuverability. In general, if possible, you should play with different instruments to decide which racket will be ideal for you. IN tennis clubs There is an opportunity to practice with various instruments.
Once you try this or that racket, you will understand whether it is comfortable for you or not. Sometimes when playing it is possible painful sensations in the hands and wrists. In this case, you should choose equipment with high shock-absorbing properties that would absorb shock.
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 the tennis strings are stretched, 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 pros to amateurs. 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 makes it possible to avoid large quantity 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, 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 size of the head of a tennis racket, suitable for your game.
Racket balance
Rackets with neutral balance have a balance point of approximately 32.5 cm. Balance “to the head” is approximately 33.5-34.5 cm, and “to 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 stroke 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).
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 racquet). The difference for modern rackets and strings is usually 15-20g (weight of strings per stretch). 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 any average amateur, not to mention stronger players, will feel such a difference between the two rackets in the game. 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 can be the same in 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 his opponent. Because an amateur does everything too slowly. The pace 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 pace 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, and additional overgrips also increase the weight. For more information on this issue, see the note “Fitting rackets for weight and balance.”
