If your young athlete just starting to learn the basics of tennis, then main criterion when choosing a racket, this is the height of the child. Children's rackets start at number 19 and end at number 26, these numbers indicate the length of the racket in inches. Each of these figures 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 designation, 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 conventional 26 rackets, because they are made using the same materials and technologies as adult sports models.
If your child has stretched significantly over the summer and growth is already approaching 150-155 centimeters, then you should be puzzled by 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, complexion, etc. That's why be sure to consult with our qualified sellers before buying or your coach.
Weight of children's rackets ranges from 200 to 260 grams and grows with the size of the racket. If very approximately, then: the higher the child, the larger size rackets and their weight. But there are often lighter versions of rackets. Therefore, a 26" number can weigh either 235 grams or 255.
Now let's talk about pen size in children's rackets, they have their own sizing system, not like an adult. Children's rackets, from sizes 19 to 25, have zeros in the indication of the size of the handle, and the smaller they are, the larger the diameter of the handle. 80% of modern children's rackets have the following 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".
Production material 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 the child is just starting to play tennis and it is possible that after 5-6 months this desire will disappear. In this case, just not so sorry for the money spent.
2. The height of the child does not exceed 125-130 cm. This is due to the fact that children above this height have a higher impact force, more swings and more frequent training. Therefore, the load on the racket is greater, and aluminum models are notable for their fragility.
If you are sure that the child will like tennis or he has been training for more than a year, then you should choose rackets made of composite material. They use graphite, fiberglass and minor aluminum impurities. These rackets are slightly more expensive 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 distinguished by increased wear resistance, increased playing comfort and better handling.
Rackets are usually supplied with a case and strings. The strings are installed one of the simplest and cheapest, the tension is the weakest, so it is recommended that after 4-6 months of playing, make a constriction in a service center.
Vibration damper- not just decoration, but also a useful device. A good vibration damper significantly reduces the amount of harmful vibrations that occur when the ball is hit, thereby increasing comfort and reducing stress on the hand.
15.01.2018
A tennis racket, despite its external simplicity, is a fairly complex tool that has a large number of different characteristics. What affects the quality of the game, convenience and safety of use, how to choose the right racket for tennis 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 that you immediately turn to the Additional Services section. But if you still find the strength in yourself and 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 intensive play and heavy loads, such rackets may lose their properties, deform or break. Therefore, the choice in favor of an aluminum racket is made, as a rule, when buying the first racket - entry level for lovers and children. The service life of an aluminum racquet is well enough to allow a novice player to get the basic skills of playing tennis and move to the next level. Children outgrow the racket much faster before it becomes useless.
Composite - a material consisting of many components with different characteristics. The composition of the composite can include various polymers, metal and ceramic components, by changing the composition, quantity and ratio of which, as a result, it is possible to obtain a material with the necessary characteristics. Rackets made of composite (composite) materials differ from aluminum rackets 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 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. Thanks 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.
Parts of a tennis racket
Head (head) - top part oval-shaped rackets, which consists of a rim and strings (string) stretched inside it through special plastic inserts called grommets. The strings intertwined in a special way form the playing plane of the racket. The playing characteristics of a racket are affected by the number of longitudinal and transverse strings (string formula), the material and thickness of the strings, as well as the force of their tension. We will tell you more about strings in a separate article.
The handle of the racket has a special octahedral shape and a thickening at the base (boss), serving for a comfortable and correct grip of the racket during the game. On the handle of the racket there is a base grip - an adhesive-based tape that is wound around the handle during the manufacture of the racket. When using a racket on the base grip, you should install an additional winding (overgrip). 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 playing experience. Overgrips have moisture-absorbing properties, do not slip in the hand, and are available in various colors. Top windings should be replaced regularly as they become worn and dirty.
The neck is the central part of the racket that connects the handle and the head. The shape of the neck affects the design features of the tennis racquet, such as torsion, 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 racquet when making spin shots - a thinner handle makes such shots easier, racquets are more steerable in cases where the ball is not hit by the center of the string surface - it is easier to control a racquet with a thicker handle, as well as the feeling of weight racquets - a racquet 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 size of the handle is usually indicated on the end cap of the racket handle. You can choose a racket with the correct handle by holding the racket in your hand (when grasping the handle with your hand, the index finger of the other hand should be placed between the base of the palm and 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 the racket that affects the quality of the game is the size of the head of the racket, or in more professional terms - 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, the balance affects the accuracy of the strike and its power. It is possible to determine the balance of the racket visually, feeling the advantage, or at certain points, which 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 swinging and the power of impact will depend on the weight of the racket.
Racquet 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 to get a racket that is ideal for your level of training and playing style, you can only be very well versed in all the features of this product that cannot be placed in even such a voluminous article, or 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 at every training session and during the game.
Tennis is an activity for everyone. But, if once picked up a racket, then, one might say, 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 intricacies of choosing it.
What are tennis rackets made of?
In their design, they do not represent anything complicated. But still, you should remember the name of the main details:
- 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 stretched evenly over the entire area.
- Handle - the athlete holds on to it during the game.
- Fork - the connection between the handle and the blade, has the shape of the letter V. It is this part that distinguishes tennis rackets from badminton.
Kinds
All tennis rackets are classified according to the level of training of players:
Professional
Produced for athletes participating in competitions. They have big weight and are designed for increased control during the game. The balance of professional models has been shifted to the handle, and therefore inventory management has been improved.
Benefits include:
- Maneuverability.
- Impact concentration.
- Strength.
- Durability.
- Ergonomics.
Flaws:
- Big weight.
- High price.
- Sold only in specialized stores.
Club
Quality rackets, but big sport you can't play with them. Suitable for experienced tennis players.
Benefits include:
- Strength.
- Vibration dampening.
- Low cost.
Minuses:
- Big weight.
- The 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, it should be remembered that beginners need to hone their playing technique, and 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.
- Impossibility of maneuvering.
- Not suitable for competition.
Size
Most easy method choose the perfect racket for yourself - take it in your hand. Grasp the handle and measure with index finger handle clearance. If the finger calmly enters this distance, then such an inventory 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 handle lengths range from 4 1/8" to 4 1/4". Women's have handles from 4 3/8 to 4.5 inches. Men's rackets are the longest. Their handles range in size from 4 5/8 to 4 7/8 inches. This length is indicated according to the American system of measurement.
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 of 430 to 574 centimeters squared.
- Midplus - those with large blades, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich varies from 575 to 677 centimeters squared.
- Oversize - with heads up to 742 centimeters squared.
- Super Oversize - the largest rackets, the area of the blade of which can reach up to 871 square centimeters.
The last two types are more suitable for those who play at 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 is sharply reduced.
These tennis rackets are capable of powerful hits. Due to the increased center of gravity, the impact becomes comfortable. But if the ball does not hit the 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 a strong beat provides a racket. The thickness of the rim can vary from 18 to 30 mm. When choosing a tool, you should focus on your strike - the larger the swing, the narrower the rim.
Children's rackets
The main criterion when buying 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 inventory in your hand and find the middle point. If it stays balanced when you hold the center, then the tool is balanced. When outweighing one part - the handle or head - the center of gravity is shifted. It is possible to play with such a racket, but it is difficult. At the same time, if the head is heavier, then the whole racket will feel heavy. By shifting the center of gravity towards the handle, the racket will seem lighter.
Handle balanced tennis rackets are designed for close play, while paddle balanced rackets are designed for play from the end of the court. But the best equipment is considered to be center-balanced.
Racket weight
Now they are trying to reduce the mass of rackets. First of all, graphite 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 rackets.
Inventory Care
To prolong the life of your racket, you need to properly care for it. If possible, avoid hitting the rim against hard objects. To avoid damage to inventory, store it in a special case.
The sun's rays have a negative effect on inventory, so if you are not using it, store it in a case. Moisture and extreme heat also negatively affect 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 originally sold with inventory, but, unfortunately, wears out quickly. You should not allow this, because the success of the game depends on how firmly the racket lies in the hand.
How to choose a racket
The choice is not as easy as it seems to an ignorant person. There are a huge number of options, and many athletes are wondering which one is better. Many beginners buy rackets for professionals and make a big mistake.
To learn how to play, you need to hone your technique, and equipment for professionals is completely unsuitable for this. You should buy the racket that is suitable for the athlete according to his level. It is an amateur or training racket that will allow you to learn how 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 agility. 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 different tools.
Having tried this or that racket, you will understand whether it is comfortable for you or not. Sometimes during the game are possible pain in the hands and wrists. In this case, you should choose equipment with large shock-absorbing properties that would absorb shocks.
Materials used in a tennis racket.
Nowadays, many different materials are used in the production of tennis rackets. In order for a tennis racket to be 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 (composite materials). As a rule, such an inscription is 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 it that the bulk of modern tennis rackets are made. Graphite is very strong, but also lightweight. Gives a kick 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 glass fiber resins. Tennis rackets, which are made using composite materials including graphite, are suitable for both beginners and professional players.
- aluminum (aluminum)- an inexpensive material used in the manufacture of tennis rackets. Therefore, its advantages are low price and long service life. If you accidentally hit the racket on the floor or your partner's racket during the game, most likely it will not break. But, of course, the tennis racket will deform and lose its playing properties.
- Hyper carbon- This material has been actively promoted by Wilson in the tennis market over the past few years. Hyper carbon was co-developed with NASA and is claimed to be four times stiffer, four times stronger and 65% lighter than titanium. This is why Wilson tennis rackets are particularly durable.
- Fiberglass (fiberglass)- one of the impurities in the composition of the material of a tennis racket. Allows for additional flexibility.
- Titanium (titanium)- very close in its playing characteristics to graphite. Manufacturers mix titanium and graphite for the perfect balance of stiffness and weight for a tennis racquet!
What is a tennis racket made of?
- "Tennis Racket Head"- that part of it, inside which 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 the vibrations that occur when the string surface of the racket comes into contact with the tennis ball.
- « Pen "- the handle of a tennis racket, usually measured in units from 1 to 5. It is impossible to determine by a simple calculation what size handle you need. The consultant of 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 such a 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
The 90-95 or Mid Size "head" tennis racquet is designed for professional players, while the 98-100 or Mid Plus is mainly intended for a wide range of players, from pros to amateurs. These tennis racquets are almost always the choice of professional tennis players because they have the ability to better control the tennis ball, coping with aggressive, hard shots. Tennis racquets with a head size of 103 and above or Oversize have a larger string surface area and, accordingly, a larger "strike spot", which avoids a large number errors associated with missing the ball by the center, as well as significantly increase the power of impact. They are more suitable for amateurs who primarily care about comfortable play and impact power, the same characteristic as control takes only second place in their priorities. Often there are situations when manufacturers produce the same model of a tennis racket in two versions: as a rule, with the size of the "head" Mid Plus and Oversize. Therefore, if you have doubts about the option that is right for you, The best way to choose - to play with both rackets, and only then make a final decision. You can also consult with the staff of "Rocketlon", and they will always tell you the correct size of the head of a tennis racket, suitable for your game.
Racquet balance
Rackets with a neutral balance have a balance point of approximately 32.5 cm. The balance "in the head" is approximately 33.5-34.5 cm, and "in the handle" - 32 cm. How to measure the balance of a tennis racket yourself, if suddenly you can't find data about him on the racket? Place the racket on any narrow stick, 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, not deviating either to the right or to the left, then mark this point and measure the distance from the heel of the handle to the balance point with a tape measure. This will be the balance value in centimeters. A different balance can cause two racquets with exactly the same weight to have completely different characteristics when played! Tennis racquets with head balance feel heavier and give more power to the hit. Handle balance rackets are designed primarily for players using a variety of technique in their game, they actively play both from the rally and from the back line.
Tennis racket weight
The average weight of a tennis racket is currently 290 - 320 grams, but there are models that weigh less than 270 grams. The lighter your tennis racquet, the more free and sweeping your movement can be. However, in order to achieve the necessary impact force at playing light with rackets, you must accelerate it much faster when you hit and have very good technique.
Advanced amateurs play tennis rackets weighing 280-310 grams. , professionals - 295 - 340 gr. and sometimes even 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 have a hard time holding in his hand just because it's designed for taller players.
For adults, a tennis racquet has a typical length of 68.5-68.6 cm, with the exception of elongated models, which were specially designed by manufacturers to increase the power of hitting. To play with a long racket, you will need additional training or just the ability to make high-precision strikes. Therefore, if you consider yourself a novice player, it is better to choose models of standard length. The staff of our online store will always help you choose the right racket.
You can buy tennis rackets through the online store "Raketlon" in the cities of Russia:
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, Yekaterinburg, 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 measure. The weight of tennis rackets in the past was measured mainly in ounces (ounce, abbreviated as oz), now more often in grams. Often in catalogs or on the rackets themselves, the weight is indicated in both grams and ounces. The ratio between them: 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, multiply by 0.0353. For example, 400g x 0.0353 = 14.12 oz. Or divide by 28.35.
2) Weight with strings and without strings. Racquet weight can be measured with strings or without strings (i.e. for an unstrung racket). The difference for modern racquets 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 tension, and the surface area of the racket's string surface. If a racquet says 305g unstrung, it means that the weight of this racquet without strings is 305g. 317g strung means that the weight of this racket is 317g with strings. In both cases, the weight is measured without additional overgrips, vibration dampers, etc.
If the racket or catalog does not indicate what weight is indicated (with or without strings), then look in another catalog. Since the options for specifying the weight with and without strings are used approximately equally often, it will not be possible to say with certainty what this case is. The information on the weight indicated on the racket itself is more reliable than in the catalogs. In the past, weight variation has also often been reported, such as 305+-5g. Rare now. Usually, the more expensive the racket, the smaller the 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 such a difference between the two rackets will be felt in the game by any average amateur, not to mention the stronger players. Therefore, even rackets best quality(and some of the most expensive) may need some extra fitting if you want to have a pair of rackets that are the same in the game as they feel in the game.
3) What weight rackets are used by whom. Professionals usually use heavy rackets, 320-360g. Well-playing amateurs are usually recommended to use light rackets, 270-310g. Weak fans of any gender are recommended even lighter rackets, 250-270g. Children's rackets are the same weight or even lighter, but also reduced in 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 exhaustive measure of the "lightness" or handling 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 to the head, then it is harder to control it, even if its weight is small. In practice, this consideration is often not very important, since almost all modern amateur rackets are produced with a balance in the head. Those that are lighter will be easier to handle.
5) In the past, much heavier rackets were used by amateurs and professionals than they are now. For example, wooden rackets most often weighed between 13 and 14 ounces, that 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 manufacture rackets with an increased string surface area, a diverse profile and high rigidity, that is, much more powerful. With a high power racket, its heavy weight is no longer necessary in order to perform strikes of sufficient strength. Therefore, modern rackets began to be made much lighter.
Note: after the start of the use of composite materials, the understanding that a lot of weight is no longer needed did not come to manufacturers immediately. For some time, very heavy rackets made of graphite fiber were produced (according to 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 used racket. By modern standards, it is unplayable (at least at the amateur level), its market value is close to zero. Some, for example, coaches who lead groups for adult beginners, make announcements like "buy graphite rackets in good condition no more than 300g weight", meaning this circumstance. If you buy a racket of an unknown year of manufacture, pay attention first of all to its weight. If the racket is expensive (once), then the weight should be indicated on it. Usually inside or outside the rim fork a little higher than the handle, rarely elsewhere.
6) The most common misconception among amateurs regarding the weight of the racket is the desire of some male amateurs to use rackets that are too heavy "because the pros do it." This is meaningless and reduces the level of the amateur's game, since the controllability of such a racket is lower than that of a lighter one. Professionals use heavy rackets to create a high pace in the game. An amateur will still not be able to create such a pace, as well as maintain it if such a pace is created by an opponent. Because the amateur does everything too slowly. The pace of the game of an amateur 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 quite often. Also, when an unprepared player uses heavy rackets, the likelihood of shoulder injuries increases significantly.
The player can increase the weight of the used racket (for example, by adding weight to it, gluing a special lead tape) as his level of play increases. Up to the level of about the first category, it is better not to think about it 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 like sanding the surface of the racket or cutting off those plastic bumper elements that you can do without). Used to increase weight various ways. Most often it is a lead tape (now some companies produce weights from other materials, declaring that they are less harmful to health). Additional vibration dampeners, rim protection tape, additional overgrips also add to the weight. For more information on this subject, see the note "Adjusting rackets for weight and balance".
