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 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 especially 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. These rackets are for tennis They are almost always chosen by professional tennis players because with their help they have the ability to better control the tennis ball while 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, 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 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).
Tennis - olympic event a sport that is popular among Russian residents. To play it easily and with pleasure, you need to know how to choose the right tennis racket.
Tennis racket structure
The racket consists of several elements:
- Head. This is the working surface of the racket, in which the main place is occupied by the rim and stretched strings. A good racket should have a head without sagging, and the tension should be the same at any point on the surface. When choosing, also pay attention to the material. It must be strong and durable.
- Lever. The part of the racket that an athlete holds when playing tennis. It is good if the handle is made of a reliable surface that will not slip out of your hands. Practice shows that losses often occur due to the inconvenience of the handle.
- Fork. It is a special connection in the shape of the letter V of the fork and handle. Technically, the fork's job is to absorb the impact of the ball on the head. The inevitable vibrations are dampened, and the player gets less tired.
Important: beginner tennis players can buy a racket without a fork. This is a grave mistake, since such rackets are used for another game - badminton.
Types of tennis rackets
Training
Specially designed models for practicing strong shots and developing playing skills.
Among distinctive features allocate a large area of the head. The minimum value is 690 square centimeters. Accordingly, the weight of such rackets increases. It can reach up to 300 grams.
The maximum length of the rackets is approximately 70 centimeters, and the balance is shifted towards the head. The center of gravity is usually located at around 38.5 centimeters, although different models may demonstrate different indicators.
The grid is open and has 19 strings horizontally and 16 vertically. Experts usually explain: such a net stretches quite quickly, and therefore rackets are used relatively infrequently and exclusively for training.
Important: if you want to purchase a racket that will serve you for many years without additional repairs or improvements, it is better to choose a different model.
However, training rackets also have advantages. First of all, an affordable price and the ability to spin the ball due to a shifted center of gravity. Finally, a large head makes the game easier - it's easier to hit the ball.
However, in the vast majority of cases, such rackets are used exclusively for practicing strikes.
Amateur
Such rackets are otherwise called club rackets, and in English they have a wonderful name - tweener. The head can be from 590 to 660 square centimeters, and Weight Limit reaches 320 grams.
However, the formula and balancing are already very different. In fact, you can find any kind of amateur rackets. Experienced tennis players decide for themselves what to prefer: maneuverability or striking power.
Typically, such rackets are considered universal. This means that they are equally comfortable to serve or return.
You can send curved balls, which is very convenient in competitions. Practice shows that it is these types of balls that are most difficult for most to hit.
Most often, such rackets are sold with neutral balance. This means their versatility, and the assortment presented in stores makes it easy to choose a model specifically for yourself.
Professional
Distinctive features of rackets - heavy weight, which can reach 370 grams and a small head, whose maximum dimensions are only 610 square centimeters.
The balance shifts to the handle. The player is able to better control the playing instrument, but the blow is not very strong.
Important: the lack of striking power is compensated by the athlete’s own strength, as well as by well-developed playing technique.
Professional rackets are only available in specialized stores and usually sell for a fairly high price. Therefore, playing tennis with professional rackets requires significant funds.
However, professional rackets have ideal ergonomics, which has been tested in practice.
Criteria for choosing a tennis racket
Weight
Preferences depend on the characteristics of the athlete and the nature of the game. There is a rule: the heavier the instrument, the harder blows. However, you should not immediately choose the heaviest rackets. If you're not used to it, it can be uncomfortable.
The small impact force from light rackets can be compensated by the ability to play well and the player’s own strength.
Rackets weighing from 240 to 280 grams are best suited for beginners, lighter equipment for children, and heavier equipment for men.
This rule is not universal. If you wish, you can choose a different model that suits your playing style.
Length
The preferred racket length depends on your tennis experience.
Beginners choose short options up to 69 centimeters. The models allow you to hit and direct the ball better and are easy to maintain and control.
Professionals prefer longer racquets due to the ability to hit significantly harder.
However, long rackets cannot boast the same level of maneuverability.
Some people prefer a middle ground, choosing a racket of medium length. However, most professionals believe that this approach will not allow you to make truly powerful balls and will not provide the control that a small racket could provide.
Balance
Tennis rackets can have three types of balancing:
- To the head. Suitable for players who prefer to attack and deliver powerful blows. Professionals who remember that the best defense is an attack often recommend these rackets. The enemy will be forced to switch mainly to defense, and for your victory the enemy only needs to make one mistake.
- Into the handle. This racket, on the contrary, is suitable for people who prefer defense. Precision and maneuverability provide ideal protection that will not be so easy to break through. The attacking opponent will not be able to defend himself and will lose - this is how another part of the professional players thinks.
- Centered. The golden mean between power and agility. It will allow you to attack and defend, but it will not allow you to make such powerful blows as rackets with balancing in the head and as accurate as rackets with balancing in the handle.
Each player chooses a racquet with a balance that is ideal for his playing style.
Material of manufacture
The material determines the period during which the racket will retain its high consumer properties:
- Aluminum. The material is lightweight and affordable. Breaking it is not an easy task, but bending it is quite possible.
- Graphite. Hit of the season and the choice of modern professionals. The material is light and very durable. True, it costs much more than aluminum.
- Titanium. Suffice it to say that titanium alloys are used to make parts for space rockets. Of course, a different type of titanium is used there, but the material for rackets also has significant consumer properties. The only negative is that it costs more than graphite.
- Hypercarbon. Material created by specialists from NASA. Weighs less than titanium, but is much stronger. Suitable for children and women.
The best performance is demonstrated by composite materials that combine the positive properties of many materials at once.
String surface
The following labeling options are found in stores:
- Midsize. The smallest rackets. Their advantage is ease of control and quality of impact. But they can only be used by real professionals.
- Midplus. The most common. They allow you to hit the ball and provide impact force.
- Oversize. Head of increased area. Suitable for beginners. Due to the size, the number of unsuccessful hits is reduced.
- Superoversize. The largest rackets that allow you to make powerful shots, but control much worse.
The number of strings also varies. Although there is a wide variety in stores, the weaving formula is usually either 16x19 or 18x20. The first option allows you to throw curveballs, but the racket quickly deteriorates; the second option guarantees control, but there is a huge load on the handle.
Lever
Everything depends directly on the player. Usually the handle fits your palm. The most important thing is ergonomics. A good handle should fit in the palm of your hand.
Rim width
The wide rim is suitable for beginners who are just taking their first steps in tennis. Ideal for slow swings.
The narrow rim is suitable for professional players.
How to choose your first tennis racket so that you won’t be ashamed to go on the court. Just a few tips and you have the right racket in your hands.
How to choose a tennis racket
Basic Tips before buying a racket:
- Read racket reviews and choose the best ones.
- Talk to your coach or friends who have been playing tennis for a long time.
- Don't buy a racquet just because your favorite tennis player uses it.
Racket weight
The weight of the racket determines the power of the tennis instrument, as well as its stability in the hand during movement. How to choose a tennis racket based on power? The answer is - the heavier the sports shovel, the higher its power. In addition, heavy rackets are more stable in the hand than light ones. But how do you choose the right tennis racket? There is no clear answer. The choice depends on the strength of the person.
Popular
But you can check if the racket is right for you. With a tennis racket correct weight you will be able to change positions and maneuver equally well. Fast ball or slow ball, with the right racquet you can tackle any target without losing energy. Lighter rackets are usually recommended for beginners as they are easier to play. But remember, tennis skill level should not determine the weight of the racket.
Racket balance
Another important point is the balance of the racket. This criterion determines the weight distribution of the racket. There are three types of rackets: neutral-balanced, head-balanced, and handle-balanced. For any level, professionals advise choosing a racket with head balance. A racket with a handle balance has excellent power, but during the game you will quickly exhaust yourself, especially your arms. There is even a professional term: tennis elbow. To reduce the risk of injury and improve agility, buy tennis rackets with neutral balance or head balance.
Racket contour rigidity
First of all, you need to understand that rigidity determines the flexibility of the string surface, and flexibility affects the impact force. Obviously, a stiffer racket flexes less, which means it increases the power of your shots. A flexible racquet flexes more, which reduces power.
How to choose the right tennis racket based on string stiffness? Medium hard rackets are suitable for beginners. It is better not to buy models that are too flexible. After all, after hitting a flexible surface, it takes time to straighten out. So it’s not very convenient for her to play.
A stiffer racket bends less, which means it increases the power of your shots.
String surface pattern
The pattern, in turn, affects the range of rotation of the racket during impact and the service life of the string surface. Dense horizontal and vertical patterns are the best option for a quality tennis racket.
String surface area
The larger the head area of the racket, the greater the player's power at the moment of impact. The main advantage of a larger size is the maximum stability of the racket upon impact, thanks to the correct distribution of weight along the strings. But there is also a minus - it is more difficult to maneuver large rackets than medium and small ones. So opt for a compromise model - a racket with a medium area.
The best tennis rackets for tennis
Babolat 2018 Pure Aero Lite Tennis Racket
Such a racket - great option for those who like maneuvers and rotations during impact. A sports shovel is capable of generating greater power and speed. Power is combined with light weight, which is especially suitable for beginners. The main advantages of a tennis racket are that it is equipped with a special system that absorbs the force of an oncoming blow. Unfortunately, many note that the string surface does not always withstand high power and breaks.
Head Liquidmetal 8 Prestrung Tennis Racquet
You won't feel the weight of the racquet at all during play, and the neutral balance will keep you energized until the end of your workout. Large string surface area and high power are the distinctive features of the model. The racket is suitable for beginners and professional tennis players who prefer durable rackets.
Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Strung Tennis Racquet
A tennis racket from the famous Wilson brand is ideal for those who take to the court for the first time. The sports instrument lies firmly in the hand and rotates perfectly during play. The downside is that the surface vibrates a little.
15.01.2018
A tennis racket, despite its apparent simplicity, is a rather complex instrument with large number various characteristics. What affects the quality of the game, ease and safety of use, and how to choose the right tennis racket for a child or adult player are 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 serve for a comfortable and correct grip of the racket 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, there should be a space between the base of your palm and your fingers). index finger other hand) 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.
Racket handle size. Racket sizes for adults range from 10 to 10 and 5/8. These are numbers in centimeters, they show the size handles, a line from the curve of your palm to the tip of your ring finger.
- A proven method is to take the racket in one hand and place the index finger of the other hand between the tips of your fingers and the base of your palm.
- If the index finger does not fit, then the racket handle is too small.
- If there is too much free space, the handle is too big.
- If you have to choose between two sizes, choose the smaller one because you can always make the handle larger by wrapping it tape(soft, cloth tape that wraps around the handle).
Head size. The size of your racket head will depend on your playing style.
- Large rackets have a head area of 266-330 square centimeters. This is why they are ideal for beginners - the large area of the head with which to hit the ball means fewer misses. Larger size The heads also allow you to spin the ball better and put more force into the shot.
- Traditional medium-sized racquets are used by more experienced players, and the working surface of the racket ranges from 215 to 266 square centimeters. A smaller head gives greater maneuverability and reliability, but at the same time it requires more force to strike.
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The weight of the racket and the material from which it is composed. Most rackets are made from graphite. It makes the racquet light, controllable, and still allows for plenty of damage. powerful blow. All this makes it ideal for beginner players. Other rackets for beginners are also made from lightweight aluminum or titanium. Such rackets also develop good hitting power and at the same time improve ball control during the stroke. The lightest and fairly rigid rackets are made of Kevlar or boron. As a result, when you miss, vibration is transmitted to the hand. These rackets are more often used by professionals. You can play with wooden and plastic rackets, but you are unlikely to be able to show off your best game with them. To sum it all up, the lightest racquet is not necessarily the best for beginners because you need to hit the ball harder and in doing so you lose in accuracy and ball control.
Racket length. The traditional racket length is 68-71 centimeters, but you can take a longer racket, up to 73 centimeters. The longer the racket, the longer the swing and the stronger the blow.
Bezel width. The rim is the part around the head of the racket. A wide rim, due to the fact that the strings are springy, gives the blow greater force, but at the same time the degree of control of the ball decreases.
String tension. Most racquets you buy will already have the strings at half tension, but you can then tighten the strings if necessary. The tighter the strings are, the greater the control of the ball and the more twisted the serve is. Therefore, if you are working on accuracy, it is better to tighten the strings. Less string tension means more hitting power with less ball control. More experienced players prefer to play with tight strings, which gives more control over the ball.
