Updated: 14.02.2018 16:11:33
Tennis is very popular view sports that not only adults, but also teenagers and even children are fond of. Spectacular, spectacular and extremely emotional - these are the features of modern tennis. In order for the game to bring maximum pleasure, a huge role must be given to correct selection equipment and, first of all, a tennis racket. But if it’s easy for professionals to do this - all they need to do is pick up a racket, then choosing such an accessory for a beginner can take a lot of time.
The best manufacturers of tennis rackets - which company to choose
First of all, attention should be paid not to the racket design, but to the manufacturer of a particular model. Choosing branded accessories, everyone can be sure that his racket is the best fit for the game. In this regard, the following manufacturers can be recommended for purchase:
The second thing you need to do before buying is to read the reviews of tennis players who have dealt with a particular model and managed to try it out in practice. Close attention should be paid not only to positive, but also to negative points.
Types of tennis rackets
The next step is to decide on the type of specific tennis racket. Depending on the specific functional purpose, all tennis rackets are divided into several main groups.
To some extent, they are considered universal and allow almost any style of play and the implementation of any strike technique. Among professionals, they are known as tweener, which literally translates as mid-level models. The weight of such rackets is about 300 grams, and the surface area of the head can vary from 500 to 650 square centimeters.
Advantages
Universal;
democratic value;
Universal balancing, suitable for any playing technique;
Flaws
A large head can be uncomfortable;
Do not allow to achieve high-speed and super-maneuverable game;
Quite heavy;
Professional Models
Rackets widely used in various tennis competitions. They differ in significant weight (more than 300 grams), but the balance is shifted towards the handle, which provides excellent balance and allows the use of any playing technique. The latter depends solely on the skills and physical strength of the tennis player.
Advantages
Convenient and maneuverable devices;
High ergonomic indicators;
Exceptionally high quality assembly;
Correct balance;
Allows you to work out any technique of the game;
Flaws
Fairly expensive;
Require certain tennis skills, not suitable for beginners;
As a rule, they are purchased as the second or third in the arsenal and are intended to improve their own playing technique, practice strokes and improve racket possession. They are characterized by an impressive, about 300 grams, weight, balance shifted towards the head, as well as an enlarged head area - about 700 square centimeters.
Advantages
Ergonomic and easy to use;
Inexpensive;
Large head area reduces the risk of missing the ball to a minimum;
Strong and hardy;
The balance shifted towards the head allows you to make enough powerful blows;
Flaws
Due to the increased area, the mesh deforms rather quickly;
Low maneuverability;
The main criteria for choosing a tennis racket
Weight
One of the key characteristics that has the most direct impact on the comfort of the game. If the racket is too light, the player will not be able to achieve sufficient control. Excessively heavy, on the contrary, can lead to rapid fatigue. The optimal weight of tennis rackets varies between 300 and 400 grams - these are the models that are popular among both beginners and experienced tennis players;
Racquet length
It also depends on the experience of the player. A beginner should prefer compact models, the length of which will be 63-65 centimeters. With their help, it is much easier to control the ball and make strikes of various techniques. Professionals, on the contrary, look towards longer models - thanks to the “lever” of a longer length, the probability of delivering a powerful and accurate blow increases many times over.
Racquet balance
The introduction of special balancing elements into the design makes it possible to shift the balance both towards the handle and towards the head. It is selected, first of all, with an eye on your playing technique. So, those who prefer an attacking, daring style of play should prefer rackets, the center of gravity of which is shifted to the head. Conversely, a defensive, defensive style of play requires balance located in the hilt.
The material from which the racket is made
Aluminum is a very good option for a tennis racket. entry level. Differs in worthy durability, small weight and the correct balance. Its disadvantage is increased plasticity - with the wrong technique, it is very easy to bend an aluminum racket;
Composite materials - fiberglass in combination with graphite. Rigid and easy to use material. The weight of most models is acceptable, and therefore composite rackets are currently considered among the best;
Titanium. A great alternative to graphite and aluminium. Lightweight, very strong and rigid material for maximum performance. Minus - extremely high cost;
Carbon fiber. Or, in popular terms, carbon. Lightweight, strong and durable material this moment is one of the best for making tennis rackets. The disadvantage is the same as that of titanium - a high price;
Head form factor
Currently on sale you can find rackets with the following markings:
midsize. The smallest models, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich is 450-500 cm2. Comfortable, agile and practical. However, such rackets can only be recommended for purchase by more or less experienced tennis players, while beginners, due to its small size, will often miss;
mid plus. Medium-sized rackets that are often purchased by both beginners and experienced players. The head size of such models is 550-600 cm2;
oversize. Models with a fairly large head (700-750 cm2), which are great for beginners. Such rackets resist vibrations very well, and also allow you to make powerful blows, while spinning the ball;
SuperOversize. The largest rackets, they are most often preferred by beginners. Due to the size of the canvas increased to 750-820 cm2, it is quite difficult to miss the ball, however, the maneuverability of such rackets leaves much to be desired.
What should be a tennis racket?
Racket for a child
For a small tennis player, the most compact model should be preferred, the dimensions and weight of which will not cause trouble for the baby. The weight of such a racket should not exceed 200-250 grams, and as a size, you can give preference to models shortened to 45-55 centimeters. Important role balance also plays - it should be either neutral or shifted towards the handle - it is this kind of racket that is easiest for the baby to control.
Choosing a racket for a beginner
If you are a beginner and just getting acquainted with the wonderful world of tennis, it is best for you to prefer an amateur-class racket. Its length should be about 60-65 centimeters, and the weight should not exceed 300-320 grams. Head size - oversize or super oversize - with such a racket it is easiest to hit the ball and not miss. The balance should also be shifted towards the handle for maximum maneuverability and comfort.
Choosing a professional racket
It is inappropriate to advise a specific model for those who have made up their minds and have a huge tennis experience, because the ideal model for each tennis player will certainly be different, and their characteristics will very often be directly opposite. The only thing you should pay attention to is that such rackets must belong to a professional class and be made by a well-known manufacturer with a worldwide reputation. The head size is usually either midsize or midplus. The balance may vary depending on the tactics of the game the tennis player prefers. Well, of course mandatory conditions is the maximum strength and minimum weight, and therefore the most popular are titanium or carbon rackets.
Video on choosing a tennis racket
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.
Tennis is becoming an increasingly popular and accessible sport - people are fond of it even from a very young age. The quality of your game depends not so much on the surface of the court and shoes, but on rackets- the main tool of a tennis player.
It is very important to choose a racket that suits your playing style, and at the same time will be comfortable, safe to use and as ergonomic as possible. As in other sports, you also need to choose a racket depending on your level - beginner, advanced or professional.
In the next section, we will talk about important technical specifications rackets for tennis, and then we will present to your attention several interesting models that can be purchased from stores in our catalog. It is worth noting that these are only general recommendations - in the ideal case, it is better to be guided by the advice of professional trainers.
Key features to look out for
Purpose
The weight, size and materials of construction of the racket clearly define its purpose - for adult tennis players or for children and teenagers.
The latter are distinguished by less weight, a short handle and a large area of the string surface. As a result, it is easier for a child to handle such a racket and hit the ball. You need to select such rackets depending on age and height. It is best to purchase used ones, as children quickly outgrow them. For example, at the age of 3-4 years, you need to buy a racket with a length of 100 cm, at the age of 5-7 years - from 115 to 130, from 8 to 10 and more - 135-150 cm.
Tennis rackets for adults are heavier and longer. They are used by athletes aged approximately 13 years.
frame material
The racket frame material directly affects most of its qualities, so a lot depends on it in the game. Most often on sale there are models made of aluminum alloy, graphite, carbon and titanium.
Aluminum alloy is used in low cost racquets for beginners. It is not very strong and durable, and also quite heavy, but it will help in mastering tennis, because in which case the racket will simply bend, and not break completely.
Graphite differs from aluminum in lighter weight and greater strength. Falls, however, he experiences much worse. These rackets are a bit more expensive.
Carbon is considered the best material for the frame of tennis rackets - it is used in professional models. Carbon is very light, very strong and much more expensive.
Titanium is not as popular, but it also has a low weight and a good level of rigidity. Often used in conjunction with graphite, which has similar properties.
String surface area
The larger the string surface area, the easier it is to hit the ball and increase the force of the blow, but also the more difficult it is to direct the ball exactly where you want it. Because of this, racquets with a large area - 645 square centimeters and above - are mainly used by children and beginners.
string formula
Determines the string layout of a specific model. The first number indicates the number of longitudinal strings, and the second number indicates the number of transverse strings.
The rarer the racket strings, the easier it is for a tennis player to hit hard, but the accuracy increases along with the increase in their number. The most popular scheme for adult rackets is 16x19, and if you are confident in yourself, then you can choose more serious models. Children's rackets differ in schemes 16x17, 16x18 or even 16x16.
Balance
Different rackets may have a biased different sides center of gravity - in the "head", in the handle or neutral.
The first type is felt heavier in the hands, and it becomes more difficult to deliver an accurate blow. At the same time, the power of the blows increases.
The second type allows you to perform less powerful, but more accurate strikes - such a racket, for example, will behave better when playing close to the net. The best option for beginners.
Neutral balance rackets are versatile - they are suitable for those who have not yet decided on their style of play.
Handle size
With the correct grip on the racket handle, there should be a small distance between the fingers and the palm of the player - about forefinger. For children and women with a small hand, it is better to choose models with a handle size 1-2, for adults - with a size 3-4. If you are a very large man, then you may need a size 5 pen.
Length
One of the most important parameters of a racket. It directly depends on the height of the player, and you can’t make a mistake in choosing here. It is believed that the optimal racket size for adults is 685.8 mm, and the maximum (for very tall people) is 736.6 mm.
Rackets for children are selected according to the height of the child. Up to 118 cm - 533 mm, 119-135 cm - 584 mm, height 136-150 cm - 635-660 mm, height 151 cm and above - 686 mm and above.
In general, the length of the racket affects the power and accuracy of the strike - the larger the racket, the higher the speed of the ball will be, but also the lower the likelihood that it will fly to the desired point.
Another very important parameter. It is difficult to give specific recommendations here, since a lot depends on the style of the game and the preferences of the player. You just need to know that heavier rackets "give" less vibration to the hand after impact, but lighter models will provide more speed and maneuverability. Often, beginners are recommended heavier rackets, and advanced players lighter ones.
15.01.2018
A tennis racket, despite its external simplicity, is a fairly complex tool that has a large number of various characteristics. What affects the quality of the game, convenience and safety of use, how to choose the right tennis racket for a child or an 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 - an entry-level racket for amateurs and children. The service life of an aluminum racquet makes it possible for 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.
A question that arises for those who want to master this species sports - how to choose tennis racket for tennis for adults? Tennis has become a popular sport, and the racquet is the main sports equipment that plays a key role in learning new skills. Dignity this sport- development physical training and maintaining a toned body.
When you have just decided to start playing sports, you should pay attention that you should not buy a racket based on price and manufacturer. Inventory from well-known manufacturers, made for a specific style, especially suitable for professional play. The optimal cost of this equipment is three thousand rubles. In the manufacture of tennis rackets, composite and graphite are used.
How to choose the right tennis racket?
Tennis racket size
When choosing equipment, pay attention to the size of a tennis racket for tennis. It is this parameter that determines the nature of the game, and, consequently, the timing, how easily and quickly you will master professional skills.
Returning to the question: “how to choose a tennis racket for?” distinguish: weight, length, balance, head size (string surface) and composition of the product.
The main parameters of the equipment used are the length of the handle and the weight. For female representatives, the optimal weight is 245-275 grams ( best options- light), for males 245-300 grams. But if we talk about the size of the string surface, then it is in the range of 645-680 cm2. The thickness is divided into 7 groups:
- 1-2 - for children;
- 3-7 for adults.
The balance is placed in the handle and in the center, and in order to work out accurate feeds, it is recommended to select its location in the head. You can determine empirically by placing your index finger in the middle of the handle, the side of the slope indicates the location.
Considering in detail the size of the handle of a tennis racket, they are based on their own feelings. When choosing a length, it should provide a strong grip with both hands. To determine the parameters, two systems are used: European and American.
The parameters are divided into the following groups:
- 1 and 2 for children, women or men with small hands;
- 3 and 4 - for men with a normal palm;
- 5 - designed for men who have a non-standard palm.
When choosing between two versions of equipment, they give preference to a smaller version, since it is it that allows you to provide strong blows and no discomfort.
Conclusion
Based on the above on how to choose a tennis racket, it can be noted that, first of all, you need to listen to your inner feelings. Optimal weight sports equipment should be small, and the length of the handle should allow for a firm grip, and the location of the balance should be the head.
In recent years, the entire tennis community has grown tremendously in understanding that for maximum progress, it is necessary to adapt the game for children. In the past, children were taught on courts the same size as adults and on top of all that they had to play with adult racquets that were too heavy and big for them.
Fortunately, thanks to the research and work of organizations such as the ITF (International Tennis Federation), children's tennis has made tremendous progress and has become more child-friendly. As a result of these changes, the likelihood of injury has been greatly reduced and, more importantly, it has been possible to make the game exciting and fun, which in turn has ensured a constant increase in skills and maintenance of interest.
Simultaneously with the increased level of approach to children's tennis, parents now need to deal with the issue of choosing a tennis racket for their child even more carefully. In this article, the command Tennis House will analyze this issue in detail so that you can choose the optimal racket for your future champion.
Table of tennis racket sizes for a child
The choice is less complicated than the choice of a racket for an adult, however, not everything is obvious here either. Every child is unique, so you need to take some time to find the best racket that will help avoid injury and help develop skills. In a word, there are certain rules that must be followed when choosing a racket.
The following table shows the approximate sizes of rackets suitable for children of a certain age and height. This will help you get your bearings at the beginning. It is worth noting that for children who play a lot, have good technique and strength, you need to choose a longer racket. In addition, please note that in our store there is a unique test (link is on the right) that will select the right racket for you.
Children's racket length
Without a doubt the most important parameters when choosing a nursery, this is its length and the height of the child himself. The length of the racquet is essentially the main change that the manufacturers have made in order to adapt it to the child. The growth of the child will just allow you to determine the desired length.
At the moment, children's rackets have the following sizes in centimeters: 43.2, 48.3, 53.3, 58.4, 63.5 and 66.0. Although the table above will serve as a guideline for choosing, there are also additional ways to understand if you have chosen the correct racket length.
Testing racket length
The basic most common method for testing racquet length is as follows. Let the child stand up straight, put the racket next to him. The racket should touch the floor with its head and the handle pointing straight up.
Next, have the child place their hand on the top of the racket (the lowest part of the handle) like a walking stick. If the child's hand comfortably reaches the cover, then most likely you have chosen the right racket. On the other hand, if the child has to bend their arm to put it on the lid, or if the arm doesn't reach it at all, then you need to try a different racket size.
Clue: As a parent, it is worth listening to the child and noticing some things while he is playing. If you see him shaking his hand or hand between plays because of discomfort, or he complains of aching pain in his hand, then it may be worth reconsidering the choice of racket length.
Pen size for children
The size of a pen is its circumference and there are several children's sizes. By and large, specific models of children's rackets have only one handle size, so once you have chosen the length of the racket, you no longer have to choose the size of the handle. However, it never hurts to double check if the size of the handle is right for the child in order to avoid injury to the wrist. This can be done according to the same principle as picking up a racket handle for an adult. We have detailed how to do this.
Sometimes (but very rarely) there are situations when you need to increase the size of the pen. The easiest way to do this is by winding an additional winding around the handle. Reducing it is a little more difficult, but in any case, there are options. It is best to contact the instructor at your tennis club with this question.
Racket Composition
Currently, rackets for children are made of aluminum, graphite, or a composite of these materials. Graphite is known to be used to make rackets for adult amateurs and professionals. It has excellent playing properties, power, perfectly conveys the feeling of the ball, significantly improves control and so on. Aluminum, on the other hand, is softer, weighs a little less and, accordingly, all its gaming characteristics are worse. It is more suitable for children who are just starting to play tennis, they have not yet had time to develop physical strength and therefore lighter aluminum will be preferable for them. After the child has already formed a sense of the ball, stability and technique, it is possible to switch to a graphite composite or an all-graphite racket.
