How To Buy a Tennis Racquet

An important factor in choosing a tennis racquet is to select the correct grip size.

The "grip" for tennis players should be as large as can be comfortably held. Too small or too large a grip can lead to arm problems and errors in stroke production.

Use one of these two methods to assess your grip size:

Proper grip size usually maintains a "one-finger spread" between the palm and the fingers when gripped (photo A)

An alternate sizing method is "to measure" from the tip of the ring finger to the bottom lateral crease on the palm of the hand (photo B).

If you are in doubt as to which grip size is best for you, my advice is to go with the smaller size because it's easier to build up than to reduce the handle.

When you buy a tennis racquet, the strings usually, come with the sale. How tightly should you string your racquet is an important question because tension is an important aspect of stringing.

I would recommend a tension based on your swing speed. Contrary to popular belief, you do not get more power from a tightly strung racquet and more control from a loosely strung racquet. It is just the opposite. You get more power and less control when the tension is set lower, and less power with more control when the tension is set higher.

Conversely, when the ball hits the strings of a tightly strung racquet, then the strings act like a brick wall. In fact, the strings don't give but the ball gives and compresses, which numbs the power. However, the strings at the impact flatten, which gives you more feel and control.

Let me give you some examples:

• If you swing easily and slowly, you would want to string your racquet more loosely because the loose tension will give you more power with less effort.
• On the other hand, if you swing fast and aggressively, you would want to string your racquet a little tighter because this will help you deaden the ball at impact, giving you less power but more control over your shots.
• Finally, if you have arm problems, such as tennis elbow or a sore wrist or shoulder, then use a lower tension. The loose strings will help absorb the shock of the ball at impact, sparing your arm.



One more consideration for buying a tennis racquet is the string gauge which range from 15 to 19 gauge.

The lower the number, the thicker, more durable, and less lively the string. The higher the number, the thinner, less durable, more lively the string. Consider what you are looking for in your game and then make the string selection.

I'll give you one more example, if you've had tennis elbow, you want to look for a string that will absorb a lot of shock and be soft on your arm such as 17 or 18 gauge.

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