The new tennis season has started again, which means that many beginning tennis players are looking for a suitable racket to start with. But what should such a tennis racket for beginners actually meet? Don't choose too quickly for a racket that is too easy is the conclusion!
Here you can read everything about tennis rackets for beginners .
Ask yourself the following questions
By asking yourself the questions below (yes, even a good salesperson should do this!), you can make the selection process for the right tennis racket a lot easier. ( Here you will find all racket specifications explained , useful for the text below)
Are you athletic? Do you play other ball sports or have you played them?
If you are already athletic and/or have played soccer, hockey or handball, you have a head start on other beginning tennis players in terms of ball feeling and insight. In general, this group picks up tennis a bit faster.- Definitely do not choose a racket that is too easy with an oversized head, wide frame and light weight. Choose a racket with a head size between roughly 98 and 102 sq/inch with a medium weight between 275 and 305 grams. This will allow you to finish your stroke, develop ball feel and make progress.
Are you going to take tennis lessons?
Beginner tennis players who start with a few lessons can learn the basics well from a good teacher, which will benefit them a lot later in their tennis career. If you first teach yourself your own style, it will be difficult to get rid of it later. A good example of this is finishing your stroke, which is always emphasized in the lessons for beginners. If this is taught well, you will pick up the game much faster.- Here too, don't immediately choose a racket that is too easy, but also not too difficult. A racket with an average (midplus) blade size forces you to finish your stroke. Weight can vary between 255 grams for a lady or a starting youth player in a 100 to 105 sq/inch blade to 305 grams for a gentleman in a 98 to 102 sq/inch blade.
Are there any physical limitations, such as arm or shoulder complaints, that need to be taken into account?
If so, this is definitely something to consider when choosing a racket. One racket is simply more comfortable and arm-friendly than the other.- If you unfortunately have arm or shoulder problems, choose a racket with a larger, more forgiving head and a wide frame. Racket features: 102 sq/inch head size or larger, somewhat wider frame, weight between 255 and 290 grams. Read all about arm-friendly tennis rackets here .
Age and body type/build?
A petite, older lady who is starting out will benefit from a different racket than a huge guy.- That big, broad guy generally has more power than that slender older lady. The former can easily handle a heavier racket (up to 305 grams) in an average 98 to 102 sq/inch head size. This allows him to put his power into his stroke. The slender lady will generally have less power of her own and therefore need some 'help' from the racket. A 105 sq/inch head size or larger in a light weight of up to 280 grams gives this lady a racket with pleasant playing characteristics.