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Ask the Expert
Buying a tennis racket
Manufacturers are constantly trying to give their rackets more power and control. Unfortunately one is generally achieved at the expense of the other. For most players it is a matter of trying to find the right compromise of power and control to suit their style and standard.
Each manufacturer has their system of showing the customer this power/control ratio. They generally put them into three categories:
- Short swing/ Power rackets
- Medium swing/ Power control rackets
- Long swing/ Control rackets
Factors Determining the Racket’s Power
Thickness - Thicker beams are stiffer and generally give more power.
Weight - Rackets are classified as super light (SL), light (L) and light-medium (LM). Lighter rackets (225g - 265g) are generally more powerful. Medium weight rackets (265g - 300g) tend to have a blend of power and control. Heavy rackets (300g - 340g) are designed for control.
Head Size - Larger heads are designed to give more power and a bigger “sweet spot”. Smaller heads give more control.
Strings - Looser strings give more power. Tighter strings give more control. An open string pattern (strings further apart) gives more power. A denser string pattern (strings closer together) gives more control.
Rackets vs Styles
Short swing/power rackets
Designed for club/ recreational players who are looking for more power and a larger sweet spot.
Medium swing/power control rackets
Designed for team/ club/ recreational players who are looking for a combination of power and control.
Long swing/control rackets
Designed for team/ county/ tour players who require more control and feel.
Grip Size
The wrong selection can not only affect performance but also contribute to injuries such as tennis elbow. As a general guide, hold the racket with your “normal” forehand grip - you should be able to slot your index finger from your other hand in between the tips of the fingers and the palm of the playing hand.
The general guide to manufacturers’ sizes which are measured in inches and displayed on the racket handle butt are:
- Grip 1 ( 4 1/8 ) - juniors and ladies
- Grip 2 ( 4 ¼ ) - ladies
- Grip 3 ( 4 3/8 ) - ladies/men
- Grip 4 ( 4 ½ ) - men
- Grip 5 ( 4 5/8 ) - large men
Conclusion
This information serves as a general guide and there is always exceptions. Serena Williams being a perfect example. The most powerful player on the women’s circuit and yet wins the Australian Open with a power racket (Wilson n3 239g and 113” head). At the other end of the spectrum there are powerful club/ recreational players with uncontrolled swings that would benefit from a control racket.
