Player Age & Physical Development
While age is often used to suggest racket size, it’s not enough on its own. You should also consider:
- Height
- Strength
- Coordination
- Playing experience
| Age | Height (cm) | Suggested Racket Length |
|---|---|---|
| 4–6 | < 120 cm | 19″ – 21″ |
| 7–8 | 120–130 cm | 21″ – 23″ |
| 9–10 | 130–145 cm | 23″ – 25″ |
| 11–12 | 145–160 cm | 25″ – 26″ |
| 12+ / Teen / Adult | 160+ cm1 | 27″ (standard adult size) |
| Head Size (sq in) | Type | Who it’s for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85–95 | Small | Advanced | More control, precision | Small sweet spot, less forgiving |
| 95–105 | Midplus | Most players | Balanced power & control | Moderate forgiveness |
| 105–115+ | Oversize | Beginners, older players | Large sweet spot, easy power | Less precision |
Key Takeaways:
- Larger head = larger power zone, more forgiveness
- Smaller head = better control, but punishes off-center hits
- Sweet Spot shape & location changes with head shape:
- Oval: center
- Teardrop: higher
- Square: broader, less defined
| Weight | Best For | Feel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| <270g (lightweight) | Beginners, juniors | Easy to swing | Less stable on impact |
| 270–300g (midweight) | Intermediate | Balance of power & control | Good for most adults |
| >300g (heavy) | Advanced, strong players | Stable, powerful | Harder to maneuver |
Balance Point:
- Head-light (more control, better for volleys)
- Even balance (versatile)
- Head-heavy (more power, harder to maneuver)
| Type | Power | Spin | Arm Comfort | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Gut | ✅✅ | ⚠️ | ✅✅ | Comfort-seekers, elbow issues |
| Nylon / Multifilament | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | Beginners, intermediates |
| Polyester | ⚠️ | ✅✅ | ❌ | Advanced players, spin-focused |
| Tension | Result | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Low (50–55 lb) | More power, comfort | Beginners, arm care |
| Medium (55–60 lb) | Balance | Most players |
| High (60–65+ lb) | More control, more spin | Advanced players |
Higher tension = more control & spin, but more vibration
For Kids: Use Modified Equipment (Not Adult Gear!)
Programs like Play & Stay, QuickStart, and Tennis10s use:
- Shorter rackets
- Low-compression balls (red/orange/green)
- Smaller courts
- Lower nets
Why it matters:
- Longer rallies
- Better technique (e.g. low-to-high swing, proper contact point)
- More fun, less frustration
- Greater learning and long-term motivation
Children who play with adult gear too early often develop poor technique and lose interest.
Elastic Energy & Technique (Why Movement Matters)
- Muscles store energy when stretched during the backswing
- This energy is released during the forwardswing, adding 10–20% more racket head speed
- If there’s a pause between these movements, up to 50% of the energy is lost
Keep your swing fluid and continuous
Especially in the serve: avoid stopping at the top—flow = power
This effect is even more helpful for young children, who often struggle with racket inertia (weight and momentum)
| Player Type | Racket Size | Head Size | String Type | Tension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner Adult | 27″ | 100–110 in² | Nylon / Multi | 50–55 lb |
| Intermediate | 27″ | 98–105 in² | Multi / Poly | 55–60 lb |
| Advanced | 27″ | 95–100 in² | Poly | 60–65 lb |
| Child (6–8) | 23–25″ | 95–100 in² | Nylon | 45–50 lb |
| Child (9–10) | 25–26″ | 98–102 in² | Nylon / Hybrid | 50–55 lb |
Final Thoughts: Your Gear Should Match You
Don’t choose a racket because your favorite pro uses it.
Choose one that matches your strength, skill level, and goals.
- Beginners should prioritize comfort and forgiveness
- Intermediates should look for balanced setups
- Kids need scaled-down equipment to learn the right way
The right equipment makes tennis:
- Easier
- Safer
- Way more fun
Yorum bırakın