What Size Tennis Racquet is Right for You? A Guide

Are you in the market for a new tennis racquet? At first glance, it may seem like a fairly simple decision. However, once you dig into the details, you’ll find a wide range of variety, from the grips to the strings to the colors and more.

One of the questions you may ask yourself is what size tennis racket do i need? The size of the racquet directly impacts your game and how you play. Not all sizes are right for all players. Your racquet size should be based on a number of different factors, including your size, your style of play, and how the racquet can best compliment your game.

Below is a comprehensive guide to help you find the right racquet size for your style of play. By better understanding the different aspects of racquet size and how the size impacts your game, you’ll be equipped to find the perfect racquet so you can dominate the court.

Table of Contents show

What kind of player are you?

Before you start racquet shopping, it’s helpful to take some time and assess your game. Believe it or not, different racquets are better suited for different styles of play. Below are some aspects of your game that you may want to consider:

How experienced are you as a player?

Are you a beginner just learning the game? Or are you an experienced player who has good control of your swing?

Beginners are often inconsistent in generating power with their swing, so a larger racquet can be helpful. More advanced players usually have the ability to generate power and accuracy, so they don’t need as much assistance from the racquet. Therefore, a smaller racquet that offers more control could be a better fit.

How tall are you?

Are you a tall player? If so, you may be able to generate good power in your swing naturally. Generally, taller players have longer swings, which means they can generate power on their own. In that case, you may not need a larger racquet for power.

On the other hand, smaller players may have shorter swings and may not generate as much power. In that instance, a larger racquet could be helpful.

Of course, these are generalizations. There are plenty of smaller players who have powerful swings and tall players who do not. Either way, be honest in your assessment of your swing, as that is an important factor to consider in your racquet purchase.

What’s your playing style?

If you’re a beginner, you may not yet know what your preferred style is. However, if you have some experience, you’ve probably figured out what style works best for you.

Are you an aggressive player who overpowers your opponents? Or are you more of a defensive player who maintains control and waits for your opponent to make a mistake?

Your style should influence your racquet decision. If you’re an aggressive player, you may want all the power you can get in your swing, so a larger racquet could be the right choice. If you’re a defensive player, you may benefit from a smaller racquet that maximizes your ability to place the ball exactly where you want it.

Do you play doubles often?

If you’re a regular doubles player, that could completely change your buying decision. In doubles, you’re spending half the match up close to the net. When you’re in that position, you don’t need power as much. That position in doubles is all about control and placing the ball in an exact spot.

If doubles is a big part of your tennis game, you may want to consider smaller racquets that maximize your accuracy.

How does head size impact your play?

Tennis racquets come in a wide range of head sizes, from 85 inches all the way up to 115 inches or more. However, most are between 95 and 110 inches.

Generally, the larger the head size, the more power the racquet will generate. The downside to this is that while the racquet will deliver more power, it will also deliver less control. Bigger racquets are often good for beginners who are struggling to swing with power or players who don’t naturally generate much power.

Smaller head sizes don’t deliver as much power, but they do provide more control and accuracy. These racquets are good for players who are capable of generating power but want better placement of the ball. Often, players move to smaller racquets as they become more skilled and advanced.

Why is racquet weight important?

Racquets range in weight from 9 ounces to 11 ounces in most cases. That may not seem like much difference, but it’s a wide range in terms of racquet performance.

Much like head size, heavier racquets provide more power in your swing. This is because the racquet hits the ball with more force and mass, giving the swing more power. As you can probably guess, though, more power usually means less control and accuracy.

Lighter racquets don’t provide as much power, but are easier to control. You can get very precise in your ball placement if you have a light racquet. Of course, you have to have the skill to make that happen. If you’re a beginner who doesn’t have much control over ball placement yet, you probably won’t benefit much from a lighter racquet.

Is racquet length important?

Length is another big factor in the racquet buying decision. Adult tennis racquets range from 27 inches to 29 inches, which is the maximum length allowed in tournaments.

Two inches may not seem like much, but it’s a big difference. A 29-inch racquet will give you more length in your serve and other swings. That means more leverage in your angle which will deliver more power on your swing.

Again, though, more power usually means less control. A shorter 27-inch racquet will provide less power but will offer more control and accuracy.

You’re probably noticing a pattern here. With almost every factor, there is a tradeoff between power and control. When you add power, you lose precision and accuracy, and vice versa.

This is why it is so important to honestly assess your skill and style as a player to determine what you need. If you go for maximum power, your shots may be inaccurate. If you choose a small racquet that maximizes accuracy, you may not have enough power to be effective.

What Size Tennis Racquet Do I Need?

If you’re a beginner, you’ll likely want to lean into power, but you also want a racquet that can be controlled. Consider a long racquet with a large head to add power to your swing.

However, you may want to stick with a lighter body weight to retain some control over your shots. A heavier frame may make it difficult for you to master your swing and learn how to control your shots. You’ll gain power from the length of the racquet and the oversized head, so you don’t need additional weight in the racquet.

As a more experience player, you probably have good control over your swing and have the ability to handle a heavier racquet. You may want a smaller to mid-size head so you can maximize your accuracy and precision with your shots.

You may want to consider a heavier frame to add power to your shots. Length may be a judgement call on your end. If you’re a tall player with long limbs, a 27-inch racquet may be effective so you can control your shots better. If you’re a smaller player, consider a longer racquet.

If you’re unsure which racquet is right for you, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A knowledgeable tennis pro can be a great asset in helping you find the right racquet.

Size isn’t the only consideration either. Once you settle on the right size, you’ll need to make decisions about grip and even whether not to purchase a pre-strung racquet or an unstrung one. Again, a knowledgeable tennis pro can be a huge help in making these decisions, especially if you’re a beginner.

Tennis is an amazing sport that can you can play for life. It’s a great way to stay active and fit, and make new friends. The right gear will help you be successful on the court. That gear starts with the most important piece of equipment – your racquet.

Don’t buy the first racquet that looks cool. Take your time and find the right racquet for your size, skill, and style of play.

What Size Tennis Racquet is Right for You? A Guide