Sweet-spot

The Sweet-Spot is the central position on the tennis racket face for producing the perfect shot. Wilson, Head and Prince produce tennis racquets that give you the biggest Sweet-Spot area possible

Stiffer Racket Advantages

A stiffer frame generates more power. A stiffer frame has a larger sweetspot. A stiffer tennis racquet frame transmits more of the shock load to the arm than a more flexible frame. A stiffer frame provides a more uniform ball response across the entire string plane.

Midplus

The midplus tennis racquet is a compromise - more powerful than the midsize tennis racquet but not as powerful as the oversized. These tennis racquets are becoming more popular than midsize racquets.

Longer Frames

Longer tennis racket frames have higher swing weight than the same frames that are shorter hence the longer tennis racket frames are less maneuverable. Longer frames generate more power than the same frame that is shorter.

Oversize

Generally, the oversize (110-115 sq. in.) or super oversize (116-135 sq. in.) tennis racquets are best suited for baseline players or doubles players because they hit many strokes and tend to utilize the extra area to help with topspin production. An oversized racket means you have more area to hit the ball (larger sweet spot), and the racket is more forgiving on off-center shots.

Weight

Tennis Racquets right now weigh about 11 and 1/2 ounces and decreasing with time. Some racquets are even less than 10 ounces. The lighter a tennis racquet, the easier it is to swing. However, light racquets place less weight behind the shot, and hence you have to swing faster to get a more powerful shot.

Extra Long Rackets

The new longer tennis rackets are typically about 28 inches long. Given that most tennis racket manufacturers like Prince Tennis Racquets, now produce a longer racket, it's safe to say that this idea does work. It seems to help add a little power to the serve. The only tricky part is making sure that you can still hit the same kind of stroke with the longer rackets that you can with a normal racket.

Avoiding Racket Cracks

Avoid impacts with hard objects or court surfaces which may cause cracks or breakage in the frame. Tennis Racquets have bumper guards or head tape that protect the tennis racquet from on-court scrapes. If the bumper shows excessive wear or exposes the frame, replace both the bumper guard and the grommet strips.

Racket Rattles

A rattle in your tennis racket may be caused by some loose graphite, this is not normally a cause for concern. Check the butt cap for a trap door. Remove the trap door, using a small-pointed hard object, and tap lightly on a hard surface to release the loose graphite. Watch for this problem when buying a used tennis racquet.

Does size matter?

Generally, advanced players prefer a smaller tennis racquet head size, from 85-95". Since most advanced players have a longer and faster swing, a smaller head size helps control the ball. Conversely, beginners and some intermediates tend to prefer a larger head size, which gives them a bigger sweet spot, and is generally more forgiving when mishits occur. No matter which size you choose, be sure to demo the racquet first before you make a buying decision.

Racket Storage

Off court, a cover or racquet bag will help protect the racket. Store racket in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat, cold, or moisture can damage your tennis racquet and strings, and sunlight may fade the racket cover. When purchasing a racket try to make sure it comes with a cover especially if you are buying used tennis racquets.

Larger Frames

A larger tennis racquet frame like you'd find on some Prince racquets generate more power. A larger frame is more resistant to twisting. A larger frame has a larger sweetspot. Larger frames break strings sooner due to the string lengths.

Head balance

Head light tennis rackets are better for serve and volleyers who need to move the tennis racket quickly. A head heavy racket is a little better for baseliners who want to place more mass behind the racquet. Most tennis rackets are only marginally head heavy or head light.

Heavy Frame Advantages

A heavier tennis racket frame generates more power. A heavier frame also vibrates less and has a larger sweetspot. Your local pro-shop should have a variety of frames on display for you to try. Quality brands like Wilson are your best bet.

Headsize

If you are confused about headsize, the best thing to do is to try two of the same kind of tennis racket in different headsizes and see which one you are most comfortable with.

Head Length

Take a tennis racquet and find the length half way. A tennis racquet is typically 27 inches long so this is 13 1/2 inches. If the racquet balances halfway, then it is even balance. If it tilts to the racquet head, it is head heavy. If it tilts toward the handle, it is head light. The balance of a racquet can make two racquets of equal weight feel different.

Super-oversized

Some companies, like Wilson rackets, have introduced super-oversized tennis racket models, which are a bit larger than oversize (typically about 116-120 sq. in.). There are even a few models around 130 sq. inches, which are probably much too big for reasonable play and should be avoided.

Midsize and midplus

Head midsize tennis racquets or any other mid-size rackets for that matter are (less than 89 sq. in.). Midplus tennis rackets are (90-105 sq. in.). They are often preferred by all court or serve and volley players. Though a midsize tennis racket is usually a little better for volleyers who play against hard hitters because it provides a bit of control.

Length

Longer tennis racquets gives you added leverage, increasing power yet maintaining control. The added leverage also produces heavy topspin for groundstrokes and serves, providing more control for those shots. For those of you looking for power, the tennis racket length should be between 28.5-29 inches like you'd fine with the some Wilson tennis Racquets. For a mixture of power and control, the tennis racquet should be 27.5-28 inches, and for control, 27 inches.

What is a Performance Racquet

There is a dizzying array of help for performance racquets today like Wilson, Head and Prince tennis racquets. These racquets are unstrung, and are generally quite a bit more expensive than pre-strung racquets. But, there is also a world of difference in material, weight, feel and overall performance between the two types of racquets. Go to a qualified tennis professional, and they can assist you in selecting the correct frame for your playing style.

Racket Care

Do not store the tennis racquet inside your car or in your trunk. Synthetic strings begin to lose tension at about 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). On a sunny, 90 degree F (32 degrees C) day, the temperature inside your car can soar to as much as 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) which is hot enough to even soften the resins in a frame and distort the racket. If you are planning a game after work, take your tennis racquet into the office; do not leave it in the car!

Widebodies

Generally, Wider - More powerful, stiffer, more expensive. Widebodies are usually 18mm (very narrow) up to 30mm wide. The general rule of thumb is that the quicker and longer a stroke motion you have, the narrower a tennis racquet you should use (not a hard-and-fast rule, though).

How has racquet weight changed?

Tennis racquet technology has changed dramatically in the last 15-20 years. From the venerable Jack Kramer "woody", of the 50's, and 60's, to the T 2000 steel frame of the 70's, we now have space age technology in tennis frames. Graphite and fiberglass, used by NASA to build the Space Shuttle, have replaced many of the Kevlar frames of the 80's. They make the tennis racquets lighter and more powerful. It is one of the reasons that the game has become so fast recently. When shopping, look to the top brands like Wilson, Prince and Head tennis racquets that would utilize this tennis technology.

Head Size

Larger headsize of tennis rackets (like you'd find with some Wilson Tennis Rackets) gives you power, smaller headsize gives you control. For those of you looking strictly for power, the head size should be between 107” and 125”. If you want a mixture of power and control, the head size should be between 100” and 105”. And for control freaks, the head size should be between 85” and 98”.