Beginner's Guide to Choosing Your First Tennis Racket
Starting your tennis journey is exciting, but walking into a sports store and facing a wall of rackets can feel overwhelming. With prices ranging from under $100 to over $400 and specifications that might seem like a foreign language, how do you know which racket is right for you? This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make a confident choice as a beginner.
Why Your First Racket Matters
The racket you choose significantly impacts your learning curve. A well-suited beginner racket helps you develop proper technique, generates power even with imperfect swings, and feels comfortable enough to keep you playing without fatigue or injury. Conversely, choosing an advanced player's racket too early can ingrain bad habits and lead to frustration.
The good news is that modern beginner rackets are remarkably forgiving and capable. You don't need to spend a fortune to get started—many excellent options fall in the $150-250 range and will serve you well through your first year or two of playing.
Quick Tip for Beginners
Don't overthink your first purchase. A forgiving, lightweight racket that feels comfortable in your hand is far more important than having the "perfect" specifications. You can always upgrade as your skills develop.
Understanding Head Size
Head size refers to the hitting surface area of your racket, measured in square inches. This is one of the most important specifications for beginners to understand.
Recommended Head Sizes for Beginners
- 100-110 square inches (Oversize): Ideal for most beginners. Provides a larger sweet spot, meaning off-centre hits still produce decent shots.
- 98-100 square inches (Midplus): Good for beginners with some athletic background or those transitioning from other racket sports.
- Under 98 square inches: Generally too demanding for beginners—save these for when you've developed consistent technique.
A larger head size means more forgiveness on mishits, which happens frequently when you're learning. The sweet spot—the optimal hitting zone on the strings—is larger, giving you more margin for error and helping maintain confidence as you develop your strokes.
Weight Considerations
Racket weight is measured in grams and dramatically affects how the frame feels during play. Lighter rackets are easier to swing but generate less power, while heavier rackets provide more stability but require more strength.
Weight Categories Explained
- Light (260-280g unstrung): Easy to manoeuvre, great for beginners, juniors, and those with arm concerns.
- Medium (280-300g unstrung): Balanced option offering decent power and manoeuvrability.
- Heavy (300g+ unstrung): More suitable for intermediate and advanced players with developed technique.
For most adult beginners, we recommend starting with a racket in the 270-290g range. This provides enough mass to generate power without exhausting your arm during longer practice sessions or matches.
Start lighter rather than heavier. You can always add weight to a racket using lead tape as you get stronger, but you cannot make a heavy racket lighter. Many club professionals recommend beginners start around 280g and progress from there.
Grip Size: Often Overlooked, Always Important
Grip size is the circumference of the handle, measured in inches (ranging from 4 inches to 4 5/8 inches) or European sizes (0-5). An incorrect grip size can cause technique problems and even contribute to arm injuries over time.
How to Measure Your Grip Size
There are two common methods to find your correct grip size:
- Ruler method: Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. This measurement in inches typically corresponds to your grip size.
- Finger test: Hold the racket with your dominant hand using an Eastern forehand grip. If you can just fit your index finger from your other hand between your fingertips and palm, the grip is correct.
When in doubt, choose the smaller size. You can always build up a grip using an overgrip, but you cannot effectively reduce grip size.
Balance and Feel
Balance refers to where the weight is distributed along the racket's length. This is measured in millimetres from the butt end, with 320mm being roughly neutral for a standard-length racket.
- Head-heavy (over 325mm): More power on groundstrokes, common in beginner rackets.
- Head-light (under 315mm): Easier to manoeuvre at the net, preferred by advanced players.
- Even balance (315-325mm): Versatile option suitable for all-court play.
Most beginner rackets are slightly head-heavy, which helps generate power even without a fully developed swing. This is intentional and beneficial—don't shy away from head-heavy balance as a beginner.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don't buy a racket just because your favourite professional uses it. Pro player frames are designed for elite athletes with perfect technique. Similarly, avoid purchasing based solely on price—the most expensive racket isn't necessarily the best choice for beginners.
Budget Considerations
Tennis rackets span a wide price range, but more expensive doesn't always mean better for beginners. Here's what you can expect at different price points:
- Under $100: Basic recreational rackets. Fine for absolute beginners testing interest, but limited longevity.
- $100-200: Solid beginner options with decent materials and technology.
- $200-300: High-quality frames that will last through your beginner and intermediate stages.
- $300+: Advanced performance rackets—unnecessary for beginners.
For most beginners, the sweet spot is between $150-250. At this range, you'll find rackets with good build quality, modern technology, and specifications suited to developing players.
Additional Factors to Consider
String Pattern
Open string patterns (like 16x19) offer more spin potential and power, while closed patterns (like 18x20) provide more control. Beginners generally benefit from open patterns, which are more forgiving and help generate pace.
Frame Stiffness
Stiffness is measured in RA units. Higher numbers (70+) mean more power but potentially more vibration. Lower numbers (under 65) offer better comfort and feel. Beginners with no arm concerns can use stiffer frames, while those prone to tennis elbow should consider more flexible options.
Where to Buy in Australia
Local tennis shops offer the advantage of demo programs and expert fitting advice. Many clubs have relationships with retailers who can provide trial periods. Online retailers like Amazon Australia offer competitive pricing and easy returns if the racket doesn't suit you.
Regardless of where you buy, ensure you can return or exchange the racket if it doesn't feel right. Many quality retailers offer 30-day trial periods for this reason.
Final Recommendations
As a beginner, look for a racket with these characteristics:
- Head size of 100-105 square inches
- Weight around 270-290g (unstrung)
- Correct grip size for your hand
- Slightly head-heavy balance
- Moderate stiffness (65-70 RA)
Remember that your first racket doesn't need to be your forever racket. As your skills develop, you'll better understand your playing style and can make more informed choices. For now, focus on getting something comfortable that helps you enjoy learning the game.