| In order to play the best game you can, you must | | | | heavier weights. |
| have the right equipment. Of course, your racquet is | | | | When choosing a tennis racquet it's important to also |
| the most important piece of tennis equipment you will | | | | check out their weight, balance, frame size, and length |
| ever buy. | | | | in order to choose the correct one for your body size, |
| Tennis racquets are divided into three main categories: | | | | and playing ability. Check with your instructor a qualified |
| Power racquets - which are most suitable for | | | | salesperson to see which size is best for your size, |
| beginners and middle intermediates. | | | | weight and playing ability. |
| Tweener racquets - which are best suited for | | | | As is the case when choosing an adult racquet, |
| intermediate to advanced players. | | | | children must be fitted with the correct style and size in |
| Control racquets - made especially for more | | | | order to play properly. |
| advanced players. | | | | When choosing a tennis racquet for you budding tennis |
| For those who are either new at the game of tennis, | | | | pro, follow these important buying tips: |
| or only play periodically, a power racquet is best. | | | | -Children five years or younger and/or 3 feet 11 inches |
| Designed to accommodate those with weaker, shorter | | | | or shorter, need a junior sized racquet featuring a |
| strokes, the power racket features a larger head, | | | | frame between 19 and 21 inches. |
| which creates a larger hitting spot, which gives the | | | | -Children ages five and six and/or 3 feet 11 inches |
| racquet more power. A heavier head, or balance, also | | | | need a light weight racquet of 7 ounces and a head |
| gives these racquets more maneuverability, making it | | | | size of 91 sq. in. Grip size should run about 3 and 3/4 |
| easier for those with little training to play a decent | | | | inches. |
| game right form the start. | | | | -Children 6-8 and/or 3 foot 11 inches to 4 foot 6 inches |
| Tweener racquets are lighter, and may feature a | | | | should use a 23-inch frame. |
| larger or smaller head, depending on the type of | | | | -Those over 4 foot 2 inches, should be using a 25 inch |
| racquet chosen. These racquets are usually longer | | | | frame with about a 100 square inch head (or more). |
| than the power racquet, which offers more control | | | | This size is especially good for junior players who may |
| and power, especially for handling groundstrokes. | | | | be getting close to needing an adult size racquet, but |
| Those with more training and experience on the court | | | | still needs the lighter weight, balance, and |
| may find a control racquet to offer the most control | | | | maneuverability of a junior tennis racquet. |
| and added precision. Although they do not feature the | | | | -26" frame with a weight of 8 ounces is good for |
| same amount of power as their counterparts, Control | | | | children 8 to 12 years of age and around 4 foot 6 to 5 |
| racquets usually feature smaller head sizes and | | | | feet tall. |