Beginners and improving players do best with a larger head (100 to 110 sq in), a light to medium weight (about 255 to 300 g unstrung) and an open 16x19 string pattern for easy power and spin. Advanced players with full swings often prefer a 95 to 100 sq in head and 300 to 320 g for more control and stability. Get the grip size right first: too small or too large a grip is uncomfortable and can contribute to arm strain.
The right tennis racquet makes power, spin and control easier, and the wrong one makes every rally harder and can strain your arm. Here is what each spec means and how to match it to your game.
Head size
Measured in square inches.
| Head size | Category | Effect | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 to 97 sq in | Midsize | More control, smaller sweet spot | Advanced players |
| 98 to 105 sq in | Midplus | Balance of power and control | Most players |
| 106 sq in and up | Oversize | More power, bigger sweet spot | Beginners, players with shorter swings |
Weight
Usually listed unstrung (strings add about 15 to 20 g).
- Light (under 285 g): easy to swing, more forgiving for beginners, less stable against hard hitters.
- Medium (285 to 305 g): the range most club players settle in.
- Heavy (over 305 g): more stability, plow-through and control, but harder to swing late in a match.
Heavier racquets absorb more shock, which some players with sore arms find more comfortable, as long as they can swing them properly.
Balance
Balance is measured from the butt of the handle, and often shown as points head-light (HL) or head-heavy (HH).
- Head-light: quick at the net and on returns. Common on heavier, player-focused frames.
- Even: a neutral middle ground.
- Head-heavy: adds power, common on lighter racquets to compensate for low weight.
Swingweight
Swingweight measures how heavy the racquet feels when you swing it, combining weight and balance. Higher swingweight gives more power and stability but needs more effort. If two racquets have the same weight, the one with the higher swingweight will feel heavier in play.
Stiffness
Measured as an RA rating. Stiffer frames (around 68 RA and up) give more power and can transmit more shock to the arm. Flexible frames (around 62 and below) feel softer and give more control. Players with arm or elbow pain often prefer more flexible frames.
String pattern
- 16x19 (open): more spin and power. The most common choice.
- 18x20 (dense): more control and a more predictable string bed; strings last longer.
- Very open patterns (16x18, 16x16): maximum spin, less durable strings.
Grip size
| US size | European | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| L0 | 0 | 4 |
| L1 | 1 | 4 1/8 |
| L2 | 2 | 4 1/4 |
| L3 | 3 | 4 3/8 |
| L4 | 4 | 4 1/2 |
| L5 | 5 | 4 5/8 |
When between sizes, choose the smaller one: you can build up a grip with an overgrip, but you can’t easily make one smaller.
Quick recommendations
- Adult beginner: 100 to 110 sq in, 255 to 285 g, 16x19.
- Improving club player: 98 to 100 sq in, 285 to 305 g, 16x19.
- Advanced player with long swings: 95 to 100 sq in, 300 to 320 g, 16x19 or 18x20.
- Juniors: size by height: 19 to 26 inch racquets before moving to a full 27-inch adult frame.
Common questions
What size tennis racquet should a beginner use?
An adult beginner usually does best with a 100 to 110 square inch head and an unstrung weight around 255 to 285 g. The larger head gives a bigger sweet spot and easy power.
How do I find my tennis grip size?
Measure from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. In inches, that number is roughly your grip size, for example 4 3/8 inches, which is L3. When between sizes, choose the smaller and build it up with an overgrip.
What does head-light or head-heavy mean?
Balance describes where the weight sits. Head-light racquets are easier to maneuver at the net; head-heavy racquets add power and are common on lighter frames.
Is a 16x19 or 18x20 string pattern better?
16x19 is more open, so it offers more spin and power and suits most players. 18x20 is denser, giving more control and a more consistent response for players who hit hard and flat.