What is the size of a tennis racket? Learn how to choose the proper head size for your tennis racquet, as well as how each of these factors affects overall performance if you’re in the market for a new one.
To help you choose what is the size of a tennis racket for you, we’ll go over how each attribute is measured in this guide and present simple charts. We’ll also go through the types of players who might benefit from varied head sizes, how differences in head size affect performance, and some guidelines for players.
What is the size of a tennis racket?
Tennis Racquet Head Sizes
A tennis racquet’s head size, which is expressed in square inches or centimeters, refers to the region of the head where the strings form the face or stringbed.
The majority of tennis racquets on the market now have heads that are between 85 and 110 in2 (548 and 710 cm2) in size. Today, the most common head sizes are 97, 98, and 100 in2.
There are three main racquet head size classifications, which generally correspond to the various tennis racquet varieties.
Let’s go over how the head size of a racquet affects performance.
Performance
There are three main factors that affect performance when choosing racquet head sizes:
- Power
- Hitting surface area
- Maneuverability
We’ll examine each of these separately.
Power
A racquet will often have more power the bigger the head size. On the other hand, a smaller head size will produce less power, resulting in more control.
Imagine your racquet as a trampoline to help you understand why this occurs. You get more spring and energy return from a larger trampoline, allowing you to bounce higher when you jump.
In other words, assuming all else is equal, a larger racquet head will enable the ball to penetrate the tennis strings more deeply, resulting in a stronger rebound effect and more power.
A racquet’s power can be significantly affected by even a slight increase in head size, from 632 to 645 cm2 (98 to 100 in2).
Hitting Surface Area
The hitting surface area of a racquet is directly impacted by the head size in addition to power and spin.
Increased surface area from larger racquet heads gives players more room for mistake when swinging to make contact with the ball. So, for novices, bigger head sizes are appropriate.
A smaller head size, on the other hand, will give players less surface area and, as a result, a lesser margin for error while hitting, necessitating better accuracy.
The sweet spot, a small region near the center of the strings, is also more noticeable with larger tennis racquet head sizes. A player’s arm receives less shock when it is struck, making hitting feel very simple.
When using a baseball bat or golf club, for example, or when playing other sports, athletes frequently experience a similar sensation.
Maneuverability
When all other factors are equal, a racquet’s head size determines how difficult it is to maneuver because of the added mass at the top of the racquet and the slight increase in drag or wind resistance.
Manufacturers frequently use lightweight materials and increase the weight of the handle to counteract this tendency, which is known as a “head light balance.”
A highly maneuverable racquet might be advantageous for new players since it makes it simpler to master good technique. In order to appeal to this market, you’ll frequently encounter racquets with larger head sizes and exceptional mobility.
Racquet Head Size Chart
There is no right or wrong choice when choosing the head size of your racquet; it’s a matter of personal preference. The performance of your racquet depends depend on the size you select.
In light of this, the graph below shows how performance varies with the various head sizes you might take into consideration.
When evaluating racquets, keep in mind that these generalizations frequently hold true when all other factors are equal.
Selecting the Correct Head Size
In terms of what head size you ought to be using as a tennis player, there is no right or wrong answer. However, some advice will typically cater to particular play levels.
Size of a beginner’s head
When choosing a new tennis racquet, novices frequently wonder which head size to purchase.
In the end, it comes down to personal taste. Larger head sizes, which increase the surface area of the strings, increase margin for error, and boost power, will, nonetheless, be advantageous for the majority of novices.
More particular, we advise players to use racquets that are at least 100 in2 (645 cm2) in size. With these head measurements, we typically find that players learn tennis with more enjoyment.
Check out our selection of the top tennis racquets for beginners if you’re just starting out and in the market for a new racquet. The head sizes of every racquet on our list are in line with what we advise.
Advanced & Intermediate Head Sizes
Experienced players with sound form and technique will frequently gain from the improved control brought on by lower head sizes.
But as tennis has developed, more of the best players have chosen mid-plus size racquets, which increase power and spin while still offering sufficient control.
For intermediate to advanced players, head sizes between 97 in2 (625.805 cm2) and 100 in2 (645.16 cm2) are advised.
Players at these levels will benefit from taking into account their playing style when they choose the ideal tennis racquet and head size for their requirements.
Conclusion
If you’re trying to figure out what is the size of a tennis racket will work best for you, the majority of players will perform admirably with a head size between 98 and 105 in2 (677.42 cm2 to 632.26 cm2).
Nothing beats getting on the court with a racquet you’re interested in and testing it out for yourself, as with most selections regarding tennis equipment.
