Whether you’re just starting to learn the sport or have been playing for quite some time, you need to ensure that you get the perfect type of tennis racket. Doing so will help you get your game going and be as comfortable as you can be on the court. The catch is it can be a daunting task to choose which one will suit you best.
Fret no more – as we’ve got you covered! Here are the different types of tennis rackets you should know about so you can have an easier time picking the one completely meant for you. Meanwhile, here is the most reputable site we can recommend when it comes to betting on tennis online.
Power Rackets
As its name suggests, power tennis rackets allow players to make shots with more depth and power, sans the extra effort. Also called game improvement rackets, these are ideal for beginners who have yet to learn the proper form, acquire the skill set, or develop the strategies needed to generate power with their hits.
Men and women who aren’t blessed with immense strength or shorter or smaller players also benefit from using power tennis rackets. Older players, who are beyond their heyday but still want to enjoy the sport, may also use these rackets to produce the power they used to have when they were relatively younger.
Power rackets have generally bigger heads than their counterpart, the control racket, ranging from 107-135 square inches. The bigger the head, the larger the sweet spot the player can work on as they hit the ball. Thus, resulting in a more powerful and cleaner hit. Plus, the more oversized the head, the fewer chances of the ball to end hitting the frame, providing a higher margin of error and it easier to create topspin, too.
For more oomph, power rackets are also longer than standard rackets, usually at 27-29 inches. The longer the tennis racket, the better support you can apply, translating into a more leveraged and powerful swing. With the proper type of grip, hits can be even faster and stronger.
Though power rackets are bigger, they are pretty lightweight at only around 8-9.5 ounces, making them easier to carry and move around. The stiffer frames and better spring provided by the strings also add in producing more force when hitting.
Control Racket
Control rackets, also called player’s rackets, are the direct opposite of power rackets. They are best for those looking for better control and accuracy rather than power. In exchange, they can easily land the ball to where they intend to. Experienced players who already acquired proper skills and techniques to generate power and those who are naturally hard-hitting benefit from this type of racket.
These rackets have smaller heads, between 85 to 97 square inches. As such, there is a smaller surface area that gives a smaller margin of error, forcing the players to be more precise with their hits. Stiffness rating is between 50-70, with a standard length of 27 inches. They are also relatively heavier in construction, weighing around 11.6 to 12.6 ounces, which provides the racket with better stability and shock absorption.
Control rackets are not the easiest tennis rackets to use, but it is their intended purpose. Control rackets are meant for those who want to polish their skills and have them perfected.
Tweener Rackets
Tweener rackets came from the words “tweens” or young adults. They are intermediate-level tennis rackets, sitting between power and control rackets. Perfectly blending the characteristics of the two, they are all-around performers, fitting all types of play styles and skill levels. These rackets are ideal for all players who want to advance their tennis careers, whether professionally or just for recreation.
Tweener rackets use a mid-sized head, ranging from 98 to 104 square inches. Similarly to control rackets, they use the standard length of 27 inches. Stiffness also sits in the middle, between 61-70, while its weight is between 9.6 – 11.5 ounces.
Summing all those characteristics, tweener rackets provide ample surface area, leverage, and spring from the strings. They are also lightweight and considerably easier to control, just enough to translate to some power and accuracy when striking the ball.
Modern Player Rackets
With the continuous advancement of technology, tennis saw the introduction of new gears and equipment, aiming to level up the gameplay. Decades ago, almost all professional players were only relying on control rackets, but today, some are now switching to modern player rackets.
They sport the standard length but on the heavier side, weighing between 11 – 12 ounces. The difference is that they are made of sturdier material, have a slightly larger head size and a higher stiffness rating, giving the racket more power and better spin potential. Modern player rackets are best for powerful shots with aggressive angles and heavy topspin.
Kid’s Rackets
Kids can definitely enjoy tennis as young as 4, but a full-sized racket is far too heavy and big for them to carry on the court. With that, there are lightweight kid’s rackets available that have smaller frames for the young one’s easy handling. These rackets are also available in an array of vibrant, exciting colors and styling options to keep them hooked in the game. Kid’s rackets are suitable for kiddos under 13. Over that age, they can switch to regular-sized rackets to continue improving their game.
Takeaway
Knowing these tennis rackets types is only one step to becoming a better player. There are other aspects of the game, from the different kinds of grips, basic shots, and positioning strategies, which you should also devote time and effort to learn. Never stop discovering more about the sport and continue honing your skills for your fantastic time and better outings on the court.