Tennis is a fantastic sport for people of all ages, but choosing the right racket can make all the difference in your enjoyment and success on the court. If you're a new player or have kids who are just starting out, figuring out the right size and type of racket can be confusing.

Racket Sizes for Adults

Adult tennis rackets come in a standard length of 27 inches, but there are variations in head size and grip size.

Head Size:
- Oversize (105+ sq. in.): These rackets offer the largest sweet spot, making them forgiving for off-center hits. They're ideal for beginners or players who want more power.
- Midplus (98-104 sq. in.): A good compromise between power and control, midplus rackets are popular with recreational players.
- Midsize (85-97 sq. in.): These rackets offer the most control but require more precise swings. They're better suited for experienced players.
Grip Size:
- Grip size is measured in inches or by numbers (1-5). To find your grip size, measure the distance from the bottom crease of your palm to the tip of your middle finger.
- Most adult women use a grip size 2 (4 1/4 inches), while most men use a grip size 3 (4 3/8 inches).
- It's always better to err on the side of a smaller grip, as you can add overgrip to build it up.

Racket Sizes for Kids

Junior rackets come in various lengths to accommodate growing players. A good rule of thumb is that the racket should be no taller than the child's height when standing straight down with the racket held vertically.

21-23 inches: For ages 4-6
23-25 inches: For ages 6-8
25-26 inches: For ages 8-10
26-27 inches: For ages 10-12

Once you've determined the right length, choose a head size based on the child's age and skill level:

Oversize (100+ sq. in.): For beginners ages 4-8
Midplus (90-100 sq. in.): For intermediate players ages 8-12
Midsize (85-90 sq. in.): For advanced players ages 12 and up

Grip Size for Kids

Grip size for kids is also important, but it's less critical than for adults. A general guideline is to start with a grip size 1 (4 inches) for ages 4-6 and move up to a grip size 2 (4 1/4 inches) for ages 7 and up. Ultimately, the best way to find the right grip size is to have your child hold different rackets and see which one feels most comfortable.

Graphene vs. Aluminum Rackets

Kiddo just starting out and plays once a week? Aluminum is totally fine until they get the hang of it.

Playing more than twice a week? They will love a graphene racket, even as young as 7!
For 10-year-old newbies, I'd definitely go for graphene. Trust me, it's way funner.
And you adults? Don't settle for aluminum. Graphene will make you feel like a tennis pro, I promise!

Additional Tips

Try before you buy. If possible, take your child to a tennis store to try out different rackets before you buy one.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Tennis store employees are usually happy to help you choose the right racket for you or your child.
Get your racket strung. Most rackets come unstrung, so you'll need to get it strung before you can use it. The type of string and the tension will depend on your playing style, but your tennis store employees will be able to point you in the right direction.

Now get out there and start hitting some balls!

I hope this post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Happy hitting!

Here are some of the Tennis Rackets I use and recommend - click below:

Tennis Rackets