How do you select a tennis racket? Will any tennis racket work? The answer to the second question is easy, it depends on how you answer the first question.
When selecting a tennis racket, the first thing to do is consider the grip size. That is how big the handle is in proportion to your hand. If the grip handle is too big you may have a hard time keeping your serve grip when serving. You may also have to squeeze the handle tighter causing your arm to get tired (Woods, 2018). If your handle is too small, you can end up with a sore arm because you can not grip the racket tight enough.
The grip sizes for rackets are 4, 4 1/8, 4 1/4, 4 3/8, 4 1/2, 4 5/8, or 4 3/4 inches. To find the grip that will work best for you, wrap your dominant hand around the grip. Then slide your other hand index finger into the space. If you can only fit one finger, it is the perfect size. If you can fit more than one finger, it's too big. If you cannot fit a finger in, you need to go up in size.
When selecting the length of the racket, you will be choosing from 19,21,23,25,26,27 or 29 in.
For most kids we are going to use a 19-25 inch racket. You can determine this by seeing if they can rest their palm on the end cap of the racket like they are holding a cane (Tennis companion, 2016). If they have a straight arm comfortably, then it is fine. If their arm is bent or they cannot reach the end cap, well you can figure that one out.
These two tips should empower you to help your child as they grow as a tennis player when it is time to find their new racket.
tenniscompanion.org/kids-tennis-racquet-sizing. "Selecting the Right Size Kids Tennis Racquet for Your Child." Date accessed: July 6, 2018
Woods, Ron and Kathy. www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/choose-the-right-tennis-racket. "Choose the right tennis racket." Date accessed: July 6, 2018.
Always use intermediate rackets for playing tennis even no matter which brand you use.
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