Dan's Papers - May 9, 2008 - Tennis: Choosing the Perfect Racquet for Your Game

It is great to see that spring is springing all over the East End. This means that tennis enthusiasts are going to be out playing in force. The nicer, milder weather is a tempting enticement for racketeers to dust off their rackets and pick up where they left off last summer. Over the last 4 years, of the top 20 sports activities, tennis is the only sport to show an increase in participation. There's also been a corresponding increase in frequency of play, so more people are playing, more often. But even with this activity you can usually get a court any time you want to play.

Let's start your participation with an equipment check. It doesn't take much - comfortable sneakers, a can of balls, and a racquet. I always get questions on which racquet is the right one to use, and truthfully the answer really up to you. But it is important to choose the right racquet for your skill level. If you go into a store you will often see a confusing array of racquets. Don't be overwhelmed by the technology claims, the power and control issues, swing weight, etc. Read the information on the racquets and if you're new to tennis select a model made for beginners. Don't worry, as your level of skill improves the price and complexity of choosing a racquet also goes up.

Head size: Larger sizes increase power and spin, and have a larger 'sweet spot' - the ideal hitting area of a racquet. Smaller head sizes allow players to swing and hit freely and with more control. Generally head sizes range from 98 to 107 for control and 107 to 115 for power.

Length: The standard length is 27 inches, but more and more players are opting for the 27.5 inch racquet. This increases reach as well as spin and power and works well for beginners and recreational players.

Weight: Weight affects the power, stability and maneuverability of a racquet. Lighter racquets are usually easier for a beginner to swing but don't provide much power. The pros like the smaller, heavier racquet for a combination of power and control.

Swing weight: This refers to how the racquet feels when you swing it and is a more real world measure of swing comfort. Swing away and find a comfortable racquet.

Grip size: Make sure the grip is comfortable and easy to hold firmly. Too small or too big of a grip will let the racquet turn when you strike the ball. Women usually use a 4 to 4 3/8; men's size ranges from 4 ?_ to 5. Roughly speaking the bigger stronger, more skilled you are the smaller and heavier your racquet. A beginner would generally use a longer, lighter, bigger headed racquet.

In an upcoming article, I'll review some basics about what to do with that racquet now that you know which one to get. Until then, remember, tennis is meant to be fun and according to the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center a great side benefit is that it is also a great cardio exercise. You can play tennis for most of your life - it will give you a fun head to toe workout that's hard to duplicate.

So get out and play the modern game. In other words, play your game, with fewer rules and more fun.