Tennis Equipment Buying Guide

Tennis rackets

The most important part of the game is the tennis racket (often spelled "tennis racquet"). Every tennis racket has five main qualities to which you should pay attention. These qualities will determine the size and location of the racket's "sweet spot."

Head size

The head of a tennis racket is the frame that houses the strings. A larger head generally equals more power. A smaller head is better for controlled finesse shots. There are three general sizes:

• Oversized: more than 107 square inches
• Medium: 100 - 106 square inches
• Traditional: smaller than 100 square inches

Beginning tennis players will probably want a tennis racket with an oversized head. That will allow them to have more power and get the ball over the net regularly. With more experience, you may want to move to a tennis racket with a medium head, allowing you to still have powerful shots, with greater ability to place the shots. Advanced players who provide most of the power in their shots (relying less on the racquet) may like a tennis racket with a traditional head.

Racket weight

Heavy tennis rackets provide more power and help you stay in control more than lightweight ones. Smaller people and those who play a finesse game may like the lightweight tennis rackets. There are three weight classifications:

• Heavy: more than 11 ounces
• Mid-weight: 9.8 - 10.9 ounces
• Super light: 9 - 9.4 ounces

Racket length

From the tip of the head to the bottom of the grip, the tennis racket's length affects your reach and your leverage on strokes. Most tennis rackets these days are classified as "long." Some are also classified as "traditional." Long rackets provide more leverage and, therefore, more power on a swing. Traditional tennis rackets provide more control.

• Long: 28.5 - 29 inches
• Traditional: 27.5 - 28 inches

Grip size

The diameter and length of your tennis racket's grip will affect your control and wrist movement on your serve. The wrong sized grip can also contribute to the painful condition commonly known as "tennis elbow."

You find your grip size by measuring from the middle of your palm to the tip of your ring finger, in inches. Most tennis rackets are available in a range of grip sizes, and you can add over-grips and heat-shrink sleeves to make them larger if you need to.

Most adult tennis rackets will have long enough grips that you can hold on with both hands comfortably. Youth rackets usually have shorter grips.

Strings

Some tennis rackets are pre-strung. These are perfect for beginners and recreational tennis players. Others need to be strung when you purchase them. Either way, the strings are one of the main factors in determining the power you'll have in your swing.

Natural strings for tennis rackets are called "natural gut." It's a fitting description, as they are made from cow intestines. They are more responsive than synthetic strings, but they won't last nearly as long. Natural gut tennis strings are used primarily by professionals and advanced players. Synthetic strings last much longer and offer a good balance of durability and feel.

Gauge is another important characteristic of strings. Thick strings will last longer, while thinner strings will give you more control. Be careful when choosing the gauge for your tennis racket. Remember that lower gauges are thicker than higher ones.

Tennis shoes

In some instances, the term "tennis shoes" is used to classify any kind of athletic shoe. However, basketball shoes, running shoes and football cleats don't work very well for the game of tennis. Tennis shoes are designed to give you sure footing on hard courts. You make a lot of direction changes in tennis, and you do quite a bit of starting and stopping.

Tennis shoe sole

The outsole of a tennis shoe should be relatively flat and stable. Since tennis is a game that involves a lot of lateral movement, the soles of tennis shoes should be wider than those of a running shoe to prevent rolling your ankle. Likewise, the insole should provide plenty of support and cushioning, but it shouldn't slope down to the toe like a running shoe. Sloping insoles only cause your feet to slip inside the shoe every time you stop, and there is nothing worse than your toes constantly jamming into the front of your shoe whenever you change direction on the tennis court.

Tennis shoe upper

The upper of a tennis shoe should be thick and supportive. It should have sufficient laces to stay snug on your foot, keeping it from sliding around inside the shoe. Those with ankles prone to rolling should get a tennis shoe with tall ankle support.

Tennis clothing

Tennis clothing should be breathable while allowing you to move uninhibitedly. Most tennis clothes these days are made of synthetic fabrics like polyester. This and similar fabrics are lightweight and help wick moisture away from the body. Tennis may not require as much constant running as basketball and soccer, but by the time you get near the end of that second set, you'll be feeling the heat and grateful for lightweight, cool clothing.

• Tennis shorts: Tennis shorts are basic athletic shorts with elastic waistbands. Don't worry; they don't have to be as short as most old pro tennis players wore them.
• Tennis shirts: The typical tennis shirts are designed like a tee shirt but often have special ventilation sections. Tennis shirts should be loose enough to allow you full arm rotation. Some women's tennis shirts will feature built-in sports bras and sleeveless designs; these should have a tighter fit.
• Tennis skirts/skorts: Your legs need to be able to fully extend, so get tennis skirts in a supple material and make sure they aren't so long that they limit movement.
• Tennis dresses: Like tennis skirts, tennis dresses should be quite flexible. Most have built-in sports bras and are sleeveless to allow full arm movement.
• Tennis hat (optional): If you like to wear a hat while you play tennis, make sure the brim isn't too long or too wide.

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