- Joan Hahn
- May 6, 2021
- Last Updated on
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a new tennis racket. These things are durability, head size, and materials. The fact that there are twenty major brands to choose from makes it harder to determine.
We’re going to discuss the types of tennis rackets, so you can choose one that fits your playing style and capacity.
5 Types of Racquets for Tennis Players
1. Player’s Racquet/Control Racquet
Purpose:
Control tennis rackets are for the types of players who prefer less power for control and accuracy.
The tennis racket under this category is for experienced players who have the necessary technique and skill to produce power.
These control tennis rackets are for professional players who have fast and full swings. The type of racket is for hard-hitting intermediate players who benefit from this tennis racket as well.
Design:
Control tennis rackets are the types to have a small head. The racket measures 85 – 97 inches. This type of racket has a smaller margin of error, so a player needs to be precise.
The racket features a standard length of 27 inches, and the racket comes with a low-mid range flex at 50 – 70. This type is heavier in construction. A control racket weighs 11.6 – 12.6 oz.
PROS
- Controlled power
- Stable rackets
- Rackers absorbs shock well
- Precision and a nice feel
- Arm friendly rackets
CONS
- A control racket is heavy
- Smaller sweet spot
2. Power Racquet
Purpose:
These power rackets fall under the category of game improvement rackets as these assist players with power and depth with lesser effort.
The purpose of a power racket is for beginners who are still developing proper techniques, form, and skills to produce power—players with shorter compact strokes than the fast full swings of experienced players like this type of racket.
A power racket is a good decision for smaller players as well. These types of tennis rackets are for athletes who do not have a lot of strength and prefer using power rackets.
Design:
A power racket is a type to have a bigger head than control rackets. The oversized head of power rackets measures 105 inches or more.
The bigger the head, the more power the tennis racket provides. The racket delivers more surface area for hitting, which gives you a higher margin of error. The more oversized head of these rackets makes it easier to produce topspin as well.
The length of power rackets are longer. Power rackets give you more oomph in your swings. The lengthier your tennis racket, the more leverage you have when you swing, translating to greater oomph. These types of rackets are 29 inches or longer, which is 3 inches more than your standard racket.
Despite being bigger, these power rackets have lighter construction, weighing at 8 – 9.5 oz. These types of rackets have a stiffer frame. A power racket features an amount of 66 or more.
PROS
- Large sweet spot
- Lightweight rackets
- Topspin in your swing
- Produces more power
- For smaller athletes
CONS
- Lacks control
- Not for advanced players
3. Kid’s Racquet
Purpose
The purpose of a kid’s tennis racquet is to ensure the tennis racket matches your child’s development.
These rackets call for lesser injuries while guaranteeing they are having fun on the court.
USTA started ten and Under Tennis that provides children the right racket size and tennis balls under their age category to assist their development. (1)
Design:
Children under the four-year-old or younger category need a tennis racket that is 40 inches or less. The racket length is 19 inches.
Children under the 4 – 5 years-old category need a 40 – 44 inches racquet. The tennis racket length is 21 inches.
Children who are ten years old or older need a racket that is 55 inches or more. The racket length is 26 inches.
Manufacturers are making junior tennis rackets with a 4-inch grip size, so the handle fits their hands for better play.
PROS
- Durable and nice feel
- Lightweight rackets
- Custom-fit for children
- Produces power
- Easy on the arm
CONS
- Constantly needs upgrade
- Have to test in person
4. Tweener Racquet
Purpose
Tweener tennis rackets are the types to sit between beginner rackets and control rackets, making them intermediate-level tennis rackets.
Due to its design, tweener racquets have the ability to be reliable all-around performers that deliver a wide range of tennis players.
In other words, tweener tennis rackets are good options for an intermediate-level tennis player, but these rackets are also a good option for amateurs and recreational players.
Design:
Tweener tennis racket features a mid-sized head. These rackets are between 98 inches to 104 inches. These rackets sport a standard length of 27 inches, similar to control rackets.
These tennis rackets feature a mid-range stiffness as well between 61 – 70. And lastly, it weighs between 9.6 – 11.5 oz.
PROS
- Versatile frame
- Good control ability
- Topspin performance
- Good sweet spot
- Lightweight
CONS
- It May be a little stiff
- Not for advanced players
5. Modern Player Racquet
Purpose
These rackets are lighter and faster than your traditional tennis rackets.
Professionals use these tennis rackets as the designs continue to evolve because of the heavy topspin playing style.
Design:
These advanced rackets have mid plus head sizes. The rackets are the ideal type for attacking the tennis ball with an aggressive angle at maximum spin.
These tennis rackets feature the same level as tweener rackets, and the strung weight of this racket is between 11 – 12 ounces.
The headsizes of modern player’s tennis rackets are between 98 to 100 inches.
PROS
- Plenty of topspin
- Good sweet spot
- Power in your swing
- Ideal for advanced players
- For aggressive heavy hitters
CONS
- Not for beginners
- Lacks maneuverability
Table of Common Characteristics
| Type of Racquet | Head | Length | Weight | Stiffness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control Racquet | 85-97 in² | 27 in | 11.6 – 12.6 oz | 50-70 |
| Power Racquet | 105 in² | 27 – 29 in | 8 – 9.5 oz | 66 or more |
| Kid’s Racquet | 55+ in | 26 in | 8.5 oz | 63 - 67 |
| Tweener Racquet | 98 – 104 in² | 27 in | 9.6 – 11.5 oz | 61-70 |
| Modern Player Racquet | 98 - 100 in² | 27in | 11-12 oz | 62-66 |
Tennis Racquet Materials
Wood
Tennis rackets were traditionally made of solid wood and then laminated wood. The first racket strings categories were made from catgut.
The standard sizes of tennis racket styles were limited to the strength and weight of a wooden frame. It should be strong enough to accommodate the strings and stiff enough for a ball.
To enhance the stiffness of tennis rackets, manufacturers added non-wood laminates to the rackets.
The non-wood tennis racket styles are made of steel, aluminum, and finally carbon fiber composites. However, some tennis beginners are still using wooden rackets to this day.
Graphite
Graphite models are heavier than a titanium racket, meaning it’s harder to swing when performing a powerful serve.
If you have successfully served the ball at high impact, it’s incredibly powerful.
In comparison to other elements, graphite comes out as one of the strongest. It is worth mentioning, however, that graphite is mixed with other elements in a tennis racket.
Graphite is an occurring form of crystalline carbon, and it’s often referred to as the mineral of extremes. The reason why it’s a popular option for manufacturers because it’s soft and cleaves with light pressure.
Its variety is resistant to heat as well, making the extreme properties good for metallurgy and manufacturing.
Metal
Metal tennis rackets are more popular than their wooden counterparts. However, they are not as popular as composite tennis rackets. These metal rackets started their popularity in 1967.
Wilson manufactured the well-known T2000. Wilson created a metal tennis racket that promises an increase in each swing. Due to its promise, the Wilson brand became the go-to choice for players in the market, leaving wooden rackets variety behind.
Today, a metal tennis racquet is no longer a viable option as they are heavy, tough, and a little challenging to maneuver. However, they are affordable and suitable for recreational games.
Titanium
Titanium and graphite are always pitted against each other, but titanium models always emerge victorious because they are lighter and stiffer than graphite.
It delivers a better balance and maneuverability when you swing the racket. On the other hand, it does not have the same as the graphite-based tennis racket or a composite racket.
Opting for a pure titanium tennis racket translates to a steep price, and these are hard to come by as well.
Related Posts:
- Racquet or Racket – What’s the Right Term?
- Top Racquets for High School Tennis Players
- Top Tennis Racquets for Spin
- Top Racquet Strings for Intermediate Players
- Top Vibration Dampeners for Tennis
Composite
These tennis rackets are made from fiberglass, boron, and lastly, kevlar. It started in the early years of the ‘80s where Wilson shifted their focus on manufacturing compost tennis rackets.
The drastic shift in the industry brought a massive wave of customer popularity for these racket types as they got plenty of advantages to the game.
Composite rackets are way lighter than wooden and metal rackets, so it’s easier to swing. It offers great maneuverability for a powerful shot, and it’s more arm-friendly.
FAQS
A stiff tennis racket is a measurement of how much your racket bends during its contact with a ball. If the ball distorts the frame, it means the racket has more flex, translating to a lower stiffness rating.
No, a lighter tennis racket is not better. Players use heavier tennis rackets to recover from the elbow injury as it absorbs more of the impact.
Yes, a heavier racket is better. A heavy racket absorbs more impact shock, and it can train you to return faster and have more powerful shots.
Final Thoughts on Different Types of Racquets for Playing Tennis
Knowing the types of tennis rackets is the first step to becoming better. Finding out the ideal type for you speeds up your development, lessens your injuries, and allows you to have more powerful shots, which is something worth your consideration.
Beginners will benefit more by using game improvement rackets or beginner rackets. Meanwhile, more experienced players prefer using control rackets.
As you continue playing and learning more about your playing style, you’ll find out the best tennis racket types that suit you best.
References:
- https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/youth-tennis/programs/eastern/orange-and-green-ball-play.html
