Whether you’re pursuing tennis for exercise or just need a new hobby, the best tennis rackets for beginners can make a world of difference in your game play. Below, I’ve selected tennis rackets with features that have novices in mind.
Head Size
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a starter racket is the size of the head. In an article for New York magazine, Horace Choy, the head tennis coach at NYU, recommended that beginners should look for rackets with larger heads that measure 98 to 110 square inches. These are more forgiving and give you a wider sweet spot for actually hitting the tennis ball.
Grip Size
Most rackets have grips measuring somewhere between 4 and 4 5/8 inches. To find the grip size that’s right for you, use the Ruler Test. Place a ruler on the center of your dominant hand, and measure from the tip of your ring finger to the bottom of the lateral crease of your palm. The distance between those two points will be your grip size. All of my selections come in a variety of grip sizes, mostly between 4 1/4 to 4 3/8.
Racket Balance
Racket balance is generally measured from the handle to the head. A head-light racket feels lighter since the bulk of the racket’s weight is in the handle, and these are typically the easiest to maneuver, making them ideal for beginners. All the rackets below are head-light.
Shock Absorption
Tennis rackets with shock absorbing features are especially great for beginners as well because they’re easier on your body since they don’t send shockwaves up your arm when you hit the ball. All the rackets below come with some sort of shock-absorbing feature, from built-in shock pads to woofer string technology.
Take a look at the best tennis rackets for beginners; they’re all pre-strung, so they're ready to use out of the box, and they come highly rated.