Racquet length
Length refers to the distance between the top of the head and the bottom of the racquet handle. This indicator for most rackets for adults is in the
range of 68-69 cm. Longer models in fact can provide a stronger hit, especially when serving, but are more difficult to manoeuvre during play. The International Tennis Association does not allow racquets longer than 74 cm to be used in tournaments.
String surface area
There is a simple pattern here: the larger the area of the string surface and the lower the rigidity of the string tension, the higher the impact force and the lower its accuracy. This parameter is directly related to the string formula.
Now on the market there are rackets with the following string surface area:
Midsize (452 – 574 cm²),
Midplus (580 – 677 cm²),
Oversize (710 – 742 cm²).
String formula
A string formula is a scheme for stretching racquet strings. Represents two numbers: the first of them is the number of longitudinal strings, the second is the number of transverse ones. A racquet with a lower string density will provide more power, while a higher density racquet will provide better ball control. It is important to pay attention to the fact that the same string formula on rackets with different head area will provide different stiffness. For example, a racquet with a Midplus head and a 16x19 formula will be stiffer than a similar model with an Oversize head.
Balance
By balance is meant the conditional point of the centre of gravity of the racquet, in other words, the point at which the handle and head of the racquet will have the same weight. Three options are possible: balance in the head, in the handle, neutral. The number specified in this parameter is the distance from the end of the handle to the balance point. Important clarification: balance is measured without strings!
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In the head. This means that the head of the racquet, relatively speaking, is slightly heavier than the handle. In fact, this can provide some advantage in hitting and serving.
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In the pen. The balance of such a racquet is in its handle, from which we can conclude that the model is more manoeuvrable and can best perform when playing under the net.
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Neutral. The balance of this racquet is in the middle, meaning it will not provide any advantage to the player regardless of playing style.
Handle size
It is customary to read that the thickness of a tennis racquet should be such that when it is grasped between the fingers and the palm there is a gap slightly larger than the thickness of the index finger. There are two generally accepted systems for measuring handle thickness: American and European. If within the first one the indicator is measured in inches, then within the European one — in integers from 0 to 5, where zero is the smallest size. Usually, each racquet is presented on the market with modifications with a different handle diameter. So, the indicator "1-5" means that the model is represented by modifications with a handle diameter of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Exceptions may be some children's rackets, for which the manufacturer sometimes does not indicate the diameter of the handle, since it is less than size 0.
Weight
As the weight of the racquet increases, the impact force increases, but its accuracy decreases. On the contrary, it is easier to swing
with a light rocket, but at the same time the player needs to make more effort to give the ball the desired speed.
