Different Sizes of Tennis Rackets

In tennis, a player's game can be affected greatly by the qualities of the racket. Length, head size, weight and grip size are all important in refining your style of play. These features can change the way that you can strike the ball and also the way that the ball leaves the racket head.

  1. Length

    • The standard length of a tennis racket is 27 inches. Recently, major tennis manufacturers have began to make larger rackets to give an extended reach and to increase the power you can generate from striking the ball. These extended length rackets tend to be composed of lighter materials in order to keep the tennis racket maneuverable. Tournament regulations require racket lengths between 27 and 29 inches.

    Head Size

    • The amount of power that you can generate on a shot is almost entirely related to the head size. The variety of head sizes can be broken down into three categories: midsize, midplus and oversize. Midsize rackets, which range from 85 to 95 square inches, are typically used by more seasoned players who are looking for more control over their shots. Midplus rackets, sized from 95 to 105 square inches, are a good balance of power and control, not sacrificing much of one quality to improve the other. Rackets greater than 105 square inches are classified as oversized and are generally favored by beginners and intermediate players seeking more power and a greater sweet spot.

    Weight

    • Power and shock are the largest variables when considering the factor of weight. Heavier rackets usually weigh between 11 and 13 ounces and are preferred by most professional players. These generate more power, transmit less shock and have more control. All rackets that are lighter have a have a faster swing speed, making it easier to get a full swing before hitting a ball.

    Grip Size

    • The grip size of a racket is measured by the perimeter of the octagonal cross-section of the handle. Although the grip size does not directly affect any factors like power or control, the grip must feel comfortable. Grip sizes for adults are 4 1/4", 4 3/8", 4 1/2", and 4 5/8". The average size for males is 4 3/8" and for females is 4 1/4". The general rule is that if your comfort is between two sizes, choose the smaller size, which can always be expanded by a 1/16" overgrip.

    Juniors Sizes

    • Factors of length, head size, weight and grip size are all transferable to junior sizes. The USTA suggests that kids under the age of 8 use either 19, 21, or 23 inch racquets and kids between 8 and 10 should use racquets that are 23 or 25 inches. The head size of junior racquets tends to range between 95 and 110 square inches. The typical weight of a junior-sized racquet is between 8 and 9.5 ounces but there are models that reach near 11 ounces. The grip sizes for juniors racquets are 3 7/8" and 4".