by Edmund K

Created on: May 18, 2008

With the incredibly broad range of racquets today, it can often be a daunting task to find a racquet suitable for a beginner. Given the many differences in the stiffness, head size, material, stringing pattern, balance and mass of modern racquets, the choice can often be a difficult one. This is made even more difficult by the expensive and elaborate marketing strategies by leading racquet manufacturers, who reveal new technologies every year, along with promises that the new materials will add a new dimension to your tennis game.

This article will examine the three main types of racquets available and the main factors a beginner should consider when buying a racquet, before moving into a deeper analysis of different frames.

Tennis racquets have traditionally been grouped into three different categories.

Players' racquets refer to racquets with a thinner frame (thin beam), low power, high flexibility, heavier weight and a headlight balance. Around 15 to 20 years ago, majority of professional players used Players' racquets. Designed for serious tennis players, these racquets provide the greatest amount of control and feel, while having very low levels of power. Professional tennis players possess sound technique, and the ability to generate considerable power on their own, and therefore choose to use more control-oriented frames. Players' racquets are usually midsize (head size 90-95 square inches), and are the least forgiving of frames.

Game Improvement racquets refer to frames that have been designed primarily with the beginning player in mind, as the beginning player often has trouble generating power. Game Improvement racquets are lighter, more powerful frames. While this power comes at the sacrifice of some of the control, a beginner will find a Game Improvement racquet easy to swing, allowing them to focus on their technique and stroke mechanics. These racquets are generally stiffer, lighter, have a thicker frame width, with a head heavy balance. Game Improvement frames are usually midplus (head size 95-105 square inches) or oversize (a head size of more than 105 square inches), and are very forgiving for the beginner. Off center shots often go in with basic stroke technique.

Tweener models are racquets that blend aspects of both Players' and Game Improvement frames. Generally of neutral balance and midplus head size, Tweener models aim to provide both power and control. Neither as light as a Game Improvement racquet, nor as heavy as a Players' racquet, Tweener

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