How to Choose a Good Tennis Racquet for Beginners

You’ve decided to pick up tennis, and that’s a great call. But before you hit the court, there’s one big decision to make: finding the right racquet. It can be tempting to grab the coolest-looking one off the shelf, but there’s more than aesthetics that you need to consider.

Your choice of racquet can have a huge impact on how quickly you improve—and how much fun you have along the way. So, let’s discuss exactly how to choose a good tennis racquet, especially if you’re just getting started.

Why the Right Racquet Matters

The racquet you choose can either make tennis feel easier or leave you frustrated. A beginner-friendly racquet is designed to help you get more balls over the net and build confidence in your game.

The right racquet sets you up for success. It means getting a racquet that matches your current skill level and playing style. Here’s what to know when buying a tennis racquet.

Head Size

First up, head size. This is exactly what it sounds like: the size of the racquet’s hitting area. Here’s the general rule—bigger heads mean more power and a larger sweet spot, which is perfect when you’re still working on consistently hitting the ball.

Larger Head (over 100 square inches)

As a beginner, you may want to try a bigger head size. Why? It’s forgiving. With a larger sweet spot, even if you don’t hit the ball perfectly, there’s still a good chance it’ll go where you want it to. Larger head size racquets will increase your power but in turn can decrease accuracy.

AVERAGE HEAD (100 sq in)

We usually recommend choosing a racquet with an average head size so you don’t outgrow your racquet as your skills develop. They aren’t difficult to learn on and may help teach you better technical skills and provide greater accuracy especially as you improve.

Smaller Head (under 100 square inches)

These racquets offer more precision but require better timing. Save this for when your technique is solid. They are very low powered and require you to hit directly in the sweet spot every time to reap its benefits.

In short, a racquet with an average  head size helps you build solid technique and will grow with you as you improve and build confidence in your shots. If you’re struggling with an average size racquet you may want to consider a larger head size racquet which will be more forgiving but less accurate.

Racquet Weight

Next up is weight. This might sound minor, but trust us, it’s a big deal.

Lighter Racquets (8-10 ounces)

These are great for beginners because they’re easier to swing, which means you can focus on improving your strokes without worrying about arm fatigue. A lighter racquet also makes it easier to react to fast shots.

Heavier Racquets (11+ ounces)

While heavier racquets give you more power, they also require more strength and control. That’s why we recommend sticking with something on the lighter side when you’re starting out.

Think of it this way: a lighter racquet allows you to get used to swinging smoothly and consistently. Once that feels second nature, you can explore heavier racquets for added power.

Grip Size

Grip size is all about making sure the racquet feels comfortable in your hand. Too small or too large, and you’ll be straining your arm, which no one wants.

Of course, the best way to find what’s comfortable is to actually hold a racquet. Stop by one of our Boston Ski + Tennis locations to try out different grip sizes—your hand will tell you what feels right. And remember, it’s easier to add grip (with an overgrip) than to shrink it.

How to Choose a Tennis Racquet for Beginners

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s how to choose a good tennis racquet for your skill level. Look for a combination of the following:

• Average to Larger Head Size: Aim for at least 100 square inches to give yourself a forgiving sweet spot.
• Lighter Weight: Stick to something under 10.6 ounces so you can focus on technique without overloading your arm.
• Comfortable Grip Size: Make sure the racquet feels good in your hand. Too much strain leads to discomfort—and that can hold you back.

These three factors will help you get started on the right foot. If you need help making the proper measurements, check out our handy guide that we put together. It’s an excellent resource for those new to the game.

What to Know When Buying a Tennis Racquet

By now, you’ve probably realized that choosing a tennis racquet is all about balance—between power, control, and comfort. When you’re shopping, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

Try Before You Buy

At Boston Ski + Tennis, we offer a demo program so you can try out different racquets before committing to one. You’ll get a feel for how each racquet responds to your swing and what feels most comfortable.

Consider Your Playing Style

While this may not be fully developed yet, think about whether you like to play from the baseline or if you’re eager to charge the net. These preferences can guide your choice in terms of racquet weight and balance.

String Tension Matters

Beginners often benefit from racquets with looser string tension, as it offers more power. As your game improves, you may want to tighten it up for better control. 

How to Choose a Good Tennis Racquet

When you’re just starting out, the best tennis racquet is one that makes the game easier—and more fun. Focus on a larger head size, a lighter weight, and the right grip size to set yourself up for success.

And don’t forget, you can always drop by Boston Ski + Tennis for expert advice or to take advantage of our demo program to try out a few options.

Choosing the right racquet might seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. When you have the right gear in your hand, you’ll feel more confident on the court, and that’s the first step to mastering your game.