Racquet Grip Size. Adult grip sizes range from 4 to 4 & 5/8ths. This is a measure in inches to match the size of handle to the line from the middle crease of your palm to a point equal to the height of the tip of your ring finger.

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A good rule of thumb is to hold the racquet in one hand and slide the index finger of the other hand in between the tips of your fingers and the base of your palm.
A good rule of thumb is to hold the racquet in one hand and slide the index finger of the other hand in between the tips of your fingers and the base of your palm.

Not enough room
If there isn’t enough room for your index finger, the racquet grip is too small.

Too much room
If there is a lot of extra room, the racquet grip is too large.

Overgrip
If you’re between two sizes, choose the smaller one because you can always increase the circumference by adding an overgrip tape (a soft, padded, clothlike tape wrapped around the grip).
2

Head Size.
Head Size. The size of racquet head you need will depend on what sort of playing standard you are.

Oversize racquets have a surface area of between 105 and 130 square inches. This makes them ideal for beginners as the larger sweet spot means fewer miss-hits. A larger head also allows for more spin to be put on the ball and greater power to be transferred to a shot.
Traditional to mid-sized racquets are used by more accomplished players and have a surface area of between 85 and 105 square inches. The smaller head size offers more maneuverability and stability, but will require the player to generate more power themselves.

3
Racquet Weight and Materials. Most racquets are made from graphite as it’s light weight but also provides good power as well as control, making them perfect for any beginner. Other racquets suitable for beginners are made from light-weight aluminum or titanium, as these also provide good power but a better feel for the ball when striking it. Boron or Kevlar racquets are the lightest, but they’re also quite stiff, resulting in the vibrations being transmitted to the arm if the sweet spot is missed. These racquets are more often used by advanced players. Wood and fiberglass racquets can be used, but you probably won’t play your best game with them. Overall, the lightest racquets aren’t necessarily the easiest for beginners to use because you have to swing harder and in doing so, you jeopardize accuracy and control.[1]

When you hold the racquet, consider how the weight is balanced. People who play from the baseline tend to prefer racquets that are “head-heavy” (more weight in/around the racket face) while those who play up at the net and volley often prefer racquets that are “handle-heavy” (more weight in the handle itself). You can also alter the weight balance of the racquet by adding weight to the frame with lead tape.[2]
“Handle-heavy” racquets are easier on the arm and offer greater control, but you have to be able to generate more power and spin, so don’t choose a racquet like this unless you’re relatively skilled.[3]
4
Racquet Length. The traditional length of racquet is about 27 to 28 inches, but you can get longer racquets of up to 29 inches. The longer the length of the racquet, the greater the leverage on a swing, therefore giving more power to a shot.

5

Beam Width.
Beam Width. The beam is the area of the racquet on either side of the head. A wider beam will give more power to a shot by enhancing the trampoline effect of the strings, but it will reduce the amount of control over the ball.
6

String Tension.
String Tension. Most racquets you buy will be pre-strung with the strings at the middle of their tension range, but you can get racquet strings adjusted for you depending on what you’re after. Tighter strings mean more shot control and spin, so they are probably better if you’re trying to improve accuracy. Looser strings mean more power but less control. More experienced players tend to play with high string tension for better control.[4]
7
Price. If you are thinking of playing tennis often and taking tennis seriously, the price should not be an obstacle. Learn to deal with the prices. If you are playing just for fun with some friends, you can try used racquets – they’re not as bad as you think.