How to Choose a Tennis Racket (and Tennis Shoes) as a Beginner

Knowing how to choose a tennis racket saves you money and makes learning easier. The right frame feels stable, forgiving and comfortable; the wrong one can make every mishit feel worse. This guide explains what racket specs mean, what beginners should look for, and why tennis shoes matter as much as the racket.

We don't rank brands here. Specs matter more than labels, and most major brands make good beginner rackets. For the rest of your starter checklist, see our complete tennis guide for beginners.

How to choose a tennis racket: the specs that matter

Head size

Head size is the string area, usually listed in square inches.

Category	Typical range	Feel
Midsize	Under about 95 sq in	Precise, small sweet spot
Mid-plus	About 95–105 sq in	Balance of control and forgiveness
Oversize	Over about 105 sq in	Forgiving, more power

Most adult beginners do well with a mid-plus to oversize head (roughly 100–110 sq in). A larger sweet spot means off-center hits still go over the net.

Weight

Weight is usually listed unstrung in grams or ounces.

Lighter rackets are easy to swing and maneuver, which helps when you're learning.
Heavier rackets are more stable against hard-hit balls and absorb more shock, but tire you faster.

Many adult beginners start with something light to medium. As your strokes get faster and more consistent, you may want a bit more weight.

Balance

Balance tells you where the weight sits:

Head-light: quicker at the net, easier to maneuver.
Even balance: a middle ground.
Head-heavy: more power on slower swings, often paired with light frames.

A light, slightly head-heavy or even-balanced racket is a common beginner-friendly combination.

Length

Standard adult length is 27 inches. The ITF rules allow up to 29 inches (73.7 cm) in length and 12.5 inches (31.7 cm) in width. Longer frames give a little more reach and power but are harder to control. Juniors use shorter rackets sized by age and height.

Stiffness

Stiffer frames feel more powerful; more flexible frames feel softer. If you're worried about arm comfort, a more flexible frame and softer strings are commonly recommended. For any arm or elbow pain, talk to a doctor or physiotherapist.

String pattern

Open patterns (such as 16x19) grip the ball more and make spin easier.
Dense patterns (such as 18x20) feel more controlled and strings often last longer.

Beginners usually do fine with a common 16x19 pattern.

Grip size: get this right

Grip size is the handle's circumference. In the US it's labeled 4 to 4 5/8 inches (often shown as sizes 0–5 in Europe).

A simple check: hold the racket with an eastern forehand grip. You should be able to fit roughly an index finger's width between your ring finger and the heel of your palm.

When in doubt, pick the smaller size. You can add an overgrip to build it up, but you can't easily make a handle smaller.

Strings and tension

Most new rackets come pre-strung, which is fine to start. A few basics:

Synthetic gut / multifilament strings are comfortable and forgiving, good for beginners.
Polyester strings are durable and spin-friendly but stiffer; often used by advanced players.
Lower tension generally gives more power and comfort; higher tension gives more control.

Stay inside the tension range printed on the frame.

Beginner racket checklist

Head size around 100–110 sq in
Light to medium weight
Standard 27-inch length
Correct grip size (smaller if unsure)
Comfortable string setup

If you can, demo a few rackets. Many shops and clubs offer demos, and hitting is the best test.

A note on price: entry-level adult rackets usually cost less than advanced frames, and pre-strung beginner models are the most affordable. Prices vary a lot by country and shop, so treat any price range as a rough market reference only.

Tennis shoes vs running shoes

This is one of the most common beginner mistakes. Running shoes are built for moving forward, with soft, high cushioning. Tennis is mostly side-to-side, with sudden stops and changes of direction.

	Tennis shoes	Running shoes
Main movement	Lateral, stop-and-start	Forward
Support	Firm sides, stable base	Less lateral support
Sole	Durable, flatter, court-specific tread	Softer, wears quickly on hard courts
Toe	Reinforced for dragging	Lightweight mesh

Running shoes can roll more easily on lateral moves and wear out fast on hard courts. A proper pair of court shoes is a smart early buy.

Choosing tennis shoes

Match the surface: hard-court shoes have durable soles; clay shoes have a herringbone tread; grass courts often require specific soles. Many players use all-court shoes.
Check the court's rules: many clubs require non-marking soles.
Fit: snug at the heel, some space at the toes, no side-to-side slipping.
Replace them when the tread wears smooth or the support breaks down.

Balls and other gear

Balls: pressurized balls lose bounce after a few sessions. Beginners and kids may use lower-compression balls (such as the ITF's stage balls) for slower, easier rallies.
Overgrips: cheap, replaceable, and help with sweaty hands.
Dampener: a small rubber piece in the strings that reduces vibration sound. Optional.

Once you've got your gear, learn the basic tennis strokes, then find a partner at your level and book a court with Kèo. To understand levels, read NTRP rating explained.

FAQ

What size tennis racket should a beginner use?

Most adult beginners do well with a standard 27-inch racket, a head size around 100–110 sq in, and a light to medium weight. Juniors should use a shorter racket matched to their height.

How do I know my tennis grip size?

Hold the racket with a forehand grip: you should fit about an index finger's width between your ring finger and palm. If you're between sizes, choose the smaller one and add an overgrip.

Can I play tennis in running shoes?

You can for a casual hit, but it's not ideal. Running shoes offer less lateral support and wear out quickly on hard courts. Tennis shoes are designed for side-to-side movement.

Is a heavier racket better?

Not for most beginners. Heavier rackets are more stable but harder to swing. Start light to medium and move up as your technique improves.

How often should I restring my racket?

It depends on how often and how hard you play. Strings lose tension over time even if they don't break, so recreational players often restring periodically when the racket starts to feel dead or less controlled.