Skill level
When choosing a racket, the first thing you need to consider is your skill level. Read on to get our tips on choosing your racket based on your skill level, whether you're a beginner, intermediate or advanced player.
How to choose an adult tennis racket
Are you a beginner? Or rather advanced? Are you looking for more power, control or ease of handling? Need a large head size? With all the choices out there, it can be hard to find the right tennis racket. Follow our guide to choose a racket that's suited to your playing style and goals.
When you play tennis, choosing the right tennis racket is a key decision. Your choice can impact how much fun you have, how well you play, and even your health - so it's very important. Your skill level, specific needs and body type are all factors that you'll need to take into account when choosing the right racket for you.
Beginners
You need a racket that's easy to play with.
To make learning easier, you'll need a forgiving racket (with a large head size) that's easy to handle (lightweight and/or with a grip-biased balanced).
Some rackets even have pedagogical features to facilitate learning.
Intermediate
You'll be looking for comfort.
To enjoy your time on the court and improve your game, these rackets are comfortable (they dampen vibrations), still fairly forgiving (head size of 660cm² or more) and easy to handle.
If you want more manoeuvrability, opt for a lightweight racket (<270 g) with a grip-biased balance (<32 cm)
If you want power, go with a heavier racket (>270 g) with a head-heavy balance (>32 cm)
If you're looking for forgiveness, choose a racket with a very large head size ("oversize" with a head size >680 cm²)
Advanced
You'll need a racket that's stable upon impact and suited to your playing style.
Rackets for advanced players are less forgiving (head size <645 cm²) and so require you to have good technique.
Depending on your playing style, your strengths and weaknesses, and your preferences, you should look for a racket that delivers power, control or spin.
If you want power, choose a more rigid racket with thicker cross sections and a more open string pattern.
If you need more control, go for a racket that is easier to handle, more flexible, thinner and with a more closed string pattern.
If spin is what you're after, you'll need a powerful racket that's easy to handle and swing.
Handle size
Decathlon's R&D department conducted a study that showed that there is an optimal handle size to minimise muscle effort when gripping the handle based on the player's hand length.
Size 0: 18 cm handle.
Size 1: 18.5 cm handle.
Size 2: 19 cm handle.
Size 3: 19.5 cm handle.
Size 4: 20 cm handle.
