Unless you're a seasoned professional, choosing the right tennis racquet to maximize your game can be quite intimidating. Each manufacturer develops dozens of their own patented technologies and offer an array of racquets to accommodate all sorts of play styles. Whether you're trying to imitate Andy Roddick's serve, attempt Fabrice Santoro's two-handed slice forehand, or develop your own unique shots, this guide will help you discover what you should be looking for in a racquet that will perfectly complement your particular style.

Despite the fact that there are hundreds of different racquet designs out there, with variances in head size, length, shape, swingweight, string patterns, balance, and so on, these subtle differences affect two major attributes: Control and Power.

The level of control or power you need depends on your style of play. Beginners and older players tend to have a slower, more compact stroke like the image on the left. In order to get more power out of a shorter swing, you'll need a power-oriented racquet to compensate. If you've got the modern top spin forehand-- a long and loopy swing like in the middle image, you'll want racquets which accomodate power and spin. And if you've got a more traditional forehand- fast and driving through the ball like the image on the right-- you'll want racquets which accomodate control and spin.

You can get an idea of how a racquet will perform based on the following attributes, which appear on all of our racquet product pages under "racquet specifications".

Price

Unlike all the attributes below, the price is not directly correlated with control or power, so don't assume a $300 racquet will get you on the pro tour. Higher priced racquets usually feature the latest advancements in racquet technologies, which can enhance power and comfort for players with slower swings. Most new racquets will fall in the $150-200 range, especially if a player on the pro tour is endorsing the frame.

Headsize

The headsize of a racquet is a measurement of the area of the stringbed in square inches. Racquets come in headsizes ranging from 85-135 sq. inches, and are are classified into four sizes: Midsize (85-92 sq. in.), Midplus (93-105 sq. in.), Oversize or OS for short (106-115 sq. in.), and Super Oversize (116-135 sq. in.). Often the category is appended to the racquet's name for clarification.

Headsize is directly proportional to the power level of a racquet. That is, the larger the headsize, the more power you'll get. It also creates a larger sweetspot, making the racquet very forgiving on mishits. Beginner to intermediate players with slower, shorter strokes often choose an oversize racquet. The smaller the headsize, the more control you'll get. More advanced players tend to prefer midsize or midplus racquets when they learn how to generate their own power form their swings, but want greater control over their shots.

Beam Width

The beam width is a measurement of the thickness of the racquet's cross section. The thicker the beam is, the more power, comfort, and spin the racquet will provide. The thinner it is, the more stability and control you'll get. Many power-oriented oversized racquets designed for shorter swings have a thicker beam width.

Weight

Weight is one of the most important specifications to consider when selecting a racquet. The lighter a racquet is, the easier it is to swing, while a heavier racquet will require earlier swing preparation and more strength to maneuver. In general, lighter racquets are designed for less advanced players with shorter strokes, and heavier racquets for more advanced players. Players with well developed and fast swings require a heavier weight in order for the racquet to remain stable as they're hitting through the ball.

Length

The length of a racquet is a measurement of the racquet from the butt of the handle to the tip of the bumper guard. Racquets come in lengths ranging from 27-79 inches, but the standard length is 27 inches. "Stretch" or "Extra Long" Racquets, sometimes denoted with an "X" at the end of the name are 27.5" or longer. This increase in length results in an increase in power, especially on serve. But this power comes at the expense of maneuverability. We recommend stretch racquets for shorter players or baseliners.

Balance

The balance of a racquet is a measure of the racquet's center of mass along the length of the racquet. This can be denoted as a measurement from the butt of the handle to the center in inches. It's also commonly denoted in points, with each point equallying 1/8 of an inch from the center. For example, a standard length 27" racquet with a balance point at 13-7/8 inches would be 3 points head heavy because it's 3/8 of an inch past the center (13-1/2 inches). If the balance point were at 13-1/8 inches, it would be 3 points head light.

Head heavy racquets provide more power at the expense of maneuverability, making it ideal for beginners or baseliners. Head light racquets are very maneuverable, as more of the weight is in the handle. However, they are less powerful. But if you have a full and fast stroke, you will be able to generate power on your own. Many advanced players and volleyers prefer head light racquets.

Swing Weight

The swing weight is the measurement of how heavy a racquet feels when it's swung, and it's possibly the most important measurement to consider in determining a racquet's hitting potential and maneuverability. Taking into account its length, stationary weight, and balance point, swing weight is measured in kg-cm², and most racquets have a swing weight between 280 and 380. This value explains why a sub-10 oz super OS racquet with an extremely head heavy balance can feel just as heavy as a 12+ ounce tour frame. It's also an important measurement to consider if you're into customizing your racquet. Any changes you make to your racquet (adding lead tape or anything else that affects the weight) will affect the swing weight, and ultimately its feel and playability.

String Pattern

String patterns are either "open" or "closed". An open string pattern is one in which the stringbed is less dense because there're fewer mains and/or crosses, making the holes between the strings bigger. This pattern offers greater spin potential because the ball gets embedded deeper into the stringbed upon contact. A typical open string pattern is 16m x 19c. A closed string pattern is one in which the stringbed is very dense, for example 18m x 20c. Closed string patterns offer greater control (but less spin). Headsize can also affect the size of the holes in the string pattern, because larger headsizes will result in the strings being spaced further apart, making the pattern more open.

Stiffness

A racquet's stiffness is a measure of how much the racquet bends on impact, and is assigned a number rating. Stiffer racquets have a higher number, and more flexible racquets have a lower number. This has a direct affect on the racquet's power or control levels. A flexible racquet does not offer as much power as a stiff racquet because it abosrbs more energy (rather than deflecting it back) as it bends on impact. Stiffness also affects the racquet's comfort and feel. A stiffer racquet can result in more shock on the arm and shoulders than a more flexible racquet.