Racquet attributes

• 1
  Longer racquets are designed for players who struggle to generate pace.Tennis ball and the shadow of tennis net image by Elzbieta Sekowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Measure the length of the racquet you are considering from the heel of the handle to the tip of the head. Typical racquet lengths are 27 to 27.5 inches, but can vary based on the type of racquet you are considering. Longer racquets over 27 inches are usually labeled as "overdrive" or "plus," and are made with extra length to help the player get pace on the ball. You should look for an extra long racquet if you struggle to hit with power.
  
  
• 2). Measure the circumference of the racquet you are considering. Racquet circumference can vary anywhere between 95 to 115 inches and should be chosen carefully. Smaller frames that measure closer to 95 inches give the player more accuracy, but require a great deal of body control to use effectively, since the racquet is so small, and actually making contact with the ball can be difficult. Likewise, larger frames are easier to make contact with, but are typically less accurate and more difficult to control.
  
  
• 3). Weigh the frame using your scale. Frames vary in weight from 8 to 12 ounces, and drastically influence the degree of racquet control you can play with. Lighter racquets between 8 and 10 ounces are useful for tennis players who struggle to hit with pace, or like to play at the net because the frame is easy to maneuver and generate racquet speed with. Heavier frames give the player more control over his shot, though are less maneuverable at the net, and more difficult to generate racquet speed with.
  
  

Player Attributes

• 1
  Figuring out your swing type is entirely up to you.tennis image by laurent gehant from Fotolia.com
  
  Practice swinging with the frame you are playing with, and consider how far back you like to take the racquet when you hit your ground strokes. If you prefer to swing with a full stroke by taking the racquet all the way behind you before following through, then you should look for a heavier frame around 27 inches long to ensure that you can control the racquet. If you like to begin your swing in front of your body, then you should look for a lighter, extra long frame that favors your mid- or short-level swing.
  
  
• 2). Consider the level of endurance that you have as a tennis player. If you usually tire after an hour or so of play, then you shouldn't consider a frame over 10.6 ounces, because you will not be able to play for long periods of time on the frame. Most well seasoned players, however, should have the endurance to handle heavier frames closer to 12 ounces, and should consider this if they are confident that they have the endurance for it.
  
  
• 3
  Lighter, wider frames are prefered by net players.tennis image by razorconcept from Fotolia.com
  
  Consider the style of play that you prefer. If you favor hitting from the baseline, then a heavier frame between 10 and 12 ounces might be favorable for you, because it would supplement your baseline game well. If you like to play at the net, however, then you should consider a frame between 8 and 10 ounces with a circumference around 100-115 inches, because it would supplement net play well.