Best tennis racket for a 15 year-old?

Question

My niece just decided she wanted to take up tennis. She is about 5'3". She's been looking around for a racket, but she can't seem to find a good one with a grip that is small enough. What is the smallest grip available for the adult rackets???

Can anyone recommend a specific racket for a beginner who is serious about improving her game???

Thanks!

Answer 1

Since your niece is a beginner, don't even think about getting a "Babolat Pure Drive Roddick" racquets like these are specifically made for experienced players usually in the 1-4 I.T.N rating. They will in fact make it incredibly difficult for her to learn the proper method of play. "Pro racquets" have a decreased impulse by increasing the tension in the strings thus increasing time of acceleration, they are usually heavy to increase momentum and unless modified, have elongated grips.

To a beginner under the age of 12 i would recommend a simple 20-40$ junior racquet - an extremely short grip, loose strings, and light aluminium frame.

However your niece being 15 years of age should look for a racket with loose strings (40-60lbs), under 27inches to allow ease of swing and maneuverability, 10-12 ounces just heavy enough to avoid tennis elbow and shock, It may feel heavy at first but in time it will feel increasingly comfortable with each swing,  balance point of around (3/8), avoid fancy looking "modern" racquets that have quirky names and technologies.

For grip size refer to this: http://tennis.about.com/od/racquetsballs...

It should be noted that certain racquets can have modified grip sizes or come in multiple grip sizes.

Racquets that fit this criteria include:  Head Extreme Junior Racquet

Offering a large stringbed with excellent access to spin, the Extreme Junior is ideal for the advanced junior player with developed strokes. 100 sq. inch headsize, 8.9 ounces, 26.25-inch length.

Price: $89.95, Customer Feedback

Head Microgel Prestige Junior Racquet

Ideal for the promising junior, the Microgel Prestige Junior offers plenty of control with a forgiving string bed. Headsize: 102 square inches. String pattern: 16/19. Length: 26.25 inches.

Price: $69.99

Babolat AeroPro Drive Junior Racquet (4 even)

Ideal for the established junior, or smaller adult, the junior version of the AeroPro Drive with Cortex, Rafael Nadal's racquet of choice, offers great control and spin.

Price: $99.00, Customer Feedback

Fischer M Speed Pro #1 Junior Racquet 4 1/8

A solid choice for the skilled junior looking to develop an all court game, this racquet features the same construction and technologies as the adult version. Improved mobility in a smaller, junior sized grip. Length: 26 inches.

Price: $49.95

Wilson nPro Open 25 Junior Racquet

A spin friendly junior racquet for the accomplished 8-10 year old player. This one offers a solid blend of control and power. Well suited to today's aggressive swinging, topspin player.

Price: $44.95

Wilson K Blade 26 Junior Racquet

Offering the same technology as the KBlade 98, the KBlade junior 26 is ideal for the player with developed strokes looking for performance and pop from all areas of the court.

Price: $99.00, Customer Feedback

These racquets can all be ordered from http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/JrRacque...

Hope this helped! I'd like to mention my new website which is currently aimed at developing beginners and their strokes.

http://thecompletetennisguide.blogspot.c...

Answer 2

Yonex rackets are great because they are lightweight and really well balanced.  Are you looking for an over-sized or regular racket??

Answer 3

You can get grips with 4 1/4 inch. It's hard to find anything smaller. For her size I would go with a light racket, that is oversize. You could probably find a deal on a wilson triad at a local pro shop. Little bit older tech. but they are pretty solid rackets.

Answer 4

Going to a special tennis shop and asking them for advice is the best thing to do. They can fit a tennis racket for anyone depending on height, what feels right and how experienced they are.

The grip might feel a little big but it might in fact be the right size. If she is only just beginning it night feel weird, but the grip is probably the right size. I have had the same problem.

4 1/8" to 4 5/8" grips are easiest to find in adult racquet's. Larger and smaller grips are made for some racquet's, but not all of them. Players with unusually small or large hands can often have their racquet handles custom-sized at a pro shop, which should cost between $5 and $15.

Sorry I didn't mention a specific racket... but it's best to find one yourself. Good luck!! =]

The links below might also help you....

Answer 5

If you can get it get the Babolat Pure drive roddick plus with luxilon big banger alu power ice strings. Im 16 and I love the raquet go to tenniswarehouse.com and can help you select a grip size and racket. the roddick plus has alot of power and control great for a beginner or intermediate