How to Choose a Tennis Racket: A Beginner's Guide for India
A beginner's guide to choosing a tennis racket in India: what head size, weight and grip size mean, and which racket to buy first.
How to choose a tennis racket when you are starting out
The right first tennis racket makes learning faster and a lot more fun. The wrong one fights you on every swing. Choosing a tennis racket as a beginner comes down to three things — head size, weight and grip size — and the good news is that the beginner-friendly settings are easy to remember.
Head size: bigger is more forgiving
Head size is the area of the string bed. A larger head (around 100–110 sq in) gives a bigger sweet spot and more power, which forgives off-centre hits while you build consistency. Smaller heads offer more control but demand cleaner contact. As a beginner, go large.
Weight and balance
- Lighter rackets (260–285g): Easier to swing and manoeuvre, ideal while you develop technique and arm strength.
- Heavier rackets (300g+): More stable and powerful against pace, but tiring for newcomers.
- Beginner pick: A lighter, slightly head-heavy frame helps generate easy power.
Grip size matters more than you think
Too small a grip makes you squeeze harder and invites tennis elbow; too large limits wrist action. A quick check: hold the racket and you should just fit your other index finger between your fingertips and palm. When in doubt, size down — you can always add an overgrip to build it up.
Strung or unstrung?
Many beginner rackets come pre-strung, which is perfectly fine to start. Performance frames are often sold unstrung so you can choose string and tension. As a newcomer, a pre-strung racket gets you playing immediately.
Best beginner tennis rackets in India
| Racket | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cockatoo 23 Tennis Racket | ~₹913 | First-time casual players |
| Vector-X Composite B Grade II | ~₹1,358 | Budget adult beginners |
| Wilson Aggressor (strung, 297g) | ~₹2,869 | Improving adult beginners |
Just want to start rallying cheaply? The Cockatoo 23 (~₹913) does the job. Ready for a more durable, brand-name frame to grow into? The pre-strung Wilson Aggressor (~₹2,869) is a solid step up.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
Three traps catch most new players: buying a heavy ‘pro’ racket because a favourite player uses it, choosing a grip that is too large, and ignoring string comfort. Pick a lighter, forgiving frame, get the grip size right, and start with a softer, comfortable string setup. Do that and you will progress faster, enjoy longer rallies, and protect your arm from the strain that ends many beginners’ seasons early.
Shop the gear
- Cockatoo 23 Tennis Racket — ~₹913
- Vector-X Composite B Grade II — ~₹1,358
- Wilson Aggressor (strung) — ~₹2,869
Related reading
- Elena Rybakina: The Unassuming Champion
- How to Choose a Badminton Racket
- Head Graphene 110 Squash Racket Review
Frequently asked questions
What size tennis racket head should a beginner choose?
A larger head of roughly 100–110 square inches is best for beginners. It offers a bigger sweet spot and more power, forgiving off-centre hits while you build consistency.
How do I know my tennis grip size?
Hold the racket and check that your other index finger just fits between your fingertips and palm. If you are between sizes, choose the smaller grip and add an overgrip to build it up.
Should beginners buy a strung or unstrung tennis racket?
Beginners should choose a pre-strung racket so they can play right away. Unstrung frames are aimed at players who want to pick specific strings and tension.