How to Choose Your First Tennis Racket

🧠 How to Choose Your First Tennis Racket — A Practical Singapore Guide

You’ve signed up for your first tennis lesson or finally dragged a friend along to hit on the public courts in Singapore after work or on weekends. You’re excited — but suddenly overwhelmed by all the rackets at Decathlon, Tennis House, or online. Some are “lightweight”, some promise “power”, others are way more expensive than you expected.

You’re not alone in this. Many beginners in Singapore quietly worry that if they pick the wrong racket — something heavy, too small, or just plain uncomfortable — they’ll struggle to keep rallies going, get sore arms, or worse: give up before they’ve really started.

But here’s the good news: choosing your first racket doesn’t have to be confusing. With a few simple basics, you’ll know exactly what to look for — and spot the best tennis racket for beginners Singapore has to offer without second‑guessing.

🎾 What Matters Most When Picking a Beginner Tennis Racket

To keep it simple, focus on three big factors that actually make a difference for new players:

🟡 1. Weight & Head Size — Easy Power, Less Fatigue

Beginners generally benefit from a lighter racket that’s easy to swing and doesn’t tire your wrist or shoulder too quickly. Most beginner rackets fall roughly in the 260–290 g range (unstrung) — forgiving enough without feeling flimsy.

A larger head size (about 100–110 sq inches) gives you a size‑able sweet spot — meaning more successful contact with the ball even if your timing isn’t perfect yet.

👉 2. Grip & Comfort

Grip size truly matters — too small and your hand slips, too large and your forehand feels awkward. If you’re in a store, hold a few rackets and see which feels natural — your fingers should wrap snugly but not stretch.

🔄 3. Balance & Feel

Balance refers to how the weight feels when you swing:

• Head‑heavy rackets can help generate power but may feel less nimble.
• Head‑light or evenly balanced rackets are more maneuverable — often easier for beginners to handle.

🛠️ How to Decide (Step by Step)

Let’s turn confusion into clarity with a simple, beginner‑friendly decision path:

✅ Step 1 — Try Before You Buy (Even Just Hold It)

Pick up a racket and swing it like you would on court. Does it feel light? Too clunky? Most adult options are standard 27 inches long, which is the right starting point for most beginners.

✅ Step 2 — Match Features to Your Play

If you want more forgiveness and easier power, lean toward a slightly larger head size and a racket that’s a touch head‑heavy. If control feels more natural — or your coach suggests focusing on placement — aim for a balanced feel.

✅ Step 3 — Budget Realistically (Beginners Don’t Need Pro Gear)

You don’t need top‑of‑the‑line tour rackets just to start. Entry‑level rackets under S$150 can be perfect for 80% of beginners — especially if you’re still learning fundamentals like footwork and stroke consistency.

🏆 Top Beginner Tennis Racket Picks in Singapore

Here are some great starter rackets that are easy for new players to control and suited to beginner‑friendly learning:

• Babolat Boost Drive Tennis Racket — Lightweight yet powerful, excellent balance and responsiveness. (S$160.00, Rating: 4.7)
• Wilson Ultra UV Blue Tennis Racket — Great overall beginner choice with forgiving feel. (S$90.75, Rating: 4.8)
• Wilson Beginner Kit Tennis Racket Intrigue Combo — A good first‑racket package if you want a grip and extras included. (S$142.68, Rating: 4.8)
• Decathlon Artengo Tr160 Graph — Excellent value for beginners starting out or trying the sport. (S$49.90, Rating: 4.6)
• Head Tour Pro Tennis Racket — Affordable and playable for casual practice. (S$63.95, Rating: 4.6)
• Decathlon Adult Tennis Racket Essential — Very low‑cost pick if you want to try tennis without commitment. (S$17.90)

Tip: Sometimes older or second‑hand rackets can be fine too — just check for damage and grip comfort before you buy.

❤️ Final Thoughts — You’re Not Alone

It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when choosing your first tennis racket. Most beginners share the same thoughts: “Is this the right weight?”, “Does this feel comfortable?” Trying a few and getting feedback from a coach or an experienced friend can make all the difference. And remember — the racket should help you enjoy learning, not intimidate you.

If this feels like something you’ve been quietly thinking about too, feel free to share it with a friend who’s also starting tennis — you two can pick rackets together and enjoy the process even more.