Choosing and trying a first tennis racket

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Start by playing rather than choosing a brand

If you have not taken a lesson, ask about borrowing a racket. A few sessions help you understand what feels manageable and how you play. The LTA beginner guide ↗ links to introductory opportunities; check equipment availability with the actual venue.

A professional player’s racket may not suit a beginner. The model name, colour and discount do not explain grip size, strung weight or the feel of a shot. Ask a coach or specialist shop to suggest several suitable options.

Test it in your hand and on court

Assess grip comfort, whether you can hold it without excessive squeezing and whether you can control it throughout a session. Compare ordinary groundstrokes and serves rather than judging one powerful shot. Do not automatically dismiss discomfort as something you must get used to.

Check whether strings are supplied, what they are and whether stringing costs extra. Models sharing a name can have different versions. Record the exact specification and test conditions; string condition affects the comparison too.

Understand a demo arrangement

All Things Tennis ↗ offers selected demo models with a deposit, demo fee and limited loan period. This is a currently listed service rather than a promise of free borrowing for every racket. Confirm the availability of your preferred version before ordering.

Check the initial payment, outward and return delivery costs, when the trial period begins and the rules for damage or late return. A refunded deposit and refunded demo charge are different things; the latter may depend on a purchase. Record the racket’s condition on arrival and keep return-postage evidence.

Before buying

Compare the full price including strings, delivery and necessary accessories. Ask about returns for a used racket: a normal retail purchase does not necessarily allow court testing followed by a return as new.

You do not need a professional kit immediately. Choose a comfortable model within budget and retain money for lessons, balls and court bookings. A first racket should support regular learning rather than match someone else’s standard or current fashion.