Should beginners really use game improvement racquets?

[HunterST]

I remember using them when I was just starting out. When I switched to a wilson six one 95 I started playing much, much better.

I'm teaching a few family members to play. They are looking at buying new racquets, and I don't know if the beginners racquets are really best for them.

 

[Venetian]

I don't think it matters at all. If they really become interested in tennis, they're going to switch racquets a bunch of times before they find what they like anyway. The odds of your first racquet being the one you'll play your best tennis with for the rest of your life are pretty slim, no matter what you pick.

One racquet is not objectively better than another. I started out with a 6.1 95 and played terribly. Now, years later, I use racquets in the 10oz range and play much better. It's all relative.

 

[Say Chi Sin Lo]

No way, if it's up to me, all beginners would start with a Prestige Mid/POG/Pro Staff so they know what technique, timing, footwork, and early preparation is all about. And you can't just bail yourself out by wailing at the ball with your favorite 100+ sq in frame.

 

[Egoista]

Let them develop a love for the game first.....

 

[MikeHitsHard93]

Interest in the game first, then a radical os lol

 

[spinovic]

I think a nice tweenerish racquet would work best. Something that requires proper form to get the most out of, but also something with a little power and forgiveness itself.

A previous model at a reduced price, since anyone who really gets into it will move on and try others as they start to figure their game and preferences out, and anyone else won't care anyway.

I think the Blade 104 would be a great frame for someone starting out. Haven't played with the Radical OS, but I imagine it would be as well.

 

[prjacobs]

Beginner to me is somewhat of a relative term. If you're beginning tennis and are a good athlete with the goal of really getting good, it's quite different than a player who just wants to have fun, isn't too athletic and isn't necessarily in great shape.
Obviously, age also factors in. I'm with Mike about the radical OS. Respectfully, I wouldn't start anyone out on an extended length frame, like the blade 104.
I'd also opt for some lessons, if you can afford it and can find a qualified teacher.

 

[Michael Lesbowicz]

Beginners should play with the heaviest Pro Tour rackets they can find.
That is what I did. Beginner schmeginner. I refused to be limited by
labels like that.
When I started playing I started playing with a heavy tour grade racket
aimed at level 32 post-human tennis warriors. Just out of spite against
anyone who told me to play with a light-weight oversized beginner's racket.

 

[Jay_The_Nomad]

If its a young person, give them a tweener.

If its a senior citizen, give them the game improver.

 

[BLX_Andy]

If its a young person, give them a tweener.

If its a senior citizen, give them the game improver.

+1

They can switch to a heavy players frame when they're fully committed and want to switch.

 

[dflores]

The answer is as varied as "the beginner. Some are younger some are older, some are weaker some are stronger, some are slower some are faster, some are very athletic some are barely athletic; you get my drift.

So have them start with a racquet that suits their strengths and weaknesses, in time they will improve their game but they will usually be the type of person they were when they started.

 

[Triskadekaphilia]

My first racquet was a head prestige flexpoint mid. I still play with it today; although my preferred stick is a midplus variant or a radical which I have weighted to the same ballpark.

It is not known as a beginners racquet but it felt right to me. I really dislike light frames. I am a big guy and can easily hit a rally shot over the fence with a powerful tweener frame.

So yes, I think the ntrp ratings the reviewers attach to certain frames are complete bull.

Best way to improve your game is with a racquet that fits your game.

 

[McLovin]

They should play with whatever feels good to them. Period.

This goes for any player, regardless of skill level.

 

[realplayer]

I don't think it is a good idea to give beginners rocket launchers(game improvement rackets) especially when they don't have the technique or extreme grips to control the power of these rackets.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

POG for all players including pros should be mandatory

the only choice should be mid or os

 

[spinovic]

They should play with whatever feels good to them. Period.

This goes for any player, regardless of skill level.

Better answer than mine. All I would say is that I don't believe a beginner is limited to play with a beginner frame. As you say, if a more demanding frame feels OK to them they should play with it.

 

[robbo1970]

A game improvement racket is whichever one feels best for the player. It's has nothing to do with any specific head size or weight. I improved more using a 340g 93 sq head racket but have since moved on to a racket that suits my game from all areas of the court.

 

[jonestim]

POG for all players including pros should be mandatory

the only choice should be mid or os

No. In two weeks you can also have the choice of a midplus.

 

[Triskadekaphilia]

POG for all players including pros should be mandatory

the only choice should be mid or os

What if you like closed string patterns?