When to move up in weight

[zuzu70]

How would you go about determining when a young teen should move from a lightweight version of a racquet to the regular weight version? (I know I can add tape rather than buy a new racquet.)

Similarly, when/if would a high-level older teen want to move to the heavier or "tour" version of a racquet? I'm talking a male singles player for the older teen.

 

[Deleted member 775640]

For the kid moving away from a 270/280g racquet, you have them try the heavier racquet and see if they can still play well. Their swing is always going to change moving up in weight, so don't pay too much attention to that. Watch what the balls look like.

For teen/adult weight is a matter of preference. There are pros using racquets that weigh 305 unstrung or less. Same advice though, try the heavier racquet and watch the ball. See if there's an improvement.

 

[TennisHound]

How would you go about determining when a young teen should move from a lightweight version of a racquet to the regular weight version? (I know I can add tape rather than buy a new racquet.)

Similarly, when/if would a high-level older teen want to move to the heavier or "tour" version of a racquet? I'm talking a male singles player for the older teen.

One main thing also is to make sure they aren’t straining their shoulder on serves. If they have a hard time getting it over, then they need to wait before moving to a heavier racquet.

 

[aaronaps]

Re tennis specifically, my oldest son (teenaged) destroys 4.0 adults w a 290g racquet w FB multi.

My boys also play(ed) baseball. IME with batting, approach was use what they are comfortable w in competition. Moving up in size/weight happens in practice. Kids are better than adults at finding what works for them maybe bc they don’t understand specs, but better understand their body’s (movement, technique, etc.) effect on results. Once exposed to new equipment+experience they will tell you when they are ready for change permanently. In my experience. With baseball.