Tennis isn’t just about hitting a ball over a net—it’s a game of precision, power, and strategy. And your racket? It’s not just equipment; it’s an extension of your arm.
How it feels in your hand, how it moves through the air, and how it reacts to your swing comes down to two key things: weight and balance.
These elements shape how your racket performs. Whether you’re a weekend player or aiming for a club title, understanding weight and balance can transform your game.
What Racket Weight Really Means
Racket weight is often the first thing players notice—and for good reason. It plays a huge role in how a racket feels and how it performs. Most rackets fall into three general categories:
Lightweight (8.5–9.5 oz) – Easy to swing, great for beginners or anyone who wants speed and comfort. You’ll get quicker reactions at the net and less fatigue over long matches. The trade-off? Less power and stability.
Midweight (9.6–10.5 oz) – A solid middle ground. These rackets offer a balance of control and power, ideal for intermediate players or those moving into more serious matches.
Heavy (10.6 oz and up) – Built for strength and control, heavy rackets are often the choice of advanced players. They handle pace well and offer stability on heavy groundstrokes, but they’re harder to maneuver quickly.
Your choice depends on more than just your strength—your style of play matters, too.
Why Balance Changes Everything
Weight is just one side of the story. Where that weight is distributed—the racket’s balance—matters just as much.
Head-light rackets are weighted more toward the handle. They’re easier to swing fast and offer great control, especially at the net. Ideal for volleyers and quick exchanges. But they can lack power from the baseline.
Head-heavy rackets shift weight toward the head. These pack more punch and generate better spin and depth from the back of the court. On the flip side, they’re harder to whip around quickly.
Even-balanced rackets sit right in the middle, offering a mix of both worlds. They suit players who like to mix it up between baseline play and net approaches.
You’ll often see balance listed in millimetres or “points.” A racket balanced at 330 mm is more head-light; one at 360 mm leans head-heavy.
The Magic of Swing Weight
Ever pick up a racket and feel like it’s heavier than it looks? That’s swing weight—a combination of total weight and balance that affects how heavy the racket feels during a swing.
Here’s a quick example:
A light but head-heavy racket can feel sluggish because of the extra weight in the head.
A heavier but head-light racket can feel surprisingly agile since the weight is closer to your hand.
Swing weight influences how fast you can swing and how much control or power you can generate. It’s a vital factor—especially for players who want to fine-tune their gear.
How to Choose the Right Combo
Finding the right weight and balance depends on you—your skill, your strength, your style. Here’s a guide to help:
Beginner? Go light and even-balanced. You’ll get comfort, easy handling, and forgiveness as you build technique.
Intermediate? Try a midweight, head-light or even-balanced racket. It’s the best of both worlds—power and control without being too demanding.
Advanced? If you’ve got strong mechanics and confidence, go for heavier, head-heavy rackets to dominate rallies and absorb pace with ease.
Match Your Racket to Your Style
Baseline grinders who love deep, heavy shots will benefit from heavier, head-heavy rackets. Net rushers and serve-and-volley players should look for lighter, head-light options for speed and precision. All-court players? Go for a balanced, versatile frame that can handle both styles with ease.
Don’t Forget About Your Body
Your racket should match your physical fitness too. If you’re building strength or want to avoid fatigue, a lighter racket is easier on your arm. Stronger players can go heavier to unlock more power—just make sure your body can handle it.
The wrong setup can lead to injuries like tennis elbow. Lighter rackets often transfer more shock to the arm, especially on off-centre hits. Heavier ones absorb impact better—but only if you can control them.
The Art of Customising
Want to tweak your racket? You can. Add lead tape to adjust balance—on the handle for more control, or on the head for added power. Even small changes, like overgrips or dampeners, can shift how a racket feels. A professional stringer can help you dial in the perfect setup.
Final Thoughts
Weight and balance aren’t just numbers on a spec sheet—they define how your racket behaves. The right combination unlocks better control, greater power, and improved comfort.
Whether you’re just learning the ropes or pushing for your next big win, knowing what works for you is the secret to playing better, smarter tennis.