Junior Coaching

Getting Started

Getting Started

It can be a bit daunting when starting Tennis for the first time but hopefully this guide will help with any questions you might have!

 

Joining the Club 

Have you been to check out our club website yet? https://byfleetltc.com/

All the information to join the club is there! If you want to try the club first you can come along for 5 trial sessions before you make your decision. Whether you are an adult or child, beginner or advanced, we have sessions for everyone. 

 

Getting the right racket

When starting you don't need to spend a fortune on a racket, there are plenty of affordable rackets for beginnners. As you get more experienced there are a few factors to consider like weight and head size. 

Junior Rackets

  • 19 inch: Ages 2-4
  • 21 inch: Ages 5-6 (under 3ft 11in.)
  • 23 inch: Ages 6-8 (3ft 11in. to 4 ft 4in.)
  • 25 inch: Ages 6-10 (4ft 4in. to 4ft 8in.)
  • 26 inch: Ages 10-12 (4ft 8in. to 5ft 2in.)
  • 27 inch: Ages 10 and over (above 5ft 2in.)

 

Full Size/Adult Racket 

When getting a full size racket there is a lot to consider. The main things are weight, head size and balance. 

Weight

  • As a beginner or junior you should be looking at a racket below 280g. 
  • As an Advanced or Intermediate player, if you are looking for more power then around 280g - 300g 
  • If you want more control as an advanced or intermediate player then look at 300g+ 

Head Size 

  • Beginners should look for head size of 102 sq in. or above. 
  • Advanced to intermediate players looking for more power should go for 100 - 102 sq in. 
  • Advanced to Intermediate players looking for more control should go for 98 sq in. or below. 

Balance

  • Beginners should get a racket which is even to head-heavy balance. 
  • Advanced to Intermediate players looking for more power should go for even to slightly head light balance. 
  • Advanced to Intermediate players looking for more control should go for head light balance.

Grip Size

  • Use a ruler to measure from the top of your ring finger to your palm (in line with the intersection of the thumb and fingers. This is a rough guide to size but not always exact. If you are in between two then go for the smaller size (you can always use over grips to increase the size)

European Grip size = US Grip size in inches

  • 0 (L0 or G0) = 4 inches
  • 1 (L1 or G1) = 4 1/8 inches
  • 2 (L2 or G2) = 4 1/4 inches
  • 3 (L3 or G3) = 4 3/8 inches
  • 4 (L4 or G4) = 4 1/2 inches
  • 5 (L5 or G5) = 4 5/8 inches