Equipment

Racquets

Racquets are built around a trade-off between power and control. Heavier, smaller-headed frames give experienced players precision. Lighter, larger-headed frames help beginners generate pace without perfect technique. Knowing which category fits a player is the first step.

Power / Game-Improvement — Oversized Frame

Forgiving, easy to swing

• Head size: 104–115 sq in

• Weight (strung): 9–10.5 oz

• Balance: Head-heavy

• Best for Beginners, returners

Large sweet spot means off-center hits still go in. The head-heavy balance adds power without requiring a fast swing. A great choice for new players or anyone coming back after a long break.

Tweener / All-Court — Mid-Plus Frame

Balanced power and feel

• Head size: 98–104 sq in

• Weight (strung): 10.5–11.5 oz

• Balance: Neutral to slightly head-heavy

• Best for Intermediate players

The most popular category in high school tennis. Enough forgiveness for developing players while providing the feedback needed to improve technique. Most varsity players land here.

Control / Player's Frame — Midsize Frame

Precision for advanced players

• Head size: 85–98 sq in

• Weight (strung): 11.5–13 oz

• Balance: Head-light

• Best for Advanced, high-level players

Smaller sweet spot demands clean contact — misses are punished. The heavier, head-light design rewards players with a complete, consistent stroke. Not recommended for beginners; the learning curve is steep.

Grip Size — Often Overlooked

Grip size matters as much as frame size. A grip too small causes the racquet to twist on contact; too large restricts wrist snap. For high school players, sizes 1–3 (4⅛"–4⅜") are most common.

Simple test: Hold the racquet in your dominant hand with an eastern grip — you should be able to fit one finger from your opposite hand between your fingertips and the heel of your palm.

Strings

Strings are the only part of the racquet that actually touches the ball, yet they're the most neglected piece of equipment. The type of string and the tension it's strung at both affect how the ball plays — significantly.

String Types

Synthetic gut — The standard starter string. Solid all-around performance at a low cost. Comfortable enough for most players and holds tension reasonably well. Best for beginners.

Multifilament — Made of hundreds of tiny fibers wrapped together. Softer feel than synthetic gut, easier on the arm. A good step up for players who play frequently.

Polyester (poly) — Stiff, durable, and low-powered. Favored by advanced players who swing hard and want spin and control. Can be hard on developing arms — not recommended for juniors under 14.

Natural gut — The highest-performing string: exceptional feel, power, and arm comfort. Made from cow intestine. Premium cost puts it out of reach for most high school budgets.

Tension Reference

• Typical range: 45–65 lbs - Most racquets are rated in this window

• Lower tension: 45–52 lbs - More power, larger sweet spot — good for beginners

• Higher tension: 57–65 lbs - More control, less power — for advanced, hard hitters

When to Restring

A useful rule of thumb: restring as many times per year as you play per week. Playing 3 days a week? Restring 3 times a year.

Strings lose tension and elasticity over time even without breaking. A racquet strung a year ago plays very differently than one strung last month, even if the strings look intact. For high school players in season, mid-season restringing is worth it.

Shoes

Tennis is a lateral sport. The quick side-to-side cuts, sudden stops, and short explosive sprints on a tennis court are completely different from running in a straight line — and your footwear needs to reflect that.

Tennis Shoes — What to Wear

• Reinforced lateral sidewall supports side-to-side movement without rolling the ankle

• Flat, low-profile sole keeps the foot close to the court for stability

• Herringbone or modified flat outsole pattern grips the court surface

• Toe drag cap protects the shoe during the service motion

• Firm midsole resists twisting under lateral load

Running Shoes — Why They Don't Work

• Tall, cushioned heel raises center of gravity — increases ankle roll risk on cuts

• Designed for forward motion only — no lateral support built in

• Soft, flexible midsole compresses unpredictably on side-to-side push-offs

• Rounded heel rocker promotes forward roll — destabilizing on hard stops

• Outsole pattern optimized for road grip, not court traction

Cross-Trainers — Close but Not Ideal

• Better lateral support than running shoes, but usually not court-specific

• Acceptable short-term for a new player still figuring out the sport

• Outsole can mark or damage some court surfaces

• Missing the toe-drag durability and court-specific grip of a true tennis shoe

Coach's Note

One of the most common early-season injuries in high school tennis is ankle sprains and most happen because players show up in running shoes. Most major brands (Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, Babolat, K-Swiss) make solid options under $80.