What kind of tennis racquet do I get dd for school?

[HousewifeOfOrangeCounty]

It's on the uniform list for her new school in September. We are not a very sporty family and I have no idea what to look for or what price to pay. I don't want her to feel out of place with the wrong thing.

I know this is a bit pathetic, but any help really would be appreciated.

Something that is the right weight for her, and the right grip size. Maybe go somewhere like John Lewis and get someone to advise you? Also buy a racquet with a cover that has a carry strap attached ( just cos its easier for them! )

Check out whether she actually needs it for september - lots of school only play tennis in summer term by which time she might have grown a lot and will definitely have heard opinions from the other children on what to buy.

I'm rubbish at buying this sort of thing but if you do need to buy now go to a decent local sports shop (as opposed to a chain staffed by teenagers) and they'll advise you well anyway. I think you need your daughter with you so they can advise on what is suitable for her based on her size etc

How old is your DD? My DCs both play quite a lot of tennis and they and their friends use Babolats, Heads or Wilsons.

Check out www.tennisnuts.com and you can see pictures etc (a cool look is apparently very important )

Also, I second what mysteryfairy has said ? I think it?s highly unlikely they?ll see much use before next summer so don?t feel you have to rush into it.

What size is she? You have two options. If she's small for her age, she might fit a junior racket but if taller, then I'd go for a ladies. If it's a junior racket, expect to pay £20 to £40

If she's taller then you might want to look at a ladies racket for her. That would be approx 27'' in length. Try and get as lightweight a racket as possible, something around 225g, otherwise she won't be able to flex her wrist and the racket will tire her. Look for a narrow grip - they come numbered 1-4. Grips 1-2 would be fine. If it's too narrow, you can build up the grip with tape and as her hand grows, you can then take the additional grip off.

The weight etc is usually written on the racket itself.

You can get some good rackets cheaply in the likes of Sports Direct, if you have one near you.

Agree with what the other posters said re the tennis - I remember going out and getting hockey equipment which wasb't used until spring term!

Hope that helps!

DD is younger (8y and in Y3) but she does tennis at school and we had to get her a racket this term.

I went to Decathlon. their rackets come in different sizes for junior, and then adults. You siimply look up her heiight and by the racket accordingly.