Tennis

The Essential Parts of a Tennis Racquet and Their Functions

Our guide to the key parts of a tennis racquet and what they do.

From the yoke to the grommet strip to the butt cap, and from the head to the shaft to the bevels, do you know the names of the essential parts of a tennis racquet? If you know your way around a racquet, what those different parts do and how they affect the performance, that’s going to help you to become a better tennis player. That knowledge will also allow you to make a more informed choice when choosing your next racquet.

What is a tennis racquet?

A tennis racquet is the piece of equipment that players use to hit the ball.

What are the essential parts of a tennis racquet called?

Butt

You might well ask: “What’s the end of a tennis racquet called?” The answer: the butt.

Butt Cap

The piece of plastic at the end of the handle is known as the butt cap. One of its functions is to slightly increase the size of the end of the handle – that will stop your hand from slipping off. On many racquets, it’s possible to remove the butt cap and to add some weight underneath, which allows you to customize how the racquet feels and performs. You’ll often find that the size of the handle is printed on the butt cap (along with the brand’s logo).

Butt Cap

Handle

This is the part of the racquet that you hold. The handle will come in different sizes – make sure it’s not too small or too big, and is just right for you, as that will make playing tennis a more comfortable and enjoyable experience and will help to avoid injury.

Handle

Grip

Wrapped around the handle is the grip, which adds comfort and cushioning (you wouldn’t want to be gripping the hard handle). The other function is to absorb sweat, enhance your grip and allow you to stay in full control of the racquet. You also have the option of using an overgrip, which will add even more cushioning while increasing the size of the handle, in case you are finding that the original handle is too small for your hand.

Grip

Grip Tape

The tape at the top of the grip is a small but important part of the racquet – it keeps the grip in place and stops it unravelling.

Shaft

Between the head and the handle is the part of the racquet known as the shaft.

Throat

Below the head of the racquet is the part known as the throat (it’s also sometimes called the heart). Having an open throat makes a racquet more aerodynamic when you’re swinging it at the ball – that allows you to swing faster and to generate more power and speed with your shots.

Throat

Yoke

Sometimes called the bridge, this is the part of the racquet at the top of the throat and between the shoulders.

Yoke

Shoulders

The shoulders are the parts at the bottom of the oval head.

Head

The oval part of the racquet which contains the strings is known as the head. Racquets come with a range of different head sizes.

Beam

The side of the racquet head – which comes in various thicknesses from thin to wide – is known as the beam.

Strings: mains and crosses

The main strings are the vertical strings (when you’re looking at the racquet with the head at the top and the handle at the bottom) and the cross strings are the horizonal strings.

Racquet with details of the strings part - Mains and Crosses

Strings - Mains and Crosses

Stringbed

The main strings and the cross strings create the stringbed, which you might also see referred to as the face of the racquet. That’s the hitting surface that you’ll use to strike the ball.

Tip

The very top of the head, at the opposite end of the racquet from the butt.

Bumper Guard

As the name suggests, the bumper guard is there to protect your racquet, with the plastic component on the top of the head helping to prevent cracks and other damage when the racquet bumps or scrapes on the court surface.

Bumper Guard

Grommets

These are the small, individual pieces of plastic which are placed in the holes of the frame. Their function is to protect the strings from being damaged, or worn down, by the frame.

Grommets

Grommet Strip

A piece of plastic that has several grommets and is fitted to the frame of the racquet.

Gommet Strip

How do the parts of a tennis racquet affect performance?

Head Size

The size of the head will have a large impact on the power and control you get from the racquet. Increasing the size of a racquet’s head will add power. Conversely, a smaller head will mean a reduction in power and greater control.

Beam width

A wider beam tends to mean that the racquet will offer more power. That’s because the strings can move around more, allowing you to create more power. If you choose a racquet with a thinner beam, the strings won’t move around so much which might limit the power while improving the control you have over the ball.

Weight

A heavier racquet will give you more power and stability while a lighter racquet is more maneuverable and, depending on your level, you might find it easier to play with.

Throat

How flexible is the throat of your racquet? That will have an impact on performance. A stiffer racquet, with less flex, will allow you to hit the ball with greater power.

Grommets

They might only be small pieces of plastic but grommets can have a large effect on how your racquet performs. With wider grommets, strings can move around more, leading to extra power. Narrower grommets prevent strings from moving around too much, which will boost control.

String tension

The tension you choose for your strings will influence how you play. A lower tension will increase power while a higher tension aids control. Other factors to consider are the types of strings you choose and a racquet’s string pattern as they can also affect performance.

Choosing the tennis racquet that’s right for you

You should select a racquet that suits your skill level and playing style. For instance, if you’re new to tennis, you might prefer a racquet with a larger head size as that will be more forgiving and will offer you more power. But, as your skill level improves, you might find that you prefer to play with a racquet with a smaller head size, offering you more control. When it comes to your playing style, are you looking for more power or more control? Think about whether a racquet’s head size, beam width, weight, throat and grommets will give you the performance you need, and also consider the string tension that’s right for you.

How to maintain your tennis racquet

Cleaning and care

After a match or practice session, wipe your racquet with a cloth to remove any sweat, dirt or – if you were just playing on a natural surface – clay granules or blades of grass. It’s also worth keeping an eye on the condition of your grip to see whether that needs replacing. Have a look at the strings to check whether they have lost any of the tension you require, or if they are worn or damaged in any way that might affect performance.

Storing your racquet

Make sure you keep your racquet away from extreme temperatures – either too hot or too cold – that might damage the frame. Ideally, you want to store your racquet somewhere cool and dry. Many of the racquet bags in HEAD’s range are made with CCT+ climate control technology, which protects against extreme temperatures.

You’re now better informed to choose your next racquet

Now that you know all the important parts of a tennis racquet and what their functions are, why not explore our range and find the one that’s just for you?