What is Zip Tennis?

Balls, courts and equipment

Imagine your child wearing full-size skis at the top of the black diamond run, playing football on an NFL-sized field, trying to save a penalty kick in a full-size soccer goal, hitting with a standard golf club, or trying to hit at Fenway Park with Big Papi’s bat!!  Making the court area and equipment fit the size of the child is common in most sports today.  With Zip Tennis at the Zip Zone, tennis is no exception!  

Most people want their child on a full-sized court as quickly as possible, because they think this will accelerate their child’s progress.  In fact, it usually does the opposite.  Tennis is a game that requires a high level of coordination and skill, so using a slightly slower ball in a more appropriate space can provide the time and opportunity for a child to develop more skills, not less.  

Choosing the right racket  

Why is the right racket so important?

Tennis is about hitting the ball where you want it to go.  The wrong racket will prevent any player, young or old, from hitting a ball with purpose.  The staff at the Zip Zone will see that the right racket is in your child’s hands.  

The length

For beginners, one of the most important factors in racket selection is length.  Smaller children begin with shorter rackets, starting around 19” in length, while taller kids may be more comfortable with rackets in the 25” range.  The recommended size is dependent on the height and skill level or your child.  

The weight

The weight is determined by length, head size and material.  Today’s rackets are usually composite or aluminum.  What’s key is a balance among the racket’s length, head size and weight.  

The grip size

The grip size of the racket is proportionate to its length.  Using a grip that is too big can result in extreme grips, causing poor mechanics and limiting your child’s progress.  

What to spend

Rackets made of composites materials like graphite tend to be more expensive than aluminum, but also are stiffer and more stable on impact.  This can help a beginner better control his or her game and may be worth the added cost.  

Bottom line:  rely on your teaching professional.  There are no better advisors than the teaching professionals at Longfellow and the Zip Zone.  Ask them for advice, and even have your child try out our demo rackets.  We’ll help you find the right equipment for sure!