In the following post we will see how many types of shapes and sizes we can find when buying our padel racket.

When we want to buy a racket we are faced with one of the most common questions among padel enthusiasts, that is: which racket to choose? What should its shape be? Does it have to be power or control? . The great variety of shapes and sizes can be confusing, especially for those taking their first steps in the world of padel. Below we will try to clarify and help you in your choice.

How to choose the size and shape of our padel racket?

The first thing we need to be clear about is that the shape or size of the racquet does not necessarily have to be proportional to the player’s level, but to his amplitude of ”back-swing” (movement of the arm during preparation for the shot) and to the ” follow through ”(continuation of movement after hitting the ball). From now on we will refer to these two terms or movements as, short swing player or long swing player.

In both cases there are adjectives of increase such as SUPER-OVERSIZE (racket with a very large head) or indicate a SEMI-DIAMOND decrease (a racket that does not come to have a total diamond shape) or SUPER-SLEDGE (a point very large cake) etc …..

What is the best shape for a padel racket?

There really is no racquet with the best shape. More than anything else, it is about the different characteristics that each shape has. So, a round racquet, for example, will be fine for a player who favors control, but won’t be suitable for a player looking for maximum power. Let’s now see what kind of rackets exist and what their shapes are:

Shape of padel rackets

Basically there are three standard forms:

• DIAMOND
• ROUND
• TEAR, PEAR or DROP

CONTROL or POWER padel racket? What’s your? Useful tips to keep in mind.

Padel rackets with diamond shape

For those looking for power:

This shape, similar to an inverted pyramid, is suitable for a player who has a short swing and therefore needs a little help in terms of power. Nevertheless, he must have a good technique to make precise shots otherwise you risk keeping the racket too far forward without almost making a back-swing, since in the DIAMOND format the sweet area (also called ”hitting area”, ”sweet spot” ”etc) is very focused on the top of the racket head and is quite small, so if we don’t hit all our shots well we will notice a lack of control that will destabilize our game.

The diamond shaped racquet is ideal if you have a great volley and use it with a CONTINENTAL grip while keeping the racquet head high.

The best shot with a diamond-shaped racquet is the flat SMASH (called rowing in Spanish) with good wrist pronation and hitting the ball at its highest point to achieve maximum ball height after hitting the back wall.

In Diamond-shaped racquets it is advisable to choose a model that weighs a few grams less than the usual weight used, as they tend to tilt a little since the balance is oriented towards the head of the racquet.

Padel rackets with round shape

For those seeking control:

• Here you can find a large catalog of round rackets

Round rackets basically offer us control, so they are ideal for players who have a long swing and like to hit the ball by releasing their arm without fear.

This type of racquet turns out to be manageable because it is usually perfectly balanced. With the round shape, the forehand and backhand from the back of the field will be our favorite shots, with the peace of mind of hitting the ball without the fear that it will go directly to the wall.

We will lose a lot of lifting force especially in the Smash and we will have to hold the racket firmly in most shots, especially in the volley and in the flat latija (tray), even if the smash called ”VÍBORA” (Viper) is ideal for freeing the arm without fear .

The semi-western grip, also called ”AMERICAN” is the one that best suits the game with a round or half-round racquet.

Padel rackets with teardrop shape

Versatile and balanced rackets. Balanced power and control.

• Here you can find a large catalog of teardrop shaped rackets

It is the most common shape, currently it is chosen by most of the enthusiasts and it is also the basic shape from which most brands create their new models. Admits all types of handles, from CONTINENTAL (Hammer) to AMERICAN.

It is ideal for players with a medium swing, thanks to the possibility of choosing a size between CLASSIC up to OVERSIZE, depending on whether we have a longer or shorter swing.

The sweet spot on teardrop racquets is in the maximum receiving area of ​​the plate or face of the racket. In general, flat shots, volleys, smashes, wall exits, etc. they benefit from this large support area.

Also, in a teardrop or sledge shaped racquet we can increase power or control by manipulating or shifting the different weights of the racket.

Size of padel rackets

We will use three sizes as an initial reference:

• OVERSIZE
• MIDSIZE
• CLASSIC

After seeing the shape we will find out what the ideal dimensions of our racket should be. By choosing the size suitable for our game we will be able to improve both CONTROL and POWER.

OVERSIZE rackets

Racquets that approach the maximum OVERSIZE size increase the receiving area, resulting in a substantial increase in power, but losing some control if we don’t shorten the swing.

In the same way, with the oversize size we will get an important improvement in ball recovery in off-center shots. We can see this especially when we use the help of all the energy of the racket, for example in a defensive volley or, in situations where we get rid of the ball quickly.

CLASSIC rackets

If we use CLASSIC size racket (the minimum size used for the racquet head) regardless of the shape of the racquet, we will greatly increase control, allowing us to use the wrist with ease to position the ball more precisely. Nevertheless, we must be careful in situations where we are under pressure and have a ”tight arm” or are ”trapped”, since a less wide sweet spot can create a situation of insecurity by making us stay with the ball in the racket.

MIDSIZE rackets

The MIDSIZE or MID–PLUS size is the intermediate way between the two previous sizes, combining the advantages and disadvantages of both.

It is the size most used by padel brands due to its versatility and lack of shortcomings. However, it must be said that the player who, in his racket, is looking for an ally is more identified with an OVERSIZE size.

”There are a myriad of racquets with different shapes and sizes. What’s your favorite?”

Article written by Raul D. Martín PadelStar.