re: Buying a Tennis Racquet for a noob

From my research, I have found that bigger head = larger sweet spot = better for beginner. Is that accurate? I'm not trying to go all Andy Roddick with my serves. My main goal is something that will give me a better shot at hitting good volleys

Yeah, you just don't want to be starting out with a Wilson Pro Staff 85 or 90 sq in. Those sticks are great for people with lots of experience and power who want control and feel. 100 sq in is good to start out. I'd bet 90% of the racquets now are in that 95-100 sq in range. Federer was one of the last pros using a smaller head, and even he has changed, so the 90 sq in is going to become a dinosaur IMO.

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I have found that bigger head = larger sweet spot = better for beginner. Is that accurate?

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yes

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My main goal is something that will give me a better shot at hitting good volleys

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you playing doubles?

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I really want to have good control and placement; no need for power to start out. I'd rather be able to return shots accurately than be overpowering/less accurate

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How do you know if a racquet is better for power or control? What is an example of a $50 or a $100 racquet that is geared more towards control instead of power?

You shouldnt be worried too much about centering anything around volleying right now. Volleying is important but your primary concern right now is ground strokes and your serve(maybe). Getting good enough to keep a decent rally going is a primary concern, with your stroke and form being correct.

Once again, volleying is important, but as a beginner, it wont be used that much. Points wont really last that long and you arent good enough to be rushing the net after an approach shot or rushing the net serve and volley. Its a big part of the game as you advance but pick comfort in your ground strokes right now.

Dont even worry about power right now. Not to sound like a debbie downer, but your power game is going to be basically non existent right now starting off. Worry about getting your ground strokes over the net and deep in the court with maybe some topspin.

I played every day about 2.5 hours a day for years and power was never really a focal point. Its a control and finesse game until you are so good that power can just be applied without messing anything up.

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How do you know if a racquet is better for power or control? What is an example of a $50 or a $100 racquet that is geared more towards control instead of power?

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No clue...that is what I'm asking yall

ah ok. yea volley i meant as in catching the ball out of the air at the net.

keeping a good rally going is goal #1. get that going and go from there. its a tough game to pick up when you arent a kid but it is very fun and great exercise. there is also not much of a better feeling in sports than hitting a great tennis shot. its probably right behind a great golf shot.

its a good game to get wrapped up in and get better relatively quick if youre coordinated and in shape.

Interesting that there are no Prince rackets on that diagram.

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Head size, string pattern, weight.

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Are the attributes of the racquet listed on cheaper ones that you might find at Academy?