Padel racket shapes affects your gameplay. Not sure which shape to choose on you padel racket? In this article, we go through everything you need to know to be able to choose the right shape on your padel racket.
No shape is perfect for all players. The right shape for you depends on your playing style and what level you are playing on.
Padel rackets can be divided into three different groups in terms of shape; round rackets, diamond-shaped rackets, and teardrop-shaped rackets. Let us explain the differences.
Round-shaped padel rackets
Let’s start our analysis of padel racket shapes with round-shaped padel rackets. They have the following characteristics:
Low balance
Round padel rackets generally have a weight distribution closer to the grip, resulting in a low balance. This makes the racket easier to handle in most situations on the padel court. Padel rackets with low balance also reduce the risk of injuries such as tennis elbow.
Larger sweet spot
Round padel rackets normally have a larger sweet spot than the teardrop-shaped or diamond-shaped rackets. They have a sweet spot that is placed in the center of the racket is usually forgiving when hitting the ball outside the sweet spot area.
Who should choose a round-shaped padel racket?
The most natural choice for padel beginners is a round-shaped racket. It is also suitable for more experienced players who seek maximum precision and control in their game. If you are looking for an easy-to-handle and want to avoid injuries, a round padel racket is recommended.
Matías Díaz and Miguel Lamperti are examples of professional padel players using round-shaped rackets.
Diamond-shaped padel rackets
Next up is diamond-shaped padel rackets. They have the following characteristics:
High balance
Unlike round-shaped padel rackets, diamond-shaped rackets have a distribution of the weight towards the head of the racket, giving it a high balance. This results in a racket that is more difficult to handle, but which helps to generate great power in the shots.
Smaller sweet spot
Diamond-shaped padel rackets have a smaller sweet spot than the round-shaped ones. The sweet spot is located in the upper part of the racket head, and diamond-shaped rackets are normally not very forgiving at impacts outside the sweet spot area.
Who should choose a diamond-shaped padel racket?
Are you an attacking player with good technique and are looking for maximum power in volleys and smashes? Then a diamond-shaped racket may well be the right choice for you. However, if you suffer from previous injuries, a racket with a high balance is not recommended.
Paquito Navarro and Maxi Sanchez are examples of professional padel players using round-shaped rackets.
Teardrop-shaped padel rackets
Last out are tear-drop shaped padel rackets, they have the following characteristics:
Medium balance
Teardrop-shaped padel rackets generally have a distribution of the weight between the grip and the head, which results in a medium balance or slightly higher depending on the model. Teardrop-shaped rackets are therefore slightly easier to handle than diamond-shaped rackets, but not as easy-to-play with rackets with a round shape.
Medium-sized sweet spot
Rackets with a teardrop shape generally have a medium-sized sweet spot that is located in the center of the head or slightly higher. They are not as forgiving as round-shaped padel rackets when hitting the call outside the sweet spot area, but more forgiving than the diamond-shaped rackets.
Who should choose a teardrop-shaped padel racket?
Are you an all-round player who wants enough power in the attacking game without sacrificing too much control? Then a teardrop-shaped padel racket may be the right choice for you. It could also be a natural next step if you are playing with a round-shaped racket today and are heading for a diamond-shaped racket in the long run.
Sanyo Gutierres and Luciano Capra are examples of professional padel players using round-shaped rackets.
Padel racket shapes summary
Padel racket shapes are important to understand. The choice of shape on your padel racket should be based on your playing style and what level you are playing on.
If you are a beginner looking for an easy-to-play padel racket, you should choose one with a round shape. The same applies to more experienced players looking for maximum security and control in their game.
If you have a good technique and are an attacking player, a diamond-shaped padel racket is recommended. It generates more power in volleys, bandejas and smashes than the round one.
A teardrop-shaped padel racket is a great choice for the all-round player who wants a good combination of power and control.
The shape is one of the main aspects to look at when choosing a padel racket, but several other factors also affect the feeling and playability. Weight, balance, and density of the inner core are a few examples.