Shape
Shape is the outline of the racket face, and it does more than change the look. It moves where the balance sits and where the sweet spot lands, which decides whether a racket leans toward power or toward control. Compare the three shapes and the trade-off behind each one becomes visible at a glance.
Diamond
The widest point sits near the top of the face. The balance moves toward the head, so a diamond feels head-heavy, and the sweet spot sits higher and smaller. It is set up to reward a firm, aggressive swing with power — and the trade is that an off-centre hit is less forgiving.
Teardrop
The outline narrows from a rounder top toward a narrower throat. Balance and sweet spot sit in the middle, between the two extremes. Most all-court rackets are teardrops, because nothing is pushed hard toward power or control.
Round
The head is close to circular with a low, wide sweet spot near the throat, and the balance sits low and head-light. It favours control and forgiveness: an easier racket to move, and one that pardons a hit that is not perfectly central.
Shape is the headline: diamond points at power, round points at control, and teardrop sits between them.
Test what you have learned (and earn a score) with the quiz on the hub.