What does racket balance mean?
Balance is where a racket would balance on your finger. Here's what high, medium and low balance do to your game, shown on a 3D model.
5 min read · Updated 5 Oct 2026
Balance is the point along the racket where it would balance on a finger, usually given in millimetres from the butt cap or as a category (low, medium, high). Two rackets of the same weight can feel completely different because of it.
adidas Metalbone 3.4, diamond shape. Platform-created model. 3D model built by Paladex to represent this racket. Not supplied by the manufacturer. Use the arrow keys to rotate, plus and minus to zoom and R to reset. The buttons below the model switch between front, back, edge, top, grip and detail views.
High balance (head-heavy)
More of the mass sits towards the tip. The racket swings with more momentum, so smashes and volleys come off harder. The trade-off is reaction speed: the head takes longer to bring around, and it loads the shoulder and elbow more.
Low balance (head-light)
Mass sits closer to your hand. The racket feels quick and easy to position, which helps in fast exchanges at the net and when defending. You give up some free power on overheads.
Medium balance
An even balance is a neutral starting point that suits all-round players. Many modern rackets add screw-in or slot-in weights so you can shift the balance yourself.