Getting Tennis Ready
Have you fallen in love with tennis? If you're looking to get into this sport, we've made a convenient list of all the necessities you're going to need to pick up. Once you have these on hand, it's going to make your practice so much more comfortable and consistent. Here are the five basics you'll need.
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1) A Beginner-Friendly Tennis Racquet
There's a lot more to tennis racquets than you might've realized. The quality and build changes depending on whether you're a beginner or intermediate player, but so does the budget. If you're just starting out, you'll do best with a slightly larger head size for a bit more forgiveness on off-center hits. Try holding a few racquets in-store to compare grip comfort and overall weight to see what works for you.
2) Tennis Balls
Even if you have a random tennis ball lying around at home, don't use it. A fresh can will really improve the quality of your practice! Regular-duty balls are typically best for indoor courts, while extra-duty balls often last longer on rough outdoor courts. For early sessions, consider slightly lower-compression “training” balls if you want a slower pace while you build control.
3) Proper Court Shoes
If you genuinely want to get into the sport, your regular runners just aren't going to cut it. Tennis shoes are specially designed for quick side-to-side movement and steady traction on court surfaces. Wearing running shoes just increases slipping risk and may wear out quickly due to the sport’s lateral demands.
4) Comfortable Athletic Clothing
With any form of exercise, you're going to want to wear appropriate clothing for the task. For tennis, light, breathable athletic clothing makes it easier to move and stay comfortable during longer rallies. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics if you tend to get warm quickly or if you're playing mostly outside.
5) A Tennis Bag
Keep all of your gear protected and in one place with a sturdy tennis bag that makes carrying things easy. Getting a compact bag can help you hold your balls, racquet, water bottle, towel, and more with convenience. This will help make getting to the court feel more organized and simple.
