Tennis season can last all year for professionals, but for many it is associated with summer, and as that time of year approaches, beginning tennis players start to want to spend money on new equipment.
What is essential tennis equipment and what is purely optional? Why should you use one type of racket over another, and what difference does string tension make to your game?
Take a virtual tour of all your tennis equipment needs withOli Harris, British tennis playerwho has been playing and coaching tennis for over 30 years.
In this comprehensive list, we take a look at the reasons to buy or not buy, some interesting facts about certain types of equipment, and of course, some tips to up your game.
So what do you need to get started? This is the only list of tennis equipment you will ever need.
1. Tennis racket
Check the grip size while holding a racket - only buy online after you pick up the racket
Make sure you hold it comfortably by the helicopter's handle.
Each racket lends itself to certain characteristics: choose one that suits your game
It may seem pretty obvious, but you need a racket to play. Of course you don't have to buy one, but suppose you want to play tennis regularly, then it might be a good choice to buy one.
Choosing a racket - Important tips
The most important thing when choosing a racket are
Fingerprint
Weight
Head size.
Grip: Why is it important when choosing a tennis racket?
Tennis rackets come in different grip sizes, and it really depends on personal preference which size to use. Personally, I prefer a smaller grip as I tend to use my wrist a lot in the way I play, which is not a good or bad thing, it's just the way I play.
If you suffer from tennis or golfer's elbow, you may find that a wider grip is beneficial, as it helps keep your arm straight and puts less stress on the tendons around the elbow joint. They just don't move as much.
If you don't know your grip size, go to a sporting goods store and try holding a few rackets until you know which one feels good. DO NOT buy online and then start playing with something that looks horrible.
claw size chart
| Maat | European handle size | american grip size | measuring in inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | L0 | G0 | 4 inches |
| 1 | L1 | G1 | 4 1/8 inches |
| 2 | L2 | G2 | 4 1/4 inches |
| 3 | L3 | G3 | 4 3/8 inches |
| 4 | L4 | G4 | 4 1/2 inches |
| 5 | L5 | G5 | 4 5/8 inches |
Weight: a crucial factor in choosing the right racket for you
The main factor here is the "heavy head" feeling.
When you pick up the racket with the chopper grip, do you feel it pull the racket towards the ground? If so, this is probably not the path for you.
When you play with a racket that is too heavy, you start to lose technique and you also start making decisions that you shouldn't be making, trying to score points. Also, your serve will be more difficult to hit and, in general, it will not be ideal.
What you really want is to keep the racket in the chopper grip and feel the frame easily gripped by the wrist in the 'ready position'. If the store has a ball, try bouncing the ball up and down the racket to see if it still feels light on contact.
weight bearing
285 grams and less - Light
300 grams - medium
300 grams + - Heavy
Head size: preference and playing style
Therefore, they are divided into two main groups, medium and large size.
A medium head is the standard racket head size in terms of width and length, but the shape may change slightly. For example, the classic Wilson Staff had a narrower head, allowing for greater accuracy but a smaller sweet spot. These smaller midsizes also tend to have a thinner radius, something to keep in mind if you hit a lot of topspin on your serve and hit with high racquet speed.
Full-size rackets are ideal for beginners because they have a larger racket head and sweet spot and are generally designed to be lighter. You can also usually get a lot more power with a lot less effort, but that sacrifices control.
These racquets are great if you're looking to put your feet up in the game and want something that's reliable, but they probably won't give you the control or extra spin you need as our standard improves.
2. Tennis / Tennis
Look for good ankle support
Make sure the sole is grippy and designed for tennis!
Don't skip the costs
That's why I'm making them the second most important item to have on your tennis gear list.
Without a good pair of running shoes (running shoes) you risk injuring yourself and your movements
be committed. While you may not choose the right pair at first, it's probably best to keep them once you've found one you're happy with, as long as they're good for whatever surface you play on.
Over the years, I've worn more Nike sneakers, but recently switched to that one.Asicsas they have a sturdier and wider base which has helped me stop spraining my ankles and seems to provide better grip.
There are a million varieties to choose from, but again, try them first!
3. Tennis balls
Buy only the best balls for important matches
Buy in bulk to practice
Discard them when worn or flat.
game balls
The best tennis balls in the UK are made by Slazenger or Babolat and in the US I'd say somewhere between Wilson and Dunlop.
Whatever the product of these brands, the more expensive the better, it's not really a science, it's just a fact. For example. Wilson US Open balls are very good. Slazenger Wimbledon balls are very good, it's quite simple.
training balls
However, buy cheaper balls to practice on.You can get wholesale orders for balls that will last a while., you don't have to spend a lot of money just for your casual training or weekly doubles.
Discard the balls as soon as they are worn out or flat!
There is literally no point in playing with a flat or fully used ball. It's a game changer, it's not good for the arm and it won't help in the long run. When they are ready, give them to the dog.
4. Tennis Overgrip
Choose a sticky grip if you sweat a lot
A soft, heavy overgrip can help with tennis or golfer's elbow.
DO NOT use only the bottom grip that came with the racket.
In my opinion, they are essential when it comes to prioritizing your tennis equipment.
It's essential that you don't just use the bottom grip that comes with your racket when you buy it. This may seem counter-intuitive based on your racket choice based on grip size, but if you use it as is, it will eventually wear out and become unusable.
thin overgrips
Choosing an overgrip is a very personal preference. Many people like the soft, sweat-wicking feel of something like this.sink faucet, which was a staple in the 90s.
I personally like the sticky feel of a new Babolat overgrip, preferably white, and I tend to buy a pack in bulk and change my grip every 2-3 practices and always before a game.
thicker overgrips
These are usually the same grips that people use for other racket sports like Squash orreal tennis. They last much longer, but they are also much thicker and feel quite soft.
I would only recommend this if you need more grip or have sensitive hands that need more cushioning.
5. Tennis clothes
Your shorts or skirt MUST have pockets
Make sure the shirt isn't too tight.
Invest in good socks!
Here are some subtle tips that can help your game and will definitely help with your comfort on the pitch.
To play tennis well, you need pockets
In tennis you have 2 service attempts, so you need one ball in your hand and one in your pocket.
There is nothing more annoying and unprofessional than hitting your first serve or into the net and then looking for another ball.
In addition to serving, you'll want to have 2-3 balls in your pocket to keep momentum going during practice and a quick start after a foul or winner.
Good socks can make all the difference
Decent tennis socks can make the difference between winning or losing a match.
That may seem extreme, but good socks in combination with decent shoes and good foot hygiene ensure less chance of blisters and irritation.
A new pair of chunky white socks to play with can feel like armor. When you're laced up and your feet are cool and comfortable, you move better, feel better, and have one less distraction.
It's all about putting together a package that makes you feel good about your game, including the right kind of jersey.
Do not wear tight clothing, it is totally impractical and you will irritate yourself and possibly hinder your own movements.
Therefore, buy suitable things that allow your skin to breathe.
tennis clothing list
polo shirt
shorts or skirt
warm-up sweatpants
Warm-up jersey hooded sweatshirt
Hat for when it's hot and/or sunny
(Video) 7 Beginner Tennis Tips To Help You Improve FAST!
6. Vibration dampers
Reduces vibrations in your arm.
Makes the strings stiffer
The sound is more satisfying.
I will go into a little more detailVibration dampers and why use themhere, but it's really a personal preference.
However, my suggestion is that you buy some as they are very cheap and see if you prefer to play with them or not.
If you don't want to buy one, take a rubber band and tie it to the bottom strings of your racket; see how it feels when you hit the ball.
7. Bottled water/drinks
This may also seem pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised.
Staying hydrated is essential when playing any sport, but tennis, with its alternating peaks and intermittent nature, gives you more opportunities to grab a drink.
This is not only a physical thing, but also psychologically good.
Having a routine when you switch sides or take a break can help calm your mind and reset your way of thinking and playing.
Take a break, take a sip from your bottle, and get ready to play again.
Make sure you have at least a liter of fluid with you if you play for an hour or more, you don't want to run out of fluid, especially if you're gaming in hot weather.
Why it is important to have the right tennis equipment
It's one less thing to worry about if you have the right equipment. You don't have to buy the most expensive or flashy things, but you do need to have the basics.
By taking care of the above list, you are providing something else that will help you up your game and play your best.
Yes, you can buy all kinds of extra stuff at Wimbledon, like funnels and towels and anything else a pro might have in their bag, but the basics are what you really need to start and/or improve your poker game.
