The Best Tennis Gear to Keep You in the Game

POWER RACKET

Power rackets are massive. They have a larger head surface area. The longer, stiffer frame gives the athlete more muscle control. They’re lighter than control rackets for a few reasons. A larger surface area makes swinging and hitting the ball easier. After the collision, the ball returns to your opponent.

CONTROL RACKET

With a shorter build, control rackets are flexible and malleable. They are built a bit heavier than power rackets. This extra weight in a smaller package means there is less leverage.

If you are a beginner player or have a small frame/build, using a control racket will help you increase your hit projection.

Racket Overgrips

Overgrips are a type of grip that goes over your current grip. They make the racket grip bigger, so it’s up to you if you want to use them or not. People with smaller hands may not be able to use them as much.

Overgrips need a foundation grip. Without a foundation grip, the overgrip won’t stay on the racket, reducing your control.

Here are some grips. Most use them because they sweat a lot and their racket could slip. Professionals like this grip.

Overgrips are not the main grips. Over the main hold, they last less.

A racket’s grip lasts a year, but you can replace it before every match.

Racket Strings

Strings are crucial. They help your racket work and hit the ball well. Strings aren’t as durable as we’d like.

If you play lightly, replace your racket’s strings every six months. If you play often, restring your racket every two months. If the strings aren’t tight, the racket won’t work. Some pros string their rackets more than typical.

SYNTHETIC

Synthetic strings vary. Nylon, polyester, and kevlar are used. Any choice works. Nylon is durable and common. Synthetic strings are cheaper than natural gut strings, therefore you’ll need to replace them more regularly.

Synthetic gut strings are inexpensive if you break them often. Many pros mix synthetic and natural gut strings.

NATURAL GUT

Gut strings are strings made from natural fibers. Usually, these strings come from cows. They are dried and stretched to have perfect elasticity.

In medieval times, archers used this same method to create sinew. This sinew was used in crossbows and longbows for warfare.

Natural gut strings are more expensive than synthetic strings, but they provide a better feel than synthetic ones.

Dampeners

Dampeners are little pieces of plastic that go between the strings on your racket. You have to put them on when the racket is already strung.

They’re unnecessary, but they help reduce vibration through your hand and arm when you hit.

Dampeners come in different materials and are used to stop or reduce vibrations.

Over time, vibrations from the racket can lead to tennis elbow. No science can prove or disprove the use of dampeners to help alleviate tennis elbow or its symptoms. Personal preference dictates whether or not you want to use them.

Racket Stringing Machines

Time-savers. Machines take 35 minutes. Save time and maintain racket tension.

Tennis players should get a racket stringer. Costly yet worthwhile.

If you play hard, it’ll pay off. Professional stringing costs $30-$50 each racket.

Two-and six-point machines. Stringing will take 35 minutes on a six-point machine. Two-point stringing takes 45-50 minutes.

Tennis Shoes

Tennis requires proper shoes. Tennis shoes trump a racket. Tennis requires a good court surface, comfort, and airflow. Focus on the ball while playing tennis. If your feet hurt, you won’t play your best tennis.

Whatever you play, sports are hard on your joints. Hard court jumping is bad for your joints.

Tennis Clothing

There is a whole fashion trend in tennis that changes every year. Trying to keep up with it can be exhausting.

You need lightweight and breathable clothing so you can still move around quickly. It usually means wearing clothes that are not too tight or too loose.

SHIRTS

Polo shirts used to be the most popular type of shirt for playing tennis, but that has changed in recent years.

Some private clubs may require you to wear a collared shirt, but other places will not restrict your shirt type.

In hotter weather, you’ll want to wear short sleeves. You can try moisture-wicking to feel more relaxed.

Be mindful of the shirt rules when playing tennis. You will sweat, so you should wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.

SOCKS

Compression socks help some people’s feet. You need something on your feet except cotton socks.

Runners remark “cotton is rotten.” Cotton doesn’t breathe and holds sweat. Socks provide comfort, support, and reduce sweat. Runners can wear thin tennis shoes that dig into their ankles.

VISOR, HAT, OR HEADBAND

Going out on the court without the ability to hide your eyes or pool sweat is not a good idea.

Wearing a headband can help collect sweat while you play. A visor will do the same thing, but it will also block the sun from your eyes.

SUNGLASSES

Many tennis games are played in sunny weather. Sunglasses can help you stay focused on the game when the sun shines directly in your eyes.

Not every tournament will allow sunglasses. Look at the rules before the game to see if sunglasses are permitted.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your visibility while running, consider using a headband. It will help keep the sweat out of your eyes and make it easier to see where you’re going.

Tennis Bags

You’ll need something to transport your belongings from point A to point B. You don’t need a unique tennis bag, but a medium-sized duffel bag will work fine.

That should contain your tennis gear, shoes, spare strings, racket, visor/headband or towel, and anything relevant.

Tennis bags usually don’t get very dirty. But if you want one that doesn’t get dirty quickly, you should find one made from polyester or nylon.

Even though you will be putting dirty clothes in it, keeping the outside of your laundry basket clean will make it look like you are organized.

Tennis Balls

Tennis balls will not have the same bounce or consistency over time. Tennis players in professional matches usually change the ball after 7-9 games, depending on if it is the first ball change so that the player can continue to play with a consistent ball.

Another reason professionals bounce the ball before serving is to check for any issues or splits in the rubber.

You can practice by using tennis balls that have been taken out of the pressure machine. However, these balls will not work for matches against other players.

Most tournaments require pressurized tennis balls. So the balls are all the same and play the same way. Suppose you don’t need to use pressurized balls for a tournament. In that case, you can save money by using unpressurized or practice balls, which will last longer.

Cones

If you want to hit the ball deeper, set up cones between the service line and the baseline and try to knock them down.

Drills involving weaving between cones can help you increase your movement speed and reaction time. It will help you improve your skills in the long run.