After watching the Paris Olympics and the US Open, aren’t you excited about tennis and wanting to pick up a racket? The cute outfits, the physical activity during the match… what’s wrong with that? Well, loveBut if you’re new to tennis, stepping onto the court can be intimidating. We spoke with tennis coaches to find the best tennis gear to help beginners feel confident and focus on their backhand, not their gear.
What you need to get started
The good news is, you can start with minimal equipment and figure out what’s most comfortable for you, especially if your coach provides you with racquets, tennis balls, and other gear for your first few sessions. Coaches we spoke to recommend packing a few key items in your bag, like tennis shoes, a water bottle, a towel, some comfortable clothing, and something to protect you from the sun. Here are some expert-approved options to get you ready for your first rally.
In this article
The main thing to consider when buying a racket is its weight. Phyllis WilderThe adult tennis director at Midtown Athletic Club and a member of the Wilson Select team, she generally recommends a lighter racquet, between 8.9 and 10.1 ounces. Wilson BladeHowever, if you have strong arms, your coach may recommend a heavier racket, which will give you more control and keep the ball from going over the net and out of bounds.
Other Great Tennis Racquets
Babolat Boost A beginner-friendly line: Anthony EvrardThe co-founder and CEO of New York City tennis club Court 16 says the racquets are not too expensive, are lightweight and easy to use, and he also recommends Babolat’s Evo line for technical players who prefer a softer bounce. Strike Gen2 It weighs 10.2 ounces. Head root lineThis includes rackets up to 11.1 ounces.
Best Tennis Balls: Wilson US Open Tournament Red Pack
The tennis balls come in four colors: red, orange, green, and the classic neon yellow. International Tennis FederationWyrunda recommends starting with the red ball, which is the least compressible and so is larger, slower, and bounces only about waist-high. (The orange, green, and yellow balls are the same size, but each one bounces faster and better than the previous one because they contain more air.) “Starting with a green or yellow ball will help you get a better feel for how the ball moves,” he says. [before you’re ready]”You’ll feel like a dog at the park, with the balls flying all over the place,” she says. This three-pack of red balls from Wilson is affordable and forgiving in that if one ball flies over the fence, you still have two backups.
More amazing tennis balls
Once you’ve played with low compression balls and are ready for the yellow ball, Eric DavidsonHe is the tennis coach at Midtown Athletic Club and a member of the Wilson Select Team. Wilson US Open Tennis Balls“Wilson balls last the longest, and the outer material doesn’t peel or fade as quickly as other brands,” he says. “I can train three times a day for six months straight and the Wilson ball is fine.”
David GutstadtHe is the co-founder of the Philadelphia sports club “Ballers.” Pen Tennis ballwhich follow the same color system. Pro tip: “Don’t worry about extra-duty felt vs. regular-duty felt, you won’t tell the difference between the two,” he says.
When taking up a new sport, supportive shoes are essential. Adidas Barricade 13 These shoes fit low around the ankle, making it easy to move side to side.
More great tennis shoes
Many major sports brands (such as Asics and Nike) also make high-quality tennis shoes. Whatever brand you choose, look for a pair that goes just below your ankle to allow for flexibility. “When it comes to the sole of your tennis shoes, make sure they have arch support,” says Davidson. “Many tennis shoes that are flat are painful and start to wear out quickly.”
If you practice in warmer climates, you might also want to look for a breathable mesh upper to improve airflow. All of the recommendations below come directly from the experts we spoke to.
Obviously, tennis is a stylish sport. But our experts agree that functionality should take precedence over fashion, because if you’re uncomfortable, you’ll be distracted. For you, comfort might mean wearing compression leggings and a t-shirt, while for others, it might mean putting on a dress and going out. The best thing about not having a set uniform is that you probably already have the right clothes in your closet.
