My Favorite Tennis Gear - Top 5 Things for New Players

Hi everyone,

Ray here. I've had a lot of tennis gear over the years, but have found a couple of items that tend to be ones that I always go back to. 

If you are new to tennis and don't know what you'll need to get started, you've come to the right place. Here is my list of my top items for new players:

 1. Tennis Racket

For obvious reasons, your tennis racket will be your most essential piece of equipment.

You'll have to decide which style you'd like to play with. Player's rackets (head-light), power rackets (head-heavy) are the most common styles that all brands have, but a combination of the two styles might fit your play style best.

My personal favorite for beginners: HEAD Ti S6

After you get comfortable with your racket, you can test different strings. Natural gut and synthetic (nylon, polyester, kevlar) are the most common types, but there are hybrids that work well.

My personal favorite for beginners: Prince Original Synthetic Gut Strings 

 2. Overgrip

As you may have guessed, overgrip is grip that is applied to the handle of your racket. At a low cost, this accessory will aid in helping you control your racket while providing padding and comfort. If you have sweaty hands, they also help to absorb sweat. 

My personal favorite for beginners: Gamma Supreme Overgrip

 3. Tennis Bag or Backpack

Your tennis bag is useful for storing everything you need to head to the court. All your loose balls can go directly in a large compartment, your racket can go in another pocket, your shoes, water and accessories in another, etc.  

The bottom line is it's really convenient to have one bag that's ready to go whenever you are going to practice. 

My personal favorite for beginners: Wilson Federer Team Collection Tennis Bag

 4. Breathable Sportswear

While I'm sure it can be done, I definitely wouldn't recommend playing tennis in jeans or sandals. If you want to get the most out of your practice sessions, it's important to show up ready to work and sweat.

You'll usually want to wear athletic shorts and a moisture-wicking shirt or polo.

With so many options available, it's up to your personal preference to choose which brands you'd like to build a tennis wardrobe around. You don't (and shouldn't) spend a lot of money on the big name tennis brands if you don't have to though, especially for your routine practices.

My personal favorite for beginners: Russell Athletic

 5. Tennis Shoes

Shoes specifically designed for tennis will provide cushion and traction that you need for quick side movements, starts and stops, etc.

Keep in mind that there are different types of tennis shoes for different court types - all weather (hard/paved asphalt) courts, clay courts, and grass courts. 

Depending on the types of courts you will be playing on most frequently, you should have a pair of shoes that works well with that surface type.

My personal favorite for beginners: GEL-Game 6 Tennis Shoe