Whether you are a beginner or a pro player, a lot goes into choosing the right tennis gear. Tennis equipment has evolved over the last few decades from traditional large head racquets to modern multifilament strings. Players at different levels (beginner, intermediate and pro) will also have different needs. As you continue playing, you will realize certain equipment work best for your gaming style, movement and capabilities. Below are some tips on choosing the best tennis gear.

Start with the essentials (racquet, ball)

There are two things you can’t do without when playing tennis. The first item is a racquet. Tennis racquets come in different structures so you can find standard 27 inch long racquets, extended length and head-balanced options. They are also strung differently and you can find options such as natural gut, monofilament, multifilament, synthetic gut and hybrid among others. When choosing a racquet, consider properties such as string tension, durability, power, control, feel and comfort. The second gear you will need is a tennis ball. One is usually sufficient, but tennis balls tend to get damaged so it is usually recommendable to have a couple just in case you need them. There are different types in the market with a fairly close quality range, so this shouldn’t be a tough decision to make.

Buy the right clothing and shoes

Wearing the right tennis gear will help you settle more better the game. The first thing you will need is a pair of sturdy, comfortable tennis (sports) shoes. They should provide sufficient shock absorption and range of movement. Choose laced shoes with rubber back soul, interior padding and breathable exterior. You should also invest in a pair of shorts or skirts and a tennis t-shirt. Make sure you chose the right tennis shoe for your court. Grass courts have different requirements of gravel courts. You may also require knee and elbow straps if you are prone to injuries and comfortable sports bra (for female players).

Have different gear for training

Training is not any different from an actual playing in terms of what you need. The only thing removed from that experience is real competition. You still need the same gear including a racquet, tennis balls, court and the right clothing. You should also get the best tennis bag to carry your gear and supplies. Simply compare the top tennis bags reviewed and pick an option that best suits your needs and style. One extra training gear you can add is the tennis ball machine. It is very helpful whether you want to compete at a professional level or simply want to improve various aspects of your game.

Choose the right court

You can find tennis courts in local tennis clubs or community centers. Most courts are accessible for public training and leisure activities. All you need for the court is a tennis net which is usually available for rent, but you can also buy your own. Train in different types of courts to improve your flexibility and adaptability.

Other things you may need include tennis racquet grips and over-grips, tennis strings and racquet vibration dampener. These are all optional gear you may require as a pro tennis player.

Picking the right tennis gear can be an overwhelming process with all the options available. However, it is very important and impact significantly your gaming experience. If you have shoes that are too tight for instance, you will not be able to play comfortably. Worse yet, you may injure your feet or cause inflammation. This is the same case when you have sub-standard, non-ergonomic racquets and cheap quality tennis balls. You should therefore invest in the best tennis gear your budget can afford. It will not only improve your gaming, but also ensures you are safe on court.