Watched Paris Olympics And US Open made you passionate about tennis and eager to pick up a racket? cute outfitsthe training you get during the match… what's wrong, um, Love? But stepping onto the court can be daunting if you’re new to the sport. We spoke to tennis coaches to find the best tennis gear for beginners, so you can confidently focus on your backhand, not your gear.
What you need to get started
The good news: You can jump with minimal equipment while you figure out what feels most comfortable for you, especially if you have a coach who provides things like a racket or tennis balls for your first few sessions. The coaches we spoke with recommend starting with a few basic items in your bag: tennis shoes, a water bottle, a towel, comfortable clothes, and something to protect your eyes from the sun. Go ahead and find a bunch of expert-approved options to get you ready for your first rally.
In this article
The main thing to pay attention to when buying a racket is its weight. Phyllis Wilundadirector of adult tennis at Midtown Athletic Club and a member of the Wilson Select Team, says he typically recommends a lighter racquet, weighing between 8.9 and 10.1 ounces, such as Wilson Blade. But if you have a strong arm, your coach may recommend something heavier – a heavier racket will give you more control and you won't send the ball over the net and out of bounds.
More Great Tennis Rackets
Babolat Boost The line is also convenient for beginners: Anthony Evrardco-founder and CEO of Court 16 Tennis Club in New York City, says they're not too expensive, lightweight, and easy to handle. He also recommends Babolat's Evo line for players who are still honing their technique and prefer a softer bounce — Gen2 Impact Weight 10.2 oz. Villunda loves Radical Line of Headwhich includes rackets weighing 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 classic neon yellow – all of which are approved International Tennis Federation. Willunda recommends starting with red balls, which are larger, slower, and only bounce at waist level because they have the lowest compression ratio. (Orange, green, and yellow balls are the same size but filled with more air, meaning each one is faster and bouncier than the last.) “If we put you with a green or yellow ball [before you’re ready]”You'll feel like a dog in the park and the ball will just fly everywhere,” she says. This three-pack of red balls from Wilson is budget-friendly and forgiving—if one goes over the fence, you still have two spares.
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Once you've played with low compression balls and are ready for yellows, Eric DavidsonTennis Supervisor at Midtown Athletic Club and member of the Wilson Select Team, recommends Wilson's US Open Tennis Balls“They last the longest, and the material on the outside doesn't wear out or fade as quickly as other brands,” he says. “I can teach consistently for six months, three times a day, and my Wilson eggs will still be fine.”
David Gutstadtco-founder of the Ballers sports club in Philadelphia, recommends Penn Tennis Ballswhich follow the same color system. Pro tip: “Don’t worry about the extra felt and the regular felt—you won’t notice any difference between them,” he says.
Supportive shoes are absolutely essential when starting any new sport. Davidson likes Adidas Barricade 13 Low-slung shoes that allow for free side-to-side movement.
More Great Tennis Shoes
Many major athletic brands (including Asics and Nike) also make high-quality tennis shoes. No matter which brand you choose, look for a pair that hits just below the ankle to give you flexibility. “When it comes to the sole of a tennis shoe, you want to make sure it supports the arch of your foot,” says Davidson. “A lot of flat tennis shoes will pinch, and they’ll start to wear out really quickly.”
If you'll be training in warm weather, you'll also want to look for a breathable mesh upper to help keep air flowing. All of the recommendations below come directly from the experts we spoke to.
Tennis is obviously a stylish sport. But our experts agree that function should trump fashion, because if you're not comfortable, you're more likely to be distracted. For you, comfort might mean wearing compression leggings and a T-shirt, and for some, that might mean going out in a dress. The best thing about not having a uniform is that you probably already have the right clothes in your closet.