Tennis Equipment List: What’s In My Tennis Bag

Getting into the sport of tennis is not just about learning how to serve or backhand, but also about gathering the things you need for tennis. This can be quite an exciting journey, as the variety of equipment and accessories available for the sport is vast and vibrant. However, it can also be time-consuming and even overwhelming, especially if you are just starting out or aiming to take your game to the next level. For those focused on refining their control in the game, selecting the right equipment is crucial. In this regard, researching and choosing from the best tennis rackets for control can make a significant difference in your gameplay, offering precision and better handling of the ball

That’s where our comprehensive guide comes in handy! We’ve taken the time to compile a thorough list of all the things you need for tennis, irrespective of whether you’re a rookie trying to understand the basics or a seasoned pro seeking advanced gear to refine your game. This list covers everything from essential equipment to advanced accessories, offering a handy checklist to ensure you are ready to step on the court with confidence.

1. Tennis Racket: The tool used to strike the ball in a game of tennis. It consists of a handled frame with a wide open hoop across which a network of strings or catgut is stretched tightly. It’s essential for everyone who wants to play tennis. The best tennis rackets can be found here
2. Tennis Balls: Small, rubber balls covered in a fibrous felt. They are designed to bounce and are the object players hit back and forth. Tennis balls are essential for everyone.
3. Tennis Shoes: Special shoes designed with the specific demands of tennis in mind. They typically have a herringbone tread for traction, provide stability for side-to-side movement, and are built to withstand the wear and tear of playing on hard courts. They are essential for everyone to protect their feet and provide appropriate support for the movements tennis requires.
4. Tennis Clothing (T-Shirts, Shorts, Skirts, Dresses, Leggings, Socks): These are designed to be lightweight, breathable, and allow for a wide range of movement. Some also have pockets for holding spare balls. Appropriate clothing is essential for everyone for comfort and ease of movement during play.
5. Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial during physical activity. A good water bottle should be easy to drink from and keep your water cool. This is essential for everyone during play.
6. Tennis Bag: These bags are designed to carry all of your gear. They often have separate compartments for rackets, shoes, and balls. Useful for everyone, but more so for frequent players or those with more equipment.
7. Sunscreen: A lotion, spray, gel, or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, helping to protect against sunburn. Essential for everyone when playing outdoors.
8. Hat/Visor: Headwear that can help shield your eyes from the sun. Useful for everyone when playing outdoors.
9. Tennis Racket Grips/Grip Tape: These are placed on the handle of the racket to ensure a good grip, improve the handle’s comfort, and reduce the chance of the racket slipping out of the hand. Useful for everyone, but more so for frequent players or those playing in hot/sweaty conditions.
10. Sunglasses: Protective eyewear designed to prevent bright sunlight from discomforting or damaging the eyes. Useful for everyone when playing outdoors.
11. Sweat Bands/Headbands/Bandanas: Clothing accessories worn on the head or wrist that are made from towel-like materials to absorb sweat. Useful for everyone, especially in hot/sweaty conditions.
12. Towels: Used for wiping off sweat, drying hands, or even drying wet outdoor courts. Useful for everyone, especially in hot/sweaty conditions.
13. First Aid Kit: A collection of supplies and equipment for use in giving first aid, including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, etc. Useful for everyone, as accidents or minor injuries can happen.
14. Arm Sleeves: Typically made from compression material, they are used to keep arm muscles warm and are thought to aid circulation and reduce muscle soreness. Mostly useful for professionals or those with specific arm issues.
15. Elbow Brace/Knee Brace: These are used to prevent injuries or to provide support if an injury has occurred. Mostly useful for those with joint issues or professionals.
16. Ball Clips, Ball Hoppers, Ball Machines, and Carts: These are used to store, collect, and dispense tennis balls, making training and practice sessions easier. Mostly useful for professionals or those doing a lot of solo practice.
17. Hard Court Shoes/Clay Court Shoes: These tennis shoes are designed with the specific characteristics of hard or clay courts in mind, providing the appropriate levels of grip and slide. Useful for frequent players or professionals who tailor their gear to the playing surface.
18. Strings/String Savers: The strings on the racket are what make contact with the ball. Different types of strings can change how the ball is hit, and string savers can extend the life of the strings. Mostly useful for frequent players or professionals.
19. Vibration Dampeners: Small devices that are inserted into the strings of the tennis racket to reduce the amount of vibration felt when the ball is hit. Mostly useful for professionals or those with specific preferences.
20. Nets: An essential part of a tennis court. A net is stretched across the full width of the court, dividing it into two equal ends. Only necessary for those setting up their own courts.
21. Squeegees: These are used to remove water from wet courts to make them playable more quickly after rain. Only necessary for those maintaining their own courts.
22. Ball Machines: A device that can automatically feed balls at different speeds and directions. Useful for solo practice sessions. Mostly useful for serious amateurs, coaches, or professionals.
23. Snacks: Energy bars, fruit, or other small food items can help maintain energy levels during long matches. Useful for everyone, especially during long practice sessions or matches.

You can use this checklist every time you’re packing for a match, training, or even a casual game, and simply check off each item as you pack.
Moreover, we’ve taken a step further and provided recommendations on some of these products, which you can find on our website. These include quality-tested and player-approved equipment and gear, tailored to all levels, from beginner to pro. We also made a BMR Calculator, you can see it here

Checklist	✔️
Tennis Racket
Tennis Balls
Tennis Shoes
Tennis Clothing (T-Shirts, Shorts, Skirts, Dresses, Leggings, Socks)
Water Bottle
Tennis Bag
Sunscreen
Hat/Visor
Tennis Racket Grips/Grip Tape
Sunglasses
Sweat Bands/Headbands/Bandanas
Towels
First Aid Kit
Arm Sleeves
Elbow Brace/Knee Brace
Ball Clips, Ball Hoppers, Ball Machines, Carts
Hard Court Shoes/Clay Court Shoes
Strings/String Savers
Vibration Dampeners
Nets
Squeegees
Ball Machines
Snacks

Tennis equipment list for beginners

As a beginner in tennis, there are a few essential items you will need. First, you will need a tennis racket that feels comfortable in your hand and has a head size that provides a good balance of power and control. For those starting out, choosing from the best tennis racquets for beginners is crucial for a comfortable and effective introduction to the game. For tennis balls, starting with slower, more controlled balls, like the orange or green dot balls, is often recommended. A good pair of tennis shoes is a must to provide necessary traction on court surfaces and protect your feet. You should also have comfortable, breathable clothing for moving around the court, including t-shirts, shorts or skirts, and tennis socks. Hydration is key during longer practice sessions or matches, so don’t forget a water bottle. To carry your gear, a tennis bag can be very useful. If you’re playing outdoors, consider a hat or visor to keep the sun out of your eyes, and don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin. Racket grips can improve the comfort and handling of your racket. A basic first aid kit can come in handy for minor injuries. Lastly, although they are optional, vibration dampeners can reduce racket vibration and add a bit of fun to your racket with their varied designs. As you gain experience and your skills develop, you can start adding more specialized equipment to your kit.

1. Tennis Racket
2. Tennis Balls
3. Tennis Shoes
4. Clothing
5. Water Bottle
6. Tennis Bag
7. Hat or Visor
8. Sunscreen
9. Racket Grips
10. First Aid Kit
11. Vibration Dampeners
12. Tennis Racket
13. Tennis Balls
14. Tennis Shoes
15. Tennis Clothing (T-Shirts, Shorts, Skirts, Dresses, Leggings, Socks)

What’s In My Tennis Bag?

As a casual tennis player, my approach to packing my tennis bag is all about simplicity and convenience. I like to keep it basic but efficient, focusing on essentials that ensure I can enjoy a game without any hassle. My go-to gear includes my trusty tennis racket, tailor-made to suit my grip and play style and a can of tennis balls, always ready for a quick rally or a friendly match.

Next up in my bag, you’ll find my comfortable tennis shoes, specifically designed to offer the right traction and ankle support for those swift on-court moves. Staying hydrated is key, so I never forget to pack my water bottle. It’s a small detail, but one that can make all the difference in staying energized and focused, especially during those intense tie-breakers.

A couple of extra items that I always carry include vibration dampeners for my racket. They’re great for reducing racket vibration and minimizing strain on my arm. Lastly, I pack a breathable tennis t-shirt and a soft towel, handy for those quick cool-offs between games. All these items combined make up the perfect tennis bag for me, striking the right balance between utility and simplicity.