Have you ever wondered what pro tennis players are carrying in those huge suitcases they bring onto the court? Tennis luggage can fit all you need for a weeklong trip, according to non-players. For a few hours of chasing a fuzzy yellow ball, that much suitcase space seems excessive. Yet, these are the items you should always bring to your next match or practice session, regardless of skill level, if you want to feel comfortable and look the part on the court.
On-Court Essential Clothing Apparel
Tennis courts were once all-white. Most tennis facilities no longer have clothing rules as long as your shoes don’t harm the court. Choosing the appropriate and players-approved tennis apparel can improve your game, prevent injury, and keep you cool and effective.
Shoes
Tennis requires quick acceleration, deceleration, and direction changes from the player. Depending on what kind of court surface you usually play on, tennis shoes are usually flatter and have different patterns on the bottom. Other shoes have heels that are thicker and softer to make them lighter and more cushioned. Tennis shoes, on the other hand, are made to be more durable.
Socks
Choose athletic socks because they help you avoid blisters, feel better, and stay dry. Bring an extra pair. After a long match, changing from sweaty to dry socks reduces blisters and feels amazing. With this in mind, regular models don’t offer the same level of breathability and fit as those intended for sports, with a much shorter length and special reinforcements.
Tops
Tennis shirts are the primary article of clothing worn by tennis players on the court. The breathable, flexible material and moisture-wicking features make them an absolute necessity for tennis players, allowing them to play without distractions or discomfort.
Most tournament-level players wear crisp, white polo shirts with a collared neckline and three or four buttons. This design helps protect the player from the sun and allows for a greater range of motion. Additionally, most polos now come with built-in UV protection to keep the player safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
Bottoms
As long as they have pockets, shorts, sweatpants, skirts, skorts, or leggings are totally fine. Pick something that feels good while you’re bending your knees, jumping, and running. You should have a pocket big enough to house an additional tennis ball, at the very least.
The key is to look for light and breathable materials that dry quickly and fit comfortably allowing you to move freely. This includes materials like breathable cotton, lightweight nylon, and moisture-wicking polyester. You should avoid materials that absorb moisture and have a tendency to stick to your skin, such as denim and spandex, which can make you feel hot and uncomfortable on the court.
Headwear
The use of headwear on the court is multifaceted. It’s good for soaking up sweat, protecting you from the sun, and keeping your hair out of the way. And it can help you adjust your mindset before a match. Never step foot on the court without a cap, visor, or headband that you can easily put on (or take off).
Wristbands
A wristband will prevent perspiration from causing you to lose your grip, which could cost you a point or even the game. Sweating is your body’s way of relaxing and easing out pressure. However, perspiration can be an issue when engaging in physical activity. Sweat can run down from the hairline and into the eyes, causing distraction.
Essential Tennis Gear
With your attire in order, next you must consider all of the essential pieces of tennis gear for the court.
Racquet
The myriad factors involved in selecting a racquet are discussed in a separate blog post. We do, however, recommend that anyone beyond the level of absolute beginner carry two identical rackets with them when they play so that if the strings on one racket break (which is fairly common among frequent players), you have a backup that feels and performs identically.
Grip Tape
The handles on tennis racquets wear out well before the racquets themselves. Players frequently encase their grips in thin, disposable grip tape, such as Tourna-Grip, which is simple and inexpensive to remove and replace and lasts for a few matches.
Sports Towel
Using a sports towel to wipe the sweat off your face and body is a quick and easy way to stay cool and focused during your practice or professional match. You can also use your sports towel to dry off the tennis racket handle and tennis balls, resulting in a better grip and keeping you from slipping.
Tennis Balls
Most tennis balls look pretty much the same, but you might be surprised by how differently these fuzzy round balls can play. Most tennis balls have two main parts: a rubber core and a felt cover. The speed, bounce, and durability of a ball depending on how these different layers work together. “Dead” or flat tennis balls are not enjoyable since they scarcely bounce and wreak havoc on your tennis racquet’s strings.
Water Bottle
Tennis, like other competitive sports, is a purpose-driven way to stay fit and healthy. That’s why regular hydration is essential for all athletic activities, particularly on reflective court surfaces. This is an essential piece of your tennis apparel and gear!
Sunscreen
It’s not pleasant to get sunburned anywhere and especially on the court. It is also unpleasant to have sunscreen stream into your eyes during a rally. So make sure you get a sweat-proof cream that won’t be dripping down your face in just a minute after applying.
Tennis Bag
You figured we would forget about this, didn’t you? Certainly, you can toss everything you need for your next game into a tote bag, and it will suffice. A tennis bag with separate sections for racquets, clothing, and other essentials keeps your equipment organised and simple to locate. Additionally, when you step onto the court, others may ponder what equipment you are concealing.
