Equipment Needed for Tennis

You don't need very much equipment to enjoy a game of tennis. A racket, a few balls, and some tennis shoes are just about all that is necessary. Unless you are a seasoned player, it isn't necessary to buy the most expensive equipment or apparel. You should be able to find tennis courts at local parks, high schools or in certain neighborhoods.

  1. Balls

    • In competitive play, tennis balls must be white or yellow in color. They must be between 2.5 and 2.63 inches in diameter and weigh between 1.98 and 2.08 ounces. Tennis regulations say that a tennis ball must bounce between 53 and 58 inches when it is dropped from a height of 100 inches. After three hours of play, tennis balls begin to lose their bounce, so it is important to have extra balls on hand.

    Racquet

    • Tennis rackets come in various shapes and sizes. Adult rackets have a standard length of 27 inches, while juniors usually use a smaller racket that they are comfortable with. By using a racket that is too small, players use more of their wrist and elbow, which can cause injury in the arm. Once an individual reaches 85 pounds, he or she is ready for an adult racket.

    Shoes

    • Balance plays an important role in the game of tennis; proper balance allows you to put power into your shots while maintaining accuracy and control. It is essential that athletes find a tennis shoe that fits comfortably on the foot and provides balance. Tennis shoes will offer more traction than regular shoes and allow side-to-side sliding, which is essential when making shots on the run. Since they are specifically designed for tennis, they will hold up longer than other shoes.

    Apparel

    • For many years, it was a requirement that all tennis apparel be basic white shirts and shorts. The reasoning was that white-colored clothing reflected the sun which kept athletes cool during a match. This changed in the 1980s as sportswear makers experimented with different colored apparel. Today, athletes wear tee shirts, polo shirts, and sleeveless shirts of all colors. Women, too, are wearing shorter, more colorful, tight-fitting apparel.

    Accessories

    • There are also many accessories that players may utilize to help them on the court. Many players wear sweatbands on their heads and wrists to soak up perspiration and keep the face and hands dry. Caps and visors are also optional equipment. Purchasing a tennis bag may be beneficial to tennis players as some bags offer enough space to carry up to six rackets, balls and a change of clothes.