With the new year just starting, now is the best time to dive into the hobbies you’ve always wanted to have. If you wanted to take up tennis, now is the right time to do it. Get into that class and start your new adventure. But if you want everything to go right and improve your game, you should have the proper basic gear along with the skill.
Tennis Balls
Every time someone mentions tennis, the first thing that comes to mind are those small, yellow and fluffy balls. They’re the main playing gear together with the racquet of course. As a beginner, you’ll need lots of balls for your practice sessions. You’ll need a high-performance training tennis ball that will allow you to work on your swings, strength and serve while on the court.
But you don’t have to buy one ball at a time. Nowadays, there are brands that sell them in buckets. Most of them can hold 72 balls and some have less, around 60 balls in one bucket. These training balls are specifically designed for practice. They’re meant to be played on all surfaces, both indoor and outdoor courses.
The main thing that makes them good for practice is that they’re pressureless. This makes them very durable. They won’t lose their shape, go flat or lose their extra durable felt for years to come. This makes them very budget-friendly and an investment worth making. Another advantage is that you can use them in a ball machine as well.
Because of their good bounce that won’t fade over time, you’ll be able to stay consistent in your shots. Some manufacturers have developed technologies that allow you to play without issues even in colder climates and high altitudes. Overall, these practice tennis balls are one of the best investments a beginner player can make.
There are also other types of balls you can buy. Most of them are pressurised with natural air and come in several varieties. Extra duty balls are meant for hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Regular-duty balls are softer, have less felt and are meant for indoor courts and clay surfaces. You can also find junior balls made of foam which are the slowest of them all. No matter which type of ball you choose, make sure you feel comfortable with it.
Tennis Racquet
You cannot play tennis without a tennis racquet. You should choose the racquet that best suits your needs because there isn’t one size that fits all players. It’s not a universal thing. In the variety of choices on the market, only a few will match your body, playing style, strength, which will increase your confidence, improve your skills and boost your performance.
Combining it with the right training tennis ball, you’ll reach your goals faster than you’ve ever imagined. There are three main racquet categories: midsize, mid-plus and oversized. The thing that influences your impact power and control is the head of the racquet. A larger racquet will give you more bounce and make it easier to find its sweet spot. A smaller one will allow you to be more precise because of the smaller head.
The length of the racquets can range from 68 to 72 cm. Although they are more difficult to manage, larger racquets provide you greater reach. A lighter racquet won’t wear you out as much, but a heavier one has more power and will lower the impact shock. Make sure you have a comfortable grip on the handle. A good grip means better performance. If you’re between sizes, go for the smaller one. You can always add grip tape to adjust it.
Tennis Bag
You’ll need a place to store all of your tennis balls for practice, towels, racquet and other accessories. The best way to do it is to buy a bag. You can find these bags in different sizes and with different storage options. Which size you chose depends on how much gear you have to pack for your practice.
Don’t invest in a bag that’s too small or fits your stuff tightly. You’ll accumulate more gear over time and then you’ll have to invest in a bigger bag. It’s safer to buy a larger one at the beginning. Always go for extra pockets. Make sure the bag has good separators so you can neatly organise your belongings. Also, keep an eye on the handles and choose a bag that has padded handles for more comfort while walking around.
Ball Hopper
A ball hopper is an excellent investment for newbies. Once you’re done with your training session, it will help you pick up the balls scattered around the court faster. It’s a very practical tool that’s a nice replacement for a tennis ball machine. Grab the tennis balls, add them into the hopper and you’re ready to start your serving practice.
Hoppers come in several sizes. They can weigh 1.5-8.5 kg and can carry from 40 to 150 balls at a time. It’s always a good idea to get a hopper with adjustable height. This way you won’t have to bend down each time you need to grab a ball. When it comes to materials, you have two choices: plastic and metal. The metal ones are more durable but heavier. The plastic ones are lighter, come in many colour choices but can be damaged easily.
Ball Clips
Ball clips are a nice way to keep balls at hand because as a beginner you don’t have ball boys or girls running around. These clips fasten around your waist and can hold several balls. This device is inexpensive, comfy, and simple to use. Ball holders come in four different varieties: clip-on, waistband, pouch, and ball hoppers.
Donut Rings
If you want to increase your agility on the court, these rings are the right tool to help you. They will teach you a lot of footwork techniques that you can apply later. For new players, especially younger ones, this is a perfect workout tool. Using them will make you more effective and allow you to get better in the game. Even though they look simple, donut rings are an amazing tool in the tennis world.
