Have you been watching the Paris Olympics and the US Open got you excited about tennis and eager to pick up a racket? cute clothesthe training you do during the match… which is not, um, love? But stepping onto the court can be intimidating 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 equipment.
What you need to get started
Good news: You can start with minimal equipment while you figure out what’s most comfortable for you, especially if you have a coach supplying you with things like a racket or tennis balls for your first few sessions. The coaches we spoke to recommend starting with a few essentials in your bag: running shoes, a water bottle, a towel, comfortable clothes, and something to keep the sun out of your eyes. Ahead, find a bunch of expert-approved options to get you ready for that first rally.
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The main factor you should consider when purchasing a racket is its weight. Phyllis Wilundadirector of adult tennis at Midtown Athletic Club and a member of the Wilson Select Team, says she typically recommends a lighter racquet, weighing 8.9 to 10.1 ounces, such as the Wilson blade. But your coach may recommend something heavier if you have a strong arm — a heavier racket will give you more control, so you don’t have to hit the ball over the net.
More great tennis rackets
Babolat Boost the line is also beginner-friendly: Anthony EvrardThe co-founder and CEO of Court 16 tennis club in New York City, says they are inexpensive, 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 — the Gen2 Attack comes in 10.2 oz. Willunda likes Radical Line of the Headwhich includes rackets weighing up to 11.1 ounces.
Best Tennis Balls: Wilson US Open Tournament Red Pack
Tennis balls come in four colors: red, orange, green and the classic neon yellow, all approved by International Tennis Federation. Willunda recommends starting with red balls, which are larger, slower, and only bounce at waist height because they have the least compression. (Orange, green, and yellow balls are the same size but are 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 be flying all over the place,” she says. This three-pack of red balls from Wilson is economical and forgiving — if one ball flies over the fence, you still have two spares.
More great tennis balls
Once you’ve played with low compression balls and are ready for the yellows, Eric Davidsona tennis supervisor at Midtown Athletic Club and member of the Wilson Select Team, recommends Wilson US Open Tennis Balls. “They last longer and the material on the outside doesn’t come off and fade as quickly as other brands,” he says. “I can teach consistently for six months, three times a day, and my Wilson balls will still be good.”
David Gutstadtco-founder of the Ballers sports club in Philadelphia, recommends Penn Tennis Ballsthat follow the same color scheme. Pro tip: “Don’t worry about extra felt vs. regular duty — you won’t notice any difference between the two,” he says.
Supportive footwear is absolutely essential when you start any new sport. Davidson likes the Adidas Barricade 13 shoes that sit low on the ankle to allow you to move from side to side with ease.
More great sneakers
Many major athletic brands (including Asics and Nike) also make high-quality sneakers. No matter which brand you choose, look for a pair that sits just below your ankles to give you flexibility. “When it comes to the sole of the shoe, you want to make sure it has arch support,” says Davidson. “A lot of low-top shoes hurt and start to wear out too quickly.”
If you’ll be playing in warm weather, you may also want to look for breathable mesh uppers to help with airflow. All of the recommendations below come directly from the experts we spoke to.
Clearly, tennis is a stylish sport. But our experts agree that functionality should trump fashion — because if you’re uncomfortable, you’re likely to be distracted. For you, comfort might mean wearing compression leggings and a t-shirt, and for someone else, it might mean going out in a dress. The great thing about not having a solid uniform is that you probably already have the appropriate clothes in your closet.