Everything you need to start your tennis journey the right way.
It’s always important to be fully prepared when starting something new. Tennis is no different. Having the right gear can help you enjoy the game more and can also prevent injury, frustration, and unnecessary costs down the road.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the most essential tennis equipment that every beginner should have in their bag. Whether you’re just playing for the first time or coming back after a break, these are the items I recommend having to make sure you’re always ready to play and enjoy the sport to its fullest.
1. Tennis Shoes
One of the most overlooked but important pieces of equipment.
While it is technically possible to play tennis in any type of sports shoe, I wouldn’t recommend it. Tennis shoes are specially designed for the movement and surfaces involved in tennis. You’re constantly stopping, starting, and changing directions.
Tennis shoes give you the support, stability, and cushioning needed to stay safe and comfortable while doing all that. Using running shoes or casual trainers increases the risk of injury—especially rolled ankles and slips on the court.
My advice? Invest in a decent pair of tennis-specific shoes right from the start. Your joints and your game will thank you later.
2. Tennis Racket
It goes without saying—but let’s say it anyway.
Yes, you need a tennis racket to play tennis. But choosing the right one is more important than people think. The wrong racket can make the game feel harder than it needs to be, especially for beginners.
Rather than going into too much detail here, I’ve written a full guide to help you choose one that suits your level, strength, and playing style:
3. Tennis Balls
It sounds obvious, right? But trust me, you’d be surprised.
I can’t count how many times I’ve seen players walk onto the court without any tennis balls, expecting someone else to bring them. Always keep a few cans in your bag.
Look for pressurized tennis balls for a livelier bounce, or pressureless balls if you’re just practicing and want them to last longer. Either way, make sure you bring your own.
Pro tip: Keep an unopened can in your bag at all times. You never know when you’ll need them.
4. Overgrips
This is one of those little things that makes a big difference.
Overgrips are cheap, easy to use, and make your racket feel fresh again. As you play more, your grip will get dirty, lose its texture, and might even start slipping, especially on hot days or if your hands sweat.
Having a few spare overgrips in your bag means you’re never stuck playing with a slippery, worn-out handle. Plus, they come in lots of colors if you want to add a personal touch to your gear.
5. Tennis Bag
Technically optional, but very, very useful.
While any backpack can hold your stuff, a tennis-specific bag has some nice advantages. They’re designed to protect your racket from the weather (especially if you live in a wet country), organize your gear neatly, and often come with compartments for shoes, grips, balls, and more.
You don’t need one right away—but if you plan on playing regularly, it’s worth the upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Getting into tennis doesn’t mean you need to break the bank or buy everything all at once. But having the right foundational gear can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy the game and how quickly you improve.
So to recap, here’s your essential tennis starter kit:
✅ Tennis shoes
✅ A beginner-friendly tennis racket
✅ A can (or two) of tennis balls
✅ Spare overgrips
✅ A bag to carry it all
With these basics in place, you’ll be ready to hit the court with confidence. See you out there!
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