So, you’ve finally decided to hop on the tennis train and start training. What an exciting moment, don’t you think? It’s one of those sports that can really bring out your competitive spirit, since both winning and losing depend entirely on you. This turns the pressure up a notch but it definitely doesn’t take away from the enjoyment. So basically, tennis is a great way to have a bit of fun and engage in a little harmless competition every now and then.
With that said, if you really want to dig your heels in and take things seriously, you’ll need the right equipment. Not only will this significantly boost your skills and level of performance but it can also help prevent potential injuries. While it can be a little overwhelming for beginners to set everything up by themselves, it’s no cause for immediate panic. To make things easier, we’re taking on the responsibility of providing you with a list of all the essentials to get you going.
How Do You Choose a Tennis Racket?
We’re guessing you’re not surprised in the slightest that we’re kicking off our list with this particular piece of equipment. Here’s the thing, you should definitely resist the urge to buy the one that’s the most aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eyes since it’s not always a good indicator of how well it’ll serve you. Instead, we suggest going for durable dunlop tennis rackets that will surely live up to the hype. If you need any pointers on how to pick out a suitable model, have a look at a few factors that can influence your decision.
Head Size
Most tennis rackets have a head size in the 240-280 square centimetres range. The logic behind the sizing chart is simple, the larger the head, the more swing power they will generate due to the bigger sweet spot. Despite the fact that smaller heads offer more control and ease of movement, you’ll need to be very precise when hitting the ball so as not to miss it.
Length
Most adult rackets fall in the 70-75 centimetres scale. On the one hand, longer dunlop tennis rackets are usually lighter and provide more serving power because you’re able to hit the ball at a steeper angle. On the other hand, the shorter models are easier to handle and offer more flexibility. You can’t really go wrong either way, so it mainly comes down to your preferences.
Grip Size
Seeing as everyone has different hand sizes, you’ll need to adjust the grip on your racket accordingly. A sure-fire way to determine the grip size is to measure the distance between the tip of your ring finger and the second line on your palm. Then, the measured length is then assigned to a corresponding perimeter of a dunlop tennis racket. In this way, you’ll be sure that you’ve found your perfect match.
How Do You Choose the Right Tennis Clothes?
Most tennis players wear T-shirts and shorts made of synthetic materials such as polyester because of their moisture-wicking capabilities. Since you’ll be running around quite a bit, you’ll need something that doesn’t absorb sweat or cause any irritation. Additionally, make sure that you avoid ill-fitting or uncomfortable clothes which are bound to have a negative impact on your overall performance.
How Do You Choose the Best Tennis Shoes?
We all know the importance of a good pair of shoes when it comes to playing sports. But since you’re a beginner, you don’t have to go all out when deciding on a model. Even the most basic pair of sports shoes should do just fine to get you started. Luckily for you, there’s no shortage of options when looking at comfortable men’s sneakers that suit your needs and help you avoid foot fatigue.
Your best bet is to go with sneakers that have a padded sole and soft outer shell for maximum support and flexibility. And remember, the best pair of men’s sneakers should perfectly match the anatomy of your feet. In other words, it’s supposed to fit snugly into each cut and crevice without obstructing your movement in any way.
Here’s a pro tip – when shopping for sneakers, make sure you try on different pairs towards the end of the day because that’s when your feet get a bit puffy and swollen from your activities during the day. In this way, you’ll be able to determine whether or not you’ll feel comfortable wearing that particular type of sports shoe for longer periods of time. If you start to notice any discomfort, let that be a warning sign that you should check out a different model.
When it comes to the outsole of your tennis shoes, it’s a good idea to base your decision on the type of court you’ll be playing on. Will you be going to a hard-surfaced court? Then you’ll need outsoles that can absorb shock with lots of cushioning. Similarly, if you’re using a grass court, you should look for a non-slip outsole that’ll give you a better grip and prevent injuries.
Additional Tennis Accessories
Before we let you off on your tennis playing journey, let’s have a look at a few additional accessories that can improve your overall experience.
Duffel Bag
You can’t possibly carry all of your training essentials by hand, can you? This is why you’ll need a spacious duffel bag to store all of your bare necessities while moving from court to court. Make sure you have a general idea of how many items you’ll need so that you which size to look for. There’s no point in getting a duffel bag that’s too small to fit all of your training gear and vice versa.
When it comes to the type, backpack-style and barrel duffel bags as the most convenient options. Generally speaking, backpacks are more convenient since you won’t have to carry any extra weight after your long and tiring training sessions. But barrel duffels are oftentimes larger and offer more storage space for bigger equipment as the perfect all-in-one bag. Regardless of the type, you should go for the bag style that you think is the most appropriate for the type of tools you carry and your particular style of play.
In any case, it’s a good idea to invest in a duffel bag that has lots of separate storage pockets. By doing this, you’ll be able to keep all of your things easily reachable and neatly organised. You’d be surprised at how much time and effort you’ll save, both of which you can direct entirely onto your training sessions. At the end of the day, the last thing you want to do is search for your water bottle every time you feel like you need a bit of refreshment after a long tennis session.
Head and Wrist Bands
Last but not least, the whole point of head and wrist bands is to absorb excess sweat. You should definitely do everything in your power to avoid a wet grip, or moisture trickling down your forehead when you’re trying to pay attention to the ball.
