So you’ve decided to take up playing tennis. Good choice. Tennis is a very good pastime because, well, obviously it is good for your physical conditioning. However, it is also a wise choice of activity because it is done outdoors, getting you fresh air and sunshine. It is great for social interaction, and it is excellent cardio as well.
With that said, you still have to decide what tennis equipment you will need and have to purchase to begin with. And, here, if you allow it to, this can seem overwhelming. But fear not, this article will help get you on track with your tennis equipment needs. With that said, let us begin.
When it comes to tennis equipment, opinion is generally split between two particular items in regards to which one is the most important of them all. Tennis shoes and tennis racquets. This article is not going to side one way or the other, but for purposes of getting on with this report we shall begin with tennis racquets.
With regard to tennis racquets, you do not want to skimp. The old adage applies here. You get what you pay for. Often people purchase the cheapest one they can find, only to have it fall apart on them shortly after, and they end up having to shell out money once again. So, do your best to get it right from the beginning. There are basically three types, beginner, intermediate, and advanced (or pro), and there are definite differences in their weight, size, and how tightly they are wound.
Your very best bet when deciding on this very important tennis equipment purchase is to consult a local tennis pro about what type of racquet is best for beginners. Most tennis shops usually have just such a person employed there. If you choose to go the sporting goods store route, try to choose one that has someone there who has intimate knowledge of the sport of tennis so you will know you are getting sound advice.
Now on to the tennis shoes. Once again, do not skimp here either. Don’t buy shoes that just so happen to be called “tennis shoes.” Several types of sneakers and outdoor shoes loosely use this term. Make sure the shoes are specifically designed for playing the game of tennis.
Once you have found a shoe you think may fit the bill, you have to try them out a little differently than you would with just any old pair of shoes. In other words, once you have them on and tied properly, mimic the movements you will be performing on the tennis court. Who cares what you may look like in the store when doing so? We are talking about foot care here. Choosing the wrong pair could lead to foot problems down the road and costly podiatry bills.
So now we head on to the rest of your tennis equipment arsenal. You will need a tennis bag, obviously like the shoes, that is designated for the sport of tennis. You will want one that can hold your racquet, shoes, towels, balls, wristbands, headbands, and maybe even your tennis outfit itself. Unless you are wearing the same outfit after your game. Make sure when picking out a bag that it can indeed hold all of the above mentioned tennis equipment.
Headbands and wristbands may seem like minor things, but trust me; they are also very important items of tennis equipment. The sweat will be flying and dripping like crazy, and you don’t want it going in your eyes (ouch!) or down your hands while you are trying to hold the racquet.