Tennis Gear 101: 6 Essential Pieces Every Beginner Needs
If you're a beginner wanting to get inside the tennis world, the first thing you should do is buy the proper equipment. Having the right gear will help you learn better, improve faster, and accomplish your dreams.
When you think about tennis gear, the first thing that comes to mind is the tennis racquet. Together with the balls, it's the essential piece of equipment. However, the market is filled with different brands and sometimes it can be difficult to choose. If you want something good and reliable go with Volkl. There's a variety of high-quality, comfortable Volkl tennis racquets you can choose from.
This is a brand that’s devoted to giving their customers the best in the world. The C10 EVO is a legendary racquet that has a thin beam frame, which is very light. You can use it as it is or have it customised to your needs and preferences. You get a great, well-balanced feel and a soft flex. It weighs around 330g and has a Twin Absorber handle system. It's easy to manoeuvre and very fast in the air.
The V-Cell 3 falls in the oversize category. This means it has a lot of power and great control. Volkl has developed a catapult system that is featured in this racquet. It’s made to boost your power. The V1 is a classic and a favourite among players. It has a soft and crisp feel and can be fine-tined to your needs. No matter which one of their racquets you choose, you won’t make a bad choice.
The two main things that will influence your racquet choice are your height and strength level. If you’re stronger, you can go for an easier-to-control racquet. Also, you'll easily handle heavier racquets that will give you a more powerful hit. Your playing style, swing type, and technique will also influence your decision.
You should know that a larger racquet head will give you more surface area and power. A smaller one has less surface and not a lot of power but if you’re sure you can handle it, it’s easier to control. The handle size can also vary. Longer ones have more reach and power. Heavier handles are harder to control but you’ll have better swing power.
Tennis Balls
Contrary to popular belief, not all tennis balls are the same. There are a few varieties, and the one you choose depends on your preference, the court you're playing on, and your playing style. If you’re playing on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete, invest in extra-duty balls. You’ll use them for a long time because of how durable they are.
Soft and indoor courts are suitable for regular duty balls. They’ll give you more speed and balance because they have less compressed felt. However, they won’t be as durable and extra-duty balls. As a beginner, it’s always a good idea to start practicing with pressureless balls. They have thicker walls that make a very distinct sound when they touch the ground and are very durable. They have one disadvantage, though. They’ll hit your Volkl tennis racquets harder and you’ll feel all of the force in your arms.
Grip Tape
Grip tape is a nice accessory to have that will help you improve traction, absorb sweat and lessen blisters. You'll also find it under the name “overgrip”. It's practical for players of all skill levels. You get a firm, stable grip and your Volkl tennis racket handle won’t wear off as fast as it would without the grip tape.
If you ever find yourself between sizes, the grip tape will help you adjust the racquet to your needs. If you’re playing in humid environments, sweat is probably another issue you will face. This is where grip tape can help you and absorb all of the sweat from your hands. When you’re buying the tape, consider its thickness, tackiness, absorption, texture and durability. Adjust them to your needs.
Proper Clothes
Playing tennis involves a lot of movement: running, twists, turns, sudden stops and jumps. To do all of this, you need the proper clothing that won’t restrict your body. Something comfortable and made of durable materials. Of course, the clothes should be weather-appropriate and keep you warm during the colder months and cool during the sunny days.
Tennis clothes should be stretchy and highly absorbent. Both men’s and women’s tops are almost always white. They're short-sleeved and made of cotton blends. Men pair the shirts with shorts. Women, on the other hand, can wear a one-piece tennis dress or a short tennis skirt with a top. However, you should always check the rules and requirements of the court you’re playing at.
Tennis Shoes
Finding the right tennis shoes is crucial. They're the base of your outfit and the contact point with the court. They should be comfortable, durable and give you the proper support. Look for shoes made specifically for tennis courts and have the proper outsole. Hard court outsoles are every common and have a herringbone pattern to give you a good grip and give while playing.
Clay court outsoles have a zigzag pattern that will keep clay away from getting stuck and will give you a better grip for all of your movements. The grass court outsoles have nibs that are much more stable on a soft and slippery surface as grass. Make sure you find the right fit. Don't let the shoe be too tight or too loose because it can be uncomfortable and cause injuries.
Ball Hopper
The ball hopper is a great investment, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s a practical way to store all of your practice balls. The size of these baskets will vary from storing 40 to 150 tennis balls. Baskets with adjustable legs are great if you don’t want to bend each time you need a new ball. These hoppers can be made of metal or plastic. Metal ones are heavier but sturdier. Plastic hoppers are lightweight but won’t last as long.
