Important Tennis Accessories That Every Tennis Player Should Have
There are many reasons why Aussies are passionate about tennis. The rich tennis history and the good conditions are among the major reasons for this. Australia has been hosting the great Australian Open since 1905, and it’s been growing in popularity ever since. The beautiful weather and the vibrant colours of the court surfaces make for a great product. And many Aussies have been known to follow different tennis players, from locals to great names like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Numbers can only confirm the tennis popularity. Latest reports show a record of 1,529,000 Aussies playing tennis, including 1,227,800 adults and 301,200 children. This shows a growth rate of 37% in just 12 months.
Are you or your children among the many Australians that hit the court regularly? Or maybe you’ve been thinking of starting playing tennis as a new hobby? While the importance of tennis essentials like racquets, balls, and a bag is undeniable, the importance of tennis accessories is rarely discussed. What are some of the must-have tennis accessories, and how can they make you a better player?
Tennis Accessories for Your Tennis Bag
How can you pack your tennis racquet bag like a pro? Put all the essentials and accessories you’ll need while on the court or in the gym afterwards. How many things you’ll pack depends on your personal needs and your time on the court. It’s not the same going to throw a ball or two and going for a whole day of matches or even a tournament. Another factor is consistency: do you play professionally, regularly or hit a couple of balls from time to time? These are all significant indications of how much and what kinds of things you will pack in your tennis bag.
Tennis Essentials
You’ll need at least two and up to 10 racquets and several tennis balls from tennis essentials. Some players need more, some need less. If you’re a beginner, you can start with two racquets and then add to your needs. In terms of balls, many players have both new balls for the game and old ones for practising. It’s also helpful to have some extra string, especially if you’re playing for more extended periods, so you can re-string a racquet in case it breaks down.
Tennis Accessories
What are the tennis accessories you’ll need in your tennis bag? Here are some must-haves:
- Water bottle. The last thing you want on a crucial play day is to get dehydrated. This can quickly happen as you sweat a lot while playing. Having a special water bottle on the court can keep you hydrated.
- Snacks. Gels, energy bars and bananas are the common snack choices of many players. Keep a few of these always with you so you can snack on them for extra energy. That way, you can ensure your blood sugar levels are always stable and keep you going. Avoid chocolate ones, as they can melt and cause you trouble.
- Towel. Make sure you have at least one big towel in your bag, so you can wipe your sweat off to stay dry. If you plan to shower there, make sure you have at least one extra towel with you.
- Wristbands and headbands. If you’re a person that sweats a lot, you’ll find wristbands and headbands very useful. That way, you can wipe the sweat off your face, especially during the game.
- Overgrips. These are the lovely accessories that go over the grips of your racquet for added comfort and functionality. There’s a variety of styles and colours to choose from, so choose the feel you like the most.
- Dampeners. These are small pieces of rubber attached to the strings of a racquet. Their primary purpose is to reduce the vibration caused by hitting the ball with the racquet. They help reduce any shock and vibrations felt along the forearm and elbow for a smoother feel upon contact. They also muffle the ping sound that the ball makes.
Tennis Accessories for Practising at Home
Do you often have a little time to practice, but you don’t feel like going to the court? Did you know that by using tennis accessories, you can turn your extra garden or backyard space into your tennis court? It doesn’t have to be a full-size court, for which, surprisingly, you need only 30 metres; a smaller, flat space will do just fine. What do you need for building your tennis court? A net and net holder, a ball basket, and some training disk will be enough. You’ll likely need some storage space, so make sure to have your valuable accessories well stored.
Having an outside space to practice is a convenient way to practice more, as not having enough time to go to the court won’t serve you as an excuse anymore. It can be very beneficial, similar to having a stationary home bike for improving your health and wellness.
Tennis Accessories in Case of Injury
When you play sports regularly, the likelihood of getting injured is bigger than not exercising at all. Some tennis accessories can help prevent injuries, and some of them can help heal more quickly so you can get back soon to the court. Here are some items that are useful to have:
- Compression belts and briefs give the support you need if you already have a kind of hernia or want to prevent it from happening.
- Knee pads prevent your knees from getting hurt. Elbow and wrist braces protect your elbows and wrists from all kinds of injuries. Many tennis players tape their fingers with tennis tape to give them additional support.
- Special body glides can prevent rubbing in some body areas and prevent getting painful blisters and general discomfort.
- In case you do hurt yourself, special knee and shoulder braces can help you heal faster. Pain killer creams and gels, as well as ice bags, are first aid must-haves in case of injury.