Equipment needed for people beginning tennis?

Question

So next year I plan on trying out for the tennis team in school (I'll be a sophomore then) and they don't make cuts so I'll obviously make the team. Since I'm just beginning, and since I'll be in junior varsity, what should I buy? Like what kind of racket (that isn't going to be 200 dollars) clothes, shoes, etc.

Also, what are some basic things I should work on while practicing tennis? This spring and fall, I plan on practicing a lot so I don't drag my team down.

Anything else I should know for tennis tryouts and what I should do?

Thank you!

Answer 1

I would begin taking lessons right away. If you are looking for a teacher, here are some links:

http://www.uspta.com/

http://www.ptrtennis.org/

http://www.oscarwegner.com/lucile/MTMCA/Welcome.html

http://localtennislessons.com

https://www.playyourcourt.com

https://onlessons.com

http://www.playtennis.com

http://mytennislessons.com/



If you live in the USA, you should be able to find an instructor near you in one of the three web sites above.



To prepare for tryouts, I would attempt to get in as many practice matches as possible. Hopefully, your teaching pro can help you find someone to play. Group lessons are also good for meeting people in your own skill level.



Do NOT spend $200 for your first racket. Find out what your correct grip size should be [don't use a formula] by hitting with several loaner [demo] rackets of varying grip sizes, until you get one that's so small that the racket turns in your hand after an off-center hit. THEN, go to Costco, Walmart, etc and get two inexpensive rackets [pre-strung] in your correct grip size. Probably less than $100 for two rackets!



Get a nice pair of tennis-specific shoes. Do not skimp on your shoes! They must fit you correctly in width as well as length [finger's width extra inside, above the big toe]. Wear your new tennis shoes around the house or apartment for 3 or 4 days prior to playing in them.



Clothing? Look for comfortable clothes that allow your plenty of *freedom of movement.* You do not need designer clothes worn by Serena, Caroline Wozniaki, etc etc. Wear "normal" clothes that don't stand out. It looks odd to see a beginner dressing like a Wimbledon champion, IMHO. Look at what the other girls are wearing, but if you can't afford them, save your money for lessons and good shoes.



Buy tennis balls by the gross or half gross and a big-box store, not by the can. Usually cheaper that way.



Sportsmanship might not be #1, but it's better than whatever is in 2nd place :-)

Learn the official rules of tennis as well as The Code.

http://www.ustashop.com/ <-- place your mouse pointer over NOVELTY, then click on Books. The 2013 Friend at Court book is now on sale for only $13. Buy it, if you can. FAC is the USTA's #1 rule book. It has everything in it, plus, an index in the back for looking things up.



all the best, hope you have some fun along the way :-) The game is a challenge!

Answer 2

Honestly, i don't have a complete guide for you, but i was really concerned about my weight a while back and i found it really easy to lose a couple pounds by literally doing this. Every time you go out to eat, or eat at home, if it's a meal, eat only HALF of what is put in front of you. Put your napkin over the rest of the food so your not tempted to snack on the rest. Another thing is that, if you just ate but you feel hungry a short while later, try drinking some water instead of eating something else. It really helps. I hope you find this info useful!