What to bring to the tennis court: a practical checklist

The essentials

A racquet, and a spare if you can

One racquet that fits your hand and your level is the main thing. If you are serious about a match, bring a second one. A string can break at any moment, and a spare saves you from stopping halfway through. If you are new, a shop or club pro can help you choose a grip size and weight, and many places let you try racquets before you buy.

Balls

Balls matter more than most people think. Most tennis balls are pressurized, and the pressure leaks out once the can is opened, so they lose bounce within a few weeks, sooner if you play a lot. Use a fresh can for a match, and keep the older ones for practice or serving.

• Pressureless balls last much longer because they do not depend on air pressure. They usually feel heavier and harder, which is why they are more often used for practice and ball machines than for matches.
• Extra duty and regular duty. These labels are printed on the can. Extra-duty felt is made to stand up to abrasive hard courts, while regular-duty felt is meant for clay and indoor courts, where it wears less. On a hard court, extra duty is the usual choice.
• High-altitude balls. These are made for play at high elevation, where the thinner air would make a standard ball fly too fast. If you live in or are visiting a high-altitude place, look for the label.

Bring enough balls for everyone. At least one can per group is a safe rule, and a ball hopper or a ball clip makes picking them up easier on your back.

Shoes made for tennis

Tennis shoes are built for side-to-side movement, with a tougher upper and a flatter, wider sole. Running shoes are built to go forwards, and they roll when you change direction, which is a common way to twist an ankle. The sole should suit the surface you play on: a hard-court shoe, a clay-court shoe with a herringbone pattern, or an all-court shoe if you play on both. Our guide to court surfaces explains why. Indoor courts may require non-marking soles, and our guide to indoor tennis has more on that.

Look after yourself

• Water. Bring more than you think you need, especially in warm weather. See our guide to playing in summer heat. Many public courts have no fountain, or it is turned off outside the season.
• A towel. For your face, your hands and your grip. A small one is plenty.
• Sun protection. A hat or visor, sunglasses and sunscreen. Put the sunscreen on before you play, and keep it off your palms.
• Blister plasters and a few first-aid bits. A few plasters, tape and a small pack of wipes weigh nothing. Blisters on the hands and feet are the most common problem for anyone who has not played in a while.
• A snack. A banana or a bar is useful for a long match or a session after work when you have not eaten.

Small things that make a difference

• An overgrip. A thin layer of tape-like grip that wraps over the handle. It soaks up sweat, gives a better hold and is cheap to replace when it gets slick or worn. Having a spare one in the bag is a good habit.
• A vibration dampener. Optional. It is a small rubber piece in the strings that changes how the racquet sounds and some players say how it feels. It does not change how the racquet plays in any big way, so use one if you like it.
• A change of shirt. Especially if you are going straight on to work or home afterwards.

For getting on court

• Your phone. Keep a booking confirmation or a message with the court details on it, along with any code or lock combination you have been given. Some courts that are kept locked give out codes by phone or online. It is also how you will find your partner and, in an emergency, call for help.
• Cash or a card. Some public courts are managed by a city, school or parks department and charge a court fee, paid at a desk, a box or a machine. Lights may be paid separately. Having both cash and a card avoids a wasted trip. A facility’s listing here tells you if it is a managed court where you may need to book or pay.
• A way of finding the court. Check the address and parking in advance. The map shows every court within your drive time, and you can shortlist some and send one link to up to three other players, so each sees their own drive time to each court and votes yes or no.

A short checklist

• Racquet, plus a spare if you have one
• Fresh can of balls, matched to the surface
• Tennis shoes with the right sole
• Water, and a snack for a long session
• Towel and a spare overgrip
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Blister plasters
• Phone, booking details and any court code
• Cash or a card for court fees
• Ball hopper or clip, and a change of shirt

Not sure where to play? Browse by state in the court directory, or read our guide to finding public tennis courts.