Beginner Tennis Gear Guide
Starting tennis? You don't need to spend a fortune. Here's what you actually need, what you can skip, and what to upgrade later.
The Honest Starter Checklist
Tennis has a reputation as an expensive sport, but starting out is surprisingly affordable. Here's the truth about what you need on day one:
Borrow one for your first few sessions. If you like it, buy a mid-range racket ($80-$150). Avoid the cheapest $30 department store rackets — they're genuinely harder to play with.
A can of 3-4 pressurised balls ($6-$10) lasts several sessions. For solo practice against a wall, pressureless balls last much longer.
Any flat-soled court shoe or running shoe works initially. Avoid hiking boots and thongs. Dedicated tennis shoes can wait until you're playing weekly.
Shorts/skirt, t-shirt, sports bra. Anything you'd wear to the gym. Tennis-specific apparel is for style, not necessity.
A fresh overgrip transforms how a racket feels. Especially important in Aussie heat when hands get sweaty.
Obvious, but you'd be amazed how many people rock up without one at 35°C.
For daytime play. A cap also helps reduce glare when serving.
Protects your racket and gives you a place for shoes, water, and spare grips. Not urgent.
Reduces racket vibration. Some people love them, some don't notice any difference. Try one to find out.
Essential if you're practising solo (serve practice, wall drills), but overkill for casual rallying with a friend.
What NOT to Buy as a Beginner
Save your money on these until you know you're committed:
- An expensive racket ($300+). Advanced rackets are designed for players who already generate their own power and spin. As a beginner, you need a forgiving, lightweight frame — not a precision weapon.
- A ball machine. You don't have consistent enough strokes to benefit from one yet. Rally with a friend or hit against a wall — both are free.
- Match-quality clothing. Nobody cares what you wear on a public court. Focus on comfort and sun protection.
- A string job. New rackets come pre-strung. Those factory strings are perfectly fine for 3–6 months of beginner play.
Your First Accessories: Where to Start
If you've decided tennis is your thing and you want to invest in some gear beyond the bare minimum, here's the upgrade order we'd recommend:
Overgrips
$11.95A tacky overgrip gives you more control and absorbs sweat. Replace every 3-5 sessions.
Pressureless Practice Balls
$24.95They don't go flat. Perfect for solo wall drills and casual rallying. A tube lasts months.
Vibration Dampener
$15.95Softens the feel on impact. Some beginners find it makes mishits less jarring on the arm.
Racket Bag
From $39.95Protects your racket from heat and bumps. Also gives you a dedicated spot for all your gear.
LED Balls (for evening play)
$34.95If you're playing after work under lights, these are a game-changer. Especially on dimmer courts.
Finding Somewhere to Play
Australia has free or cheap public tennis courts in almost every suburb. Here's how to find them:
- Google "[your suburb] tennis courts" — most councils list their public courts online
- Tennis Australia court finder — the most comprehensive database of courts in Australia
- Ask at your local park — many parks have courts tucked away that aren't well signposted
- Facebook groups — search "[your city] social tennis" for casual groups welcoming beginners
Most public courts cost $0–$20/hour. Many are free during daylight with coin-operated or app-activated lights for evening play.
One More Thing: Play at Night
If you're self-conscious about your beginner strokes, evening sessions are your friend. Fewer spectators, cooler temperatures, and the courts are usually emptier. Add LED balls and it becomes a social event rather than a training drill. Nobody judges your forehand when they're laughing at a glowing ball bouncing into the bushes.
Starting out? We've got you.
Browse our beginner-friendly accessories — overgrips, balls, dampeners, and more.
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