Getting Back Into Tennis

Gear Refresh Checklist

Before you step on court, check your old gear. Some things age gracefully, others don't. Here's what to assess:

What to Buy First

You don't need to replace everything at once. Here's the priority order for returning players, starting with the essentials:

Injury Prevention for Returning Players

The biggest risk when coming back to tennis isn't your game — it's your body. Here's what catches returning players and how to avoid it:

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

The most common injury for returning players. It happens when rusty technique combines with enthusiastic volume — too many balls hit with poor mechanics puts massive strain on the forearm tendons. Prevention:

• Limit your first 3-4 sessions to 30-45 minutes, even if you feel great
• Wear an elbow support sleeve ($18.95) for compression and warmth
• Use a vibration dampener ($6.95) to reduce impact shock
• Focus on technique before power — your arm needs time to adapt to the load
• Ice your elbow after every session for the first month

Shoulder Strain

Serving is the most demanding tennis movement, and it's the first thing most returning players want to practice. Your shoulder hasn't done this motion in years. Start with half-pace serves and build up over several sessions. Skip overhead smashes entirely for the first two weeks.

Knee and Ankle Issues

Lateral movement on a hard court is brutal on joints that haven't done it in years. Make sure your shoes have adequate lateral support (tennis-specific shoes, not running shoes) and warm up with 5-10 minutes of light jogging and dynamic stretching before playing.

General Fitness

You will be more tired than you expect. Tennis fitness is specific — even if you run or cycle regularly, the start-stop-change-direction pattern of tennis uses different energy systems. Start with shorter sessions and build up. See our recovery tips guide for post-session care.

Your First Month Back: A Realistic Plan

1. Week 1-2: Play twice for 30-40 minutes. Focus on groundstrokes only. No serving, no overheads. Rally cooperatively with a patient partner. If you don't have a partner, use a rebound trainer ($34.95) or find a practice wall.
2. Week 3: Add serving at half pace. Introduce volleys with a partner feeding easy balls. Play for 45-60 minutes. Your timing should start feeling more natural.
3. Week 4: Full session including points. Keep it social — competitive match play can wait. Join a local club's social session for low-pressure group play.

Recommended Returning Player Kit

Here's a complete refresher package for someone coming back after a few years. Total cost is under $90, covers all the essentials, and qualifies for free shipping:

When Your Old Racket Needs Replacing

If your racket is 5+ years old, you might be surprised how much the technology has improved. Modern rackets are generally lighter, more forgiving on off-centre hits, and better at dampening vibration — all of which benefit returning players. However, a new racket isn't essential in the first month. Get your feel back first, then upgrade if the old frame feels limiting.

When you do upgrade, make sure to check your grip size. Hands change over time — arthritis, weight changes, or just not remembering your old size. Our grip size guide walks through the measurement process.

Finding People to Play With

The hardest part of returning to tennis isn't the tennis — it's finding people at your level who want to play at your times. Here are the best options:

• Social tennis at local clubs. Most clubs run weekly social sessions where anyone can drop in. Our club guide explains how these work.
• After-work tennis. Evening sessions with floodlights are perfect for working adults. See our after-work tennis guide.
• Cardio tennis. Fitness-focused group sessions run by coaches. Great for getting back in shape and meeting other players without the pressure of competitive play.
• Night tennis. A more social, relaxed option with LED gear. Lower visibility naturally slows the pace, which helps returning players. See our night tennis guide.

Maintaining Your Gear Going Forward

Now that you're back, keep your equipment in good condition so it doesn't deteriorate during any future breaks. Replace overgrips every 3-5 sessions, restring your racket every 6-12 months (depending on play frequency), and store your racket in a padded cover ($19.95) to protect it from temperature extremes. Our equipment maintenance guide covers the full routine.