Beginner Tennis Equipment Guide
Walking into a tennis shop for the first time can be overwhelming — hundreds of rackets, dozens of strings, and a lot of marketing. The good news: beginners need very little, and the right choices are mostly about comfort and forgiveness, not price. Here's exactly what to look for in each piece of gear so you can start playing without overspending.
What You Actually Need
Racket
Lightweight, larger head, mid-price.
As a beginner, look for a racket with a larger head size (100–110 sq in) for a bigger sweet spot, a light frame (260–295 g unstrung) so it's easy to swing, and a slightly head-heavy balance for free power. Avoid heavy 'players' rackets' used by advanced competitors. A mid-range racket from a major brand is plenty — you don't need the most expensive model.
Grip size
Smaller is safer; add an overgrip.
Grip size matters more than beginners expect. A grip that's too big strains your wrist and elbow. If you're between sizes, go smaller — you can always build it up with an overgrip. A quick check: hold the racket and you should fit roughly one index finger between your fingertips and palm.
Strings
Softer string, mid tension — don't overthink it.
Most beginners should start with a soft, arm-friendly synthetic gut or multifilament string at a mid-range tension (around 50–55 lbs). It's comfortable and forgiving. Save stiff polyester strings for when you're swinging fast enough to need the extra control and spin — they can be harsh on the arm early on.
Shoes
Tennis-specific court shoes — not running shoes.
This is the one place not to cut corners. Tennis involves constant side-to-side movement, and running shoes offer no lateral support — a common cause of rolled ankles. Proper tennis shoes have a flat, durable sole and reinforced sides built for sliding and stopping. Match the sole to your court (hard court vs clay) if you play one surface often.
Balls
Pressurised for play, foam/low-compression to learn.
Standard pressurised balls are what you'll play with in matches. If you're brand new or practising with kids, low-compression balls (often green, orange, or red dot) travel slower and bounce lower, making them far easier to rally with while you build timing.
Accessories
Overgrips, a dampener, a bag, and water.
A few cheap extras go a long way: overgrips (replace when slippery), a vibration dampener if you prefer a crisper feel, wristbands for sweaty days, and a basic racket bag to protect your frame from temperature extremes. Staying hydrated and bringing a towel rounds out your kit.
Smart Buying Tips
Don't buy a pro's racket
The frame your favourite player uses is tuned for a fast, advanced swing. For a beginner it's heavy and unforgiving — you'll improve faster with a lighter, more powerful frame.
Demo before you commit
Many shops and clubs let you demo rackets. Hitting with two or three for a session tells you more than any spec sheet — comfort and feel are personal.
Restring 2–3× per year if you play weekly
Strings lose tension and feel even if they don't break. A rough rule: restring as many times per year as you play per week.
Part of our Tennis for Beginners guide.