Don't let the pros, with their overstuffed bags, fool you. If you like to travel lightly, tennis might be the sport for you. The equipment you need to enjoy an hour or two on the court is actually quite minimal. In fact, if you have a partner and a place to play, you're already well on your way.
Racket
The most important piece of equipment you'll need to get started is a tennis racket. There are hundreds of rackets to choose from, in a wide variety of prices, sizes and shapes. The official rules of tennis only mandate that the frame of the racket is 29 inches or less in length and 12.5 inches or less in width. The hitting surface can't be longer than 15.5 inches in length and 11. 5 inches in width. Rackets for kids can cost less than $20, while adults can expect to pay anywhere from about $40 to $300.
Strings
Most tennis rackets are already strung when you buy them, but strings wear down over time and can even break. Experts suggest getting your racket restrung as many times a year as you play in a single week. Tennis' official rulebook doesn't put many requirements on strings, stating only that the racket's hitting surface should have a flat, consistent pattern of crossed strings that are alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross. Strings are made of a variety of materials, including nylon, polyester, natural gut and others. They also come in a wide variety of colors. Getting your racket restrung can cost anywhere from about $25 to$60, depending on the type of string you use.
Grips
Like strings, tennis rackets come with grips already on them. Grips come in two materials, leather and synthetic. Unfortunately you'll find that grips, like strings, wear down. Overgrips, which are wrapped around the original grip, absorb moisture and help prevent the racket from slipping in your hand. They can also add thickness to your original grip, creating a better fit for your hand. They come in a variety of packages and can be bought for as little as about $3 for a three-pack.
Balls
Once you have your racket squared away, the only other required gear is tennis balls. The rules of tennis don't allow for much variety, saying balls must be yellow or white and fit specific mass, weight and durability requirements. Balls usually come in a can of three, and cost about $3 per can. You can also buy them by the case.
Apparel
The most important clothing consideration for tennis is your shoes, and making sure you have a comfortable fit is most important. Because tennis involves a lot of starting, stopping and changing directions, durability is also important. Another clothing feature to consider is a place to store an extra ball or two. Many tennis players choose shorts with pockets, and many women wear undergarments under their skirt or dress and tuck the ball in at the hip.
Miscellaneous
Now that you've got your racket, balls and clothes figured out, there are, of course, those little extras. Many players like to bring a towel to dry off between games and points. Other players wear headbands and wristbands. You could also consider wearing a visor, cap or sunglasses to stay cool and improve your vision during sunny days. You may also want to bring a jug full of water on hot days. Some players add vibration dampeners to their strings to absorb the shock of a ball contact. And, if you want to look like the pros, there are always those overstuffed tennis bags.
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