Tennis equipment is available for both adults and children, including different rackets, balls and nets, than those used by the professionals. Modifying the equipment you use to learn the game will help you improve more quickly by slowing down the action so you can learn the strokes and shots you'll need to master the game.
Youth Rackets
Kids will need lighter and shorter rackets, based on their age and height. Adult rackets can weigh up to 15 oz. and be more than 27 1/2 inches long, while rackets for children are as short as 21 inches and as light as 6 oz. Junior rackets can have designs with wild colors and cartoon characters or look just like the rackets the pros use.
Adult Rackets
Adults just learning to play the game will want a racket that does more work for them because they haven't developed the specific strokes and motor skills required to produce maximum power and control. Beginner rackets feature larger head sizes, a stiffer frame and are lighter in weight.
Balls
Both adults and kids can use foam balls to help hone strokes. Because regulation-size balls are harder and smaller, even a slight wrong hit can send the ball sailing over the fence. Because of this, beginners tend to shorten up on strokes in an attempt to control the ball, leading to incorrect stroke development. Using foam balls allows players to swing through the ball correctly without worrying about injuring an opponent or sending the ball five courts over. While foam balls are made by several tennis manufacturers, any firm, foam ball will work for learning tennis. Very soft foam balls may not bounce well on a hard surface, so try them out in the store before you buy them.
Nets
Lower nets are available to help juniors learn the game by creating shorter courts. These lightweight, portable net, post and base systems are generally placed perpendicular to a real tennis net to create a smaller playing area. They can be used in a gym or on a driveway or other flat playing area.
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