YOUR ADVANTAGE OFF THE COURT - PACKING THE PERFECT TENNIS BAG
Published: 24/07/2025, by Will Sendel
If you’re planning to make the court your own, you’re going to need some top-quality kit. Not sure of what to pack on your journey to the top? Here’s our breakdown of some tennis essentials if success is your style.
You need kit you can rely on. The right gear isn’t just about looking the part - it helps you perform at your best, every time. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you need to pack dominate the court, from your trusted racket to your lucky sweatband.
FINDING THE PERFECT BAG
First up: let’s talk about the bag itself. It’s the foundation of your kit, making sure everything you need is easy to pack, carry, and find when you need it. A good bag keeps you organised and prepared, no matter what level you play.
If you’re a casual player, you’ll be looking for a bag with a decent amount space - enough for your racket, balls, a change of clothes and some other bits we’ll get into later. Padded straps and a couple of simple compartments help keep things organised so you’re not rummaging for your water bottle or sweatband mid-match.
For more competitive players, your bag is mission control. You’ll no doubt have a lot of the gear already, so will know that a lot of space is key. Towels, grips, nutrition, and recovery tools makes sure you're ready for anything, but can be big and bulky if you don’t end up with the right bag.
Whether you’re hitting the local courts or travelling for tournaments, the right bag is an essential part of your prep. Explore our full collection to find one that suits your needs and keeps you focused on your game.
CHOOSING YOUR RACKET - YOUR BIGGEST WEAPON
Your choice of racket is about as big of a decision as you can make. It’s important to get it right, and to do that you’ll need to know your strengths. Do you find yourself dependent on explosive power, or do you favour control and precision? Do you prefer to play at the baseline, or are you an attacking net player? There are some fundamentals you’ll need to consider if you’re looking for the perfect racket:
- Head Size: Let’s start with the basics. If you’re a beginner making a start on your tennis journey, a larger head size racket should be your go-to. With a bigger sweet spot, it provides more power whilst offering forgiveness on hits that aren’t quite central. For advanced players, a smaller head size offers better control and precision, with a smaller sweet spot. Though harder to get the perfect connection, you’ll find the extra power it generates allows you to place shots exactly where you want them.
- Grip Size: To feel comfortable and play at your best, you need to find a grip perfect for your hands; if your grip’s too small you’ll strain your wrists and if it’s too big it’ll hinder manoeuvrability. Measuring the distance from the base of your palm to the tip of your ring finger will give your perfect grip size.
- Weight: If you play with lightning speed, you might prefer a lighter racket, offering quicker swings and faster movement than a heavier one. Heavier rackets will give you more stability and power, so are better for stronger players that dominate the baseline.
Once you know your style, you can discover our collection of rackets, from some of the game’s biggest brands like Wilson, HEAD and Babolat.
STEP INTO GREATNESS WITH IDEAL SHOES
Greatness starts from the foundations. Throughout every swing, serve and smash, what you’re wearing on your feet keeps you strong and swift. Built for extensive lateral support to reduce risk to your ankles, finding the perfect tennis shoes is a must.
To find the right pair, you’ll need to know your court. For ultimate performance, you’ll be looking for a pair of lightweight shoes dedicated to the surface you’re playing on. Competing outside on grass? Grass court shoes have you covered. Playing on clay? The zig zag pattern of clay court shoes supports you from serve to match point. Having a game indoors? Indoor tennis shoes’ smooth soles are perfect for keeping you stable.
If you’re going to be playing on a mix of courts, you’ll want a pair of all court tennis shoes. Designed with a herringbone grip pattern, they’re designed to keep you performing wherever you are.
Your choice of footwear can be make or break. Unleash your inner champion with our collection of shoes for any level, from top brands Babolat, Slazenger, Nike and adidas.
PICK THE RIGHT BALL AND MAKE EVERY SHOT COUNT
Your bag is never complete without spare tennis balls. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or an absolute beginner, you’ll want extras on hand to keep the session going when a ball goes astray.
From Slazenger balls used at Wimbledon for over a century to iconic Wilson and HEAD balls, there’s a wide range of options to suit your style and surface.
THE FINISHING PIECES TO MASTER YOUR GAME
They might seem like small details, but accessories can make a big difference to your game - the right extras help you stay ready for anything on court. Let’s look at the essential accessories you’ll want to pack to give yourself the edge:
- Sweatbands: Manage moisture with sweatbands for your wrists and head, keeping you comfortable and dry as you dominate the game.
- Water Bottle: Hydration is the key to success. To play at your best, you’ll need to stay on top of dehydration to prevent fatigue or a drop in concentration.
- Visor: The summer sun can be deceptively hot and bright, so it’s good to have a visor in your bag to stop the weather hindering your performance.
WANT TO ACE THE LOOK? GET A RACKET BAG
As well as a bag for your essentials, a dedicated tennis racket bag is a must-have. With a shape designed for one or multiple rackets and with internal pockets to ensure smaller items stay organised, these bags provide you with the space to keep your essentials.
With bags from tennis powerhouses Babolat and Wilson, discover our collection and find your new go-to for training sessions or matches.
Whatever level you’re at, a well-packed bag makes all the difference on the court. Focus on your game without distraction by always carrying your essentials.
Get organised, stay prepared and play your best every match.
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