New to Tennis? Here's the Gear You Need to Get Out On the Court

I was lucky enough to test this racket. I’m not sure there’s enough room here to fully explain why I love it. I hadn’t gotten a new racket in about 10 years (my old one was definitely overdue for a restring), so picking this up felt like a reset.

I’m not going to pretend it magically fixed my game (I think the lessons helped with that), but I immediately noticed a difference: more power, more control, and a much more satisfying feel on contact. I was getting that clean “pop” sound on most hits, and I could actually send the ball deep while still keeping it in bounds.

But let me back up. The first thing I noticed was how light and easy it felt to swing this racket. Nothing felt heavy or forced, which made it easier to stay relaxed throughout my shots rather than overthinking every swing.

That actually lines up with what many coaches recommend. “Beginners should look for a racket that’s lightweight with a larger head size, which gives you a bigger sweet spot and helps you make clean contact more consistently,” says Edberg Espinoza, a former professional tennis player and current professional pickleball player.

If you want a racket that’s approachable for a beginner but eye-catching enough to turn heads, this one’s for you. The Head Radical Elite 2025 is designed for beginners and early-intermediate players. It’s lighter, with a larger, more-forgiving head, meaning you don’t have to hit the perfect shot every time to keep the ball in play.

It’s crafted with greater string movement, which enhances power. Also, it uses a 16/19 string pattern, meaning it has 16 vertical strings and 19 horizontal strings; this common pattern boosts power and allows for greater spin.

For people just starting to learn how to play tennis, it’s all about finding ways to maximize fun and minimize frustration. The Wilson Allure is our budget-friendly beginner pick thanks to its oversized head and lightweight frame, which make it easier to connect with the ball and keep rallies going. It has a slightly larger-than-average sweet spot.

Using this racket will help you get out on the court and start playing right away. You can always upgrade later.

You need very few things to start playing tennis, but a tennis ball is one of them. And if you’re just starting out, you’re going to want more than a couple, because balls will fly over fences, roll into bushes, or get stuck by the net. You don’t want to have to round them up every time a new rally starts.

Using this 12-pack of Penn tennis balls in a mesh bag gives you an easy way to transport balls to the court, where they’ll stay contained and handy. Plus, it’s an easy way to toss a bunch of balls in your tennis tote. Nothing fancy here, but essential nonetheless.

These feature a comfortable, almost bouncy midsole that feels plush and supportive. I will add, I have very flat feet; so at first, the shoes felt too arched. But I think they formed to my feet, because my second wear was great. Thoughtful details like reinforced uppers that keep your feet secure while protecting against wear and tear help these shoes last.

I try to wear these only when I’m playing tennis so they don’t get too dirty. But they’re so comfortable that they’d be my go-to’s for most activities if I weren’t so concerned about scuffing the soles.

It’s okay to play tennis in running shoes. But if you plan to play a lot, you’ll be better off in tennis-specific shoes, like these from Wilson. They’re designed for lateral movement, grip, and stability. Also, if you’re playing at an indoor court or a club, you may be required to wear “non-marking soles” to prevent scuffs and damage to the court surface.

“Beginner players should make sure that they have tennis shoes that don’t have black soles, which can mark up a court,” Burger says. A proper tennis shoe protects both your feet and the court.

This is a classic ’80s silhouette, reimagined with plenty of support and a footbed that’s comfortable enough for rally after rally or a day of walking.

You don’t need top-of-the-line gear to start playing tennis. The Fila Speedserve Energized is a no-frills, reliable shoe that gives support and traction on the court for under $40, as of this writing. These shoes are made for quick stops and starts, which tennis is all about. They have a herringbone tread that’s characteristic of most tennis shoes, and they have cushioning to absorb impact and keep you comfy.

These shoes come in white if you’re going for that classic tennis look (or playing somewhere with a dress code). Other colorways are available if you want something a little less traditional or fun to wear off the court.

There’s something about putting on the right outfit for the occasion that makes you feel like a pro. That’s the energy you want to bring to the court, even if it’s your second time out there.

This dress borrows its name from Margaret Court, a famed tennis player in the ’60s and ’70s. You can’t help but feel a little of that star energy when you slip this on. This comfortable dress from Love All Tennis features a pleated skirt, a built-in bra, and built-in shorts. Thoughtful details like a ruffle waistband and a small tennis graphic on the hem give this a playful vibe that works whether you’re mid-match or recovering afterward (après-tennis).

I own this dress and love it. It fits true to size without being overly tight or restrictive, and the length is just right for me. (I’m 5'6" and it hits about mid-thigh.)

There’s a lot to love about these athletic shorts: The inner compression shorts help prevent chafing, and the four-way stretch allows for easy movement. Plus, the pockets are actually functional: big enough to stash a tennis ball, which is great for beginners working on their serves. Also, a small pocket in the back lets you stash a credit card or a key.

We love the high waist and the great color options (including white, if you’re going for a traditional tennis vibe). This will work well for other activities, too.

When you start researching tennis gear, you’ll notice that the prices for basics can seem pretty sky-high. Not so with this dress. It’s affordable and packed with helpful details. It has built-in shorts (always a win) and a side-stash pocket for holding an extra tennis ball.

You can grab it in classic white if you’re playing somewhere with an all-white dress code (or if you just want that traditional tennis look). But it also comes in bright colors that are fun for a summer match.

This bag will likely become more than just your tennis bag, which is why we love it. It’s spacious enough to fit shoes, balls, a sweatshirt, snacks, rackets, and more. But that roominess is what makes it so versatile.

“It’s an amazing travel or overnight bag,” says writer Raki Swanson. It’s very well-made, is easy to clean, and is spacious enough for all essentials and more, she says. Swanson also used it for pickleball, and it held everything she needed. It comes in fun, bright colors that are easy to spot on the sidelines.

This screen won the title of “Best Non-Greasy Budget Option” in our round-up of the best sunscreens. It’s so important to use this kind of product because you don’t want slippery or greasy hands when you’re playing tennis. This is a no-frills, reliable sunscreen that uses zinc oxide (which tends to be gentle), skips fragrance, and has a matte finish. It may leave a slight white cast. But if you’re looking for an oil-free sunscreen that gets the job done and absorbs fully without any shine or residue, this is it.

If you’re going to splurge on a racket, think about keeping it protected. This Varley racket case fits your racket and the essentials without feeling bulky or fussy. It’s simple, chic, and well-made. Plus, my most stylish tennis friend just happened to tell me that Varley is her favorite tennis-gear brand.

Yes, it’s definitely a splurge. But it’s one of those pieces that just makes you feel like a tennis player.