EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES

GEAR NEEDED FOR TENNIS CLASS

1- TENNIS RACKET

When choosing a tennis racket for your child, the number one concern is finding the correct size. 

If your young player uses a racket that is too big and heavy, then they are at risk for injury. Despite there not being a drastic increase in weight, the force required to swing a too-big racket is greater and can cause undue stress on the wrist and elbow. On the other hand, if your child uses a racket that is too small, it can stall their progression in the sport.

Unlike adult rackets which are categorized by head size (the surface area of the string bed), kids’ rackets are categorized by length. In general terms, each length corresponds with an age group; however, if your child is either very tall or very short for their age, you will want to take that into account when selecting the correct racket size. 

UP TO 8 YEARS OLD

17-inch, 19-inch, and 21-inch rackets are very lightweight and made with young muscles in mind. These rackets all come pre-strung and are recommended based on age and height rather than skill level. 

The smallest racket is 17 inches and is meant for really young kids, aged 2-3, 

while the slightly longer 19-inch racket can be used for kids up to 4 years old. 

The 21-inch is the next size up and is ideal for kids aged 5-6 years and 23-inch rackets are intended for kids aged 7-8 years old.

Remember to take your under-8 child’s height into account when choosing a racket for them. 

Kids who are tall for their age may want to go up a size, and kids who are shorter will need a shorter racket. (2 ft tall will need 19- inch racket. 3ft tall will need 21-inch rackets and 3.5 ft tall child will need 23-inch racket)

9-10 YEARS OLD

Unlike with 8-and-under's, when choosing a racket for a 9- or 10-year-old, you will want to take skill level and on-court experience into account. 

25-inch rackets range from recreational and beginner rackets to performance level youth rackets. Performance level 25-inch rackets are slightly heavier and meant for a more competitive junior player as they are made with the same performance carbon fiber as full-size adult performance models. If your child is still relatively new to tennis or doesn’t play competitively, then they should be fine with a lighter recreational racket.

11+ YEARS OLD

As with the 25-inch rackets, skill level and experience also play a factor when selecting a racket for a slightly older child. 

26-inch rackets are slightly longer and therefore slightly heavier than the previous frames. They aim to help young players transition slowly and safely toward an eventual adult frame when their height warrants that move. 

Again, a competitive junior will want to look at line of junior performance rackets.

TRANSITIONING TO AN ADULT FRAME

There’s no exact formula that determines when it’s time for a junior player to transition from youth rackets to an adult racket, but choosing the correct first adult racket can be crucial. Wilson, Babolat, amongst other top brands offer models with this type of player in mind. These rackets are adult-sized but slightly lighter than similar adult-sized frames. 

Contact us if you need help choosing your racket

2 - PROPER TENNIS SHOES

We keep the health and safety of our players our Top Priority.

The lack of proper footwear on the tennis court has been proven to potentially result in knee injury, ankle injury.

When it comes down to it, tennis does involve running, but the two activities are very different. Because of this, each shoe has a different sole and tread pattern.

What Are Tennis Shoes?

Tennis is a unique sport in regards to its movement pattern. During the average tennis match, 60-80% of movements performed are lateral (side-to-side), with quick directional changes and sudden starts/stops. What’s more, there are many slides & hops as well as steps. The structure of the average lightweight athletic shoe simply wouldn’t survive without the upper or outsole collapsing.

For this reason, tennis shoes have to be more durable. The outer sole is typically made of high-quality and thick rubber. This gives the shoes some weight at the bottom but protects the outsole from wearing out on the abrasive tennis court. The upper material is made from a tightly knit synthetic mesh, such as PU leather or thermoplastic. It’s strong enough to survive the constant side-to-side foot movement without tearing, but still fairly light. 

Popular tennis shoe brands include Asics, Adidas, and Wilson, Nike, among others.

Where can I find Tennis Shoes?

Online: 

tenniswarehouse.com 

tennisexpress.com

tennis-point.com

Many options. Prices start at $20 on sale depending on sale and sites.

In Store:

Topspin Tennis & Pickleball in Huntsville

Youth Shoe Sizes starting at 11.5. Price range between $70 to $110. 

3 - SPORT CLOTHES

Warm weather: Shorts or tennis skirt/ tee- shirt

Cold weather: Sports pants, sweater

Best with pockets 

4 - CAP - VISOR

When sunny

5 - WATER BOTTLE

With player's name labeled