Your Back-to-Tennis Checklist

A checklist of back-to-tennis essentials so that you’re ready when it’s time to hit the court.

YOUR BACK-TO-TENNIS CHECKLIST

So you’re looking to get back into the swing of things? Not a problem. We’ve put together a checklist of back-to-tennis essentials so you’re ready with everything you’ll need when it’s time to hit the court.

1. RE-STRING/UPGRADE YOUR RACKET

The most important thing to do before you get back out there is to get fresh strings in your racket. If you haven’t played for a while, your strings will have lost quite a bit of tension, making it harder for you to control the ball. Getting your rackets re-strung before you head out there will give you more confidence going for your shots while you shake the dust off.

If it’s been a really long time since you last played, and your sticks are looking more like fossils than frames, you may want to demo a few new rackets. Check out our Racket Selector to see what we’d recommend for you to try.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure what tension to get your rackets strung at, we’d recommend 55 lbs / 25kg. From there, you can adjust your tension as you see fit: raising your tension for more control or lowering it for more power.Start with NXT if unsure of the string, or check out our guide to choosing the right string here.

2. CHECK YOUR SHOES

Before you take the court, make sure your shoes are in good condition. The last thing you want is an injury when you’re just getting back out there. The two most important things to check for are holes on the top or bottom and that your shoelaces are in good condition. If it's time to up your shoe game, Wilson has a selection of top-of-the-line tennis shoes to help get you court-ready. For those competing, we would recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes in your bag or car, just in case.

Pro Tip: Always carry an extra set of shoelaces in your bag. You can likely finish a match if you wear through the sole, but if your shoelace breaks, your shoe will be virtually unwearable.

3. STOCK UP ON TENNIS BALLS

Nobody likes playing with dead tennis balls. Grab a couple of cans before you head out there. Remember that one can typically lasts one to two playing sessions before the balls start to lose their spunk, so buying a few cans will save you extra trips to the shop. If you plan to play frequently, buying a case of balls (24 cans) will save you time and money. Keep in mind that while they may look similar, not all tennis balls are created equal. If you need some guidance in choosing the right tennis ball, we're here to help.

Pro Tip: Check out Recycleballs.org to learn how you can reduce the impact tennis ball usage has on the environment. Have you heard about Triniti, our new eco-conscious, high-performance tennis ball?

4. BRING EXTRA OVERGRIPS

Whether you’ve got sweaty hands or you have a tendency to throw your racket (not recommended), having back-up overgrips is always a smart idea. A fresh grip will give you the most control over your shots while old or worn-out grips will slip at impact, making it difficult to achieve clean contact. We’d recommend replacing your overgrip every 2-3 playing sessions, as well as before every match.

Pro Tip: Learn how to wrap your overgrip like a pro with our step-by-step guide.