So, you’ve enrolled your child in a great tennis summer camp. What about equipment? Most sports require some level of equipment, and tennis is little different in that regard. The good news, though, is that tennis lessons require far less equipment than many other sports. In fact, your child really only needs two things for that first tennis lesson: a good racquet and comfortable shoes. 

Choosing a Racquet

You’re going to be overwhelmed when you initially look at racquets for kids. You want to start by thinking about size. The smaller the player, the smaller the racquet. A very young tennis player will likely want to start off with a 17” racquet. An older tennis player, say ten years old, can move up to a 24” racquet. Be sure to check grip size before you leave the pro shop, though! While most come in a standard 4” grip, you may need to add a bit so it’s perfect for your child to handle. 

The Right Court Shoes

Court shoes are designed to protect your child as he or she moves across the court. They can stop a rolled ankle before it ever happens, and they’re built to take the fast movement necessary. There are many court shoes available for kids, but the key is that they’re comfortable for your child the moment they put them on. Don’t confuse these with sneakers. Be sure to select shoes that were specifically made for tennis. 

As your child continues to play, you may want to invest in other equipment, including balls for after lesson use and the right clothes for match play (if there is a required dress code). A good racquet and comfortable shoes, though, are the perfect starting companion for that first tennis lesson.