Tennis is one of the best sports you can get involved with. It requires physical attributes that not many other sports possess. Unlike a bodybuilder, for example, a tennis player may be much leaner but pack just as much strength in his body.
This is why tennis is such an exciting sport to watch, precisely because appearances won’t always tell you who the better player is. When you read a review, for example, a Betnow review, you are probably looking to place a wager on the player that you think would win.
If you are new to tennis, you won’t be able to tell which player to back, and since we have established that physical attributes do not manifest in the physique of a tennis player, your choice will be even more challenging.
However, this simple lesson doesn’t just apply to the cases when you are actively looking to place a tennis wager. It actually applies in cases when you are looking to buy your tennis equipment.
Should you go cheap or should you spend a little more? How important is good tennis equipment overall, and should you be aiming to get a better one? All of these questions are interesting enough, and they deserve a proper answer.
Should You Invest in (Good) Tennis Equipment?
It would be unimaginable to play tennis without access to proper equipment. If you go back 50 years in the past, buying tennis equipment and even finding a place to play would have been a bit of a nightmare unless you aren’t privileged enough.
Today, though, the world of tennis doesn’t care about privilege, only personal merit as a player. That is why tennis equipment has become very accessible, to the point where good gear is readily available.
You can buy a great racquet, overgrips, vibration absorbers, lead tape, and more to make sure that you are enjoying a much more rewarding tennis session. Investing in tennis equipment, though, is another interesting question.
We have already established that you must purchase equipment as that is the only way you can play. However, we have not spoken about the details, such as pricing. Do you need to spend a little more?
Perhaps, but the best way to go about your tennis hobby – or career – is to start slow. Buy some of the cheaper racquets and go off whatever people recommend you at the shop. Once you have the equipment, you should start playing.
Play as much as you can and see how the gear is performing. As your skill and understanding of the game increase, so you would develop an innate feeling of what you need to continue growing as a player.
Don’t Underestimate the Miscellaneous Gear
Buying an expensive racquet is one thing, and, admittedly, not everyone should venture there when they first get into the sport. In fact, unless you are very serious about your tennis, you really do not need to worry about going very high in terms of how much you are looking to spend.
However, if there are some things that you should be doing, that is making sure that you bring some basic equipment and consumables with you. Tennis will make you sweat, and you usually have to play under the basking sun, so you will probably benefit from:
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Towel
All of these are easy to get and they won’t cost you much at all. At the same time, they are a real quality-of-life improvement that will allow you to `really feel comfortable playing the game, whether you have only an hour to spend or have decided to go a little while longer.
How Much Would You Need to Get Started?
Depending on your preferences and ambitions about tennis, you can spend varying amounts. Your location will also be important since some countries have open courts where you can bring your own equipment and have fun with friends.
Others, though, only allow tennis on special facilities, which cost money. Realistically, you should probably have $200 for tennis lessons and purchasing facility time to play. This should buy you a few hours every week plus an instructor who is willing to spend time with you and help you develop your talent.
Now, there are cheaper options and, if you are very serious about tennis, there are much more expensive options, too. You do not have to feel pressured to pick any. In fact, the same rule that we mentioned before applies here.
“Go with the flow” is the best piece of advice you can get. Some players who get into the sport are very excited about it and try to go pro even at the age of 20 or older. That is a bit old from a tennis standpoint.
Many students start in their teens or when they are in college, but there are stories of tennis players starting much later, too!
Is it Ever Too Late to Start Playing Tennis?
Winning a Grand Slam would probably require you to play tennis every day for many hours for years since the age of 10. If you are not really into tennis to win a Grand Slam, though, you can play tennis at any pace you enjoy.
There are no restrictions to tennis whatsoever, and you will find that the game is welcoming at almost any age. You could as well start in your 30s or 40s and even play well past that. Tennis isn’t a game that requires superhuman strength, but it certainly requires you to be focused, dedicated, and committed.
As long as you enjoy the game, though, you will always find a way to be a part of its community. As to the equipment you can purchase, the same advice stays true. Ask yourself how far you want to go and if the equipment you have now is restricting you in your growth.
Changing racquets is a very natural process that should come as you improve your skill.
There is no need to get ahead of yourself. Just enjoy the course.