# Choosing Equipment · Tennis Level 1: Beginner

Tennis · Level 1: Beginner · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/level-1/choosing-equipment/)

Choosing Equipment in Tennis (Level 1: Beginner) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: the racket; strings; tennis balls; and more.

How a racket is built and chosen, strings and tension, tennis balls, shoes, clothing and the bag.

## Test 1: The racket

- The head is the frame that holds the string bed. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- A larger head gives a bigger area for clean contact, which helps new players. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- Hitting in the sweet spot gives the best feel and the least vibration. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- A finger should fit snugly in the gap, not tightly and not loosely. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- A head-heavy racket has more weight towards the head, a head-light one towards the handle. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- A heavier racket is steadier on contact but takes more effort to accelerate. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- Modern frames are built from graphite and other light, stiff composites. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- From the top the racket runs head, throat, handle and butt cap. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- Midsize heads are the smallest of the three, midplus sit between and oversize are the largest. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)
- The throat is the section joining the head to the handle. (Source: Wilson, How to choose a tennis racket)

## Test 2: Strings

- Natural gut strings are made from the intestines of cattle. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- Polyester strings are firm and long-lasting and favoured by hard hitters. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- Multifilament strings are made of many fibres twisted together for a soft feel. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- Natural gut costs the most but offers an exceptional feel. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- Restringing removes the old strings and fits new ones to the frame. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- Used strings go dead, so playing quality drops until they are replaced. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- The string bed is the grid of mains and crosses the ball strikes. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- Looser strings give more power and tighter strings give more control. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- Strings start new, play best for a while, fade and are then replaced. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))
- Cross strings run across the width of the head, woven through the mains. (Source: General tennis reference (strings and stringing))

## Test 3: Tennis balls

- A tennis ball is a hollow rubber core wrapped in felt. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Pressurised balls rely on gas and go flat, while pressureless balls keep a firm core. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Once opened, the gas leaks out and the ball bounces less. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- The bright yellow stands out against courts and backgrounds. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- The sealed, pressurised can keeps the gas inside the balls until it is opened. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Worn felt and a flat bounce change how the ball flies. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- A rough hard court rubs the felt down more quickly than a softer surface. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- A ball loses pressure and felt as it is played. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Check the seal, open the can, play and replace when the bounce fades. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Bare patches on a ball show worn felt, which changes how it bounces and flies. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))

## Test 4: Shoes, clothing and the bag

- Tennis shoes are built for the sideways pushes and quick stops of the game. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- The herringbone tread grips loose clay and still lets players slide. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- An overgrip soaks up moisture and is cheap to replace. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Breathable fabric lets sweat evaporate and keeps the player cooler. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- The brim shields the eyes from glare when tracking the ball. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- A tennis bag carries rackets, balls, shoes, a towel and a bottle. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Worn tread gives less grip and increases the chance of a slip. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Dress and lace up first, play, then dry and check the shoes afterwards. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- The base layer sits closest to the skin, with the shirt over it and the jacket on top. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))
- Grass shoes have small raised pimples that grip the turf without tearing it. (Source: General tennis reference (equipment guides))

Sources: ITF Play and Stay and coach-education materials, ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, federation curricula, general tennis references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Numbered ITF rules belong to the Rules category.

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