Players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy tennis, although—as with many other sports—it typically becomes much more enjoyable as your abilities improve. Fortunately, tennis practice can be just as fun and challenging as actual gameplay, so don’t let the game intimidate you! There are many ways to enjoy playing tennis based on what you’d like to get out of the sport. Looking to improve your abilities? Find a local tennis coach and sign up for lessons. Want to compete against others at your skill level? There are plenty of websites and groups that will help match you with someone to play with. Need a good solo workout? Run laps, do speed drills, and practice your serve on the court at your local community park.

Tennis is thought to have evolved from a 12th-century French handball-style game, though this attribution is often debated. The beginnings of modern tennis made their way to the United States the 1870s, and tennis saw a massive spike in popularity in the ‘60s and ‘70s. While interest and participation in tennis have fallen a bit since its peak, it’s still played by tens of millions of people in the United States alone.

Using the right tennis gear is critical to building your skills and maintaining your competitive advantage. The most important piece of tennis equipment is your racquet; be sure to choose a tennis racquet that is the appropriate weight, balance, and head size for your individual swing. Tennis shoes also play a big role in your efforts on the court. Next, get a pair of tennis shoes that will offer you the support and traction you need to dart from one end of the court to the other without issue or injury. Lastly, fresh tennis balls are critical to proper gameplay because old tennis balls lose their pressure, which causes them to bounce less. Of course, there are many other items you can add to your arsenal like tennis apparel, tennis gloves, and other tennis accessories out there, but a racquet, a pair of shoes, and a few tennis balls are enough to get anyone started.

Whether you’re just getting into tennis or you’ve been playing for decades, we carry a large inventory of the best tennis shoes, tennis apparel, and tennis accessories on the market. We also offer a wide selection of tennis racquets—as well as several ways you can try before you buy. In need of professional racquet restringing? We do that too! And don't forget to keep your tennis gear safe and organized wherever you go with one of our many durable tennis bags.