This is what I have in my bag at all times. The only thing missing are my flip flops, which I was wearing when I took the pic, lol!
No matter if you're playing in sectionals or just for fun...when it comes to tennis, preparation is everything. In the recreational world of tennis, players come to the courts carrying all sorts of different items. Some show up with a single racket in their bag, and maybe a tennis towel and a water bottle, while others carry an extra large tennis bag with 5 rackets and a small store inside it.
But honestly, there is nothing better being "too prepared". Other than the obvious (like your tennis racket) there are so many other useful things you really should have in your bag at all times, and here is my list of 14 of them:
Extra Grips: If you play a lot of tennis you know how important this one is...especially in the hot summer months. When you sweat a lot it gets all over your grips and makes them slippery which can cause them to fall apart, and there's nothing worse than trying to grip it and rip it when your racket handle is slippery. A quick grip change during a set break can help you get a better handle on your game ;-)
Extra Socks: I can't stand it when my feet are all sweaty in my tennis shoes...it's SO nasty! Aside from feeling gross, you can actually get blisters from your moist foot rubbing against the damp sock which is rubbing on the inside of your shoe...and who wants blisters, right? Though tennis shoes will develop a smelly odor over time, changing your socks also helps keep your shoes from getting stinky as fast. It doesn't matter if it's freezing outside or the middle of the summer, ALWAYS keep an extra pair of socks in your bag.
Notebook (and pen): No matter what level you play, this is a really helpful tool. is good for two things: 1) you can write down your errors and ways to correct them after discussing them with your coach or instructor, and 2) if you're a league player, you can write down the names of your opponents that had particular strengths or weaknesses so you can be ready for them next season. USTA Comment 30.1 for Rule 30 in "The Code" states: A player may bring to the court written notes that were prepared before the start of the match and may read these notes during the match. So the next time you find yourself down a set in a match, just whip out your notebook and you'll probably have the tools to win your match!
Extra Sweatbands: Most league players I know show up to their matches wearing the only one or two sweatbands they will have during the entire match. And on hot, sunny days, those will get drenched pretty quickly, basically turning into sweaty-wet washcloths wrapped around your wrist... YUCK! Keep an extra pair or two like these from Wristpect Sport in your bag and not only will you keep the sweat out of your eyes, but you'll look fabulous while doing it!
Body Spray Or Cologne: This is to put on after you play, so that way you don't smell like a gym locker when you go to the club or a restaurant for a bite to eat (or celebratory cocktail) afterward.
Sunscreen: I think we all know that sunscreen is a MUST if you're doing anything outside, especially for long periods of time. Make sure it's the spray kind (it's too hard to get off your palms) and apply 45 minutes prior to being on the court, and re-apply after an hour (during a changeover or between sets). The spray on type works best because you won't get it on the palms of your hands so it won't affect your grip. Though I prefer all-organic everything, I haven't found a brand that works well for tennis (and believe me, I've tried!), so I use Banana Boat Sport "CoolZone" SPF 30 which smells as great as it works - and it's pretty cheap too!
First Aid Kit: It doesn't have to be anything fancy...this small one is perf. Some is great to have on hand as well; it covers blisters and scrapes just like skin and takes away the pain. I'd throw in some Tylenol too, in case you or a teammate (or even an opponent) has a headache or cramps, or needs help minimizing swelling in case of injury.
These are all of the things that in my opinion, are "must-haves" for everyone's tennis bag. What do you have in your bag that's a must? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
