Updated October 31, 2026 · 6 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best first racketWilson Federer Adult Recreational RacketCheck price on Amazon →
Best starter set for two2-Racket Tennis Set with Balls and BagCheck price on Amazon →The Australian Open starts in January, and it is a great time to pick up a racket. You don’t need much to start: a racket that fits, the right balls for your court, and shoes made for side-to-side movement.
This is the tennis equipment list we would start from. We cover what to buy first, what can wait, and how to size everything for adults and kids.
Quick answer: the best tennis gear for beginners
- Best first racketWilson Federer Adult Recreational Racket
- Best starter set for two2-Racket Tennis Set with Balls and Bag
- Best for kids 9 to 10Wilson Profile 25 Junior Tennis Racket
- Best balls for hard courtsWilson Championship Extra Duty Tennis Balls
- Best practice ballsPressureless Practice Tennis Balls with Mesh Bag
- Best first overgripWilson Pro Overgrip Comfort
Compare at a glance
| Best for | What it is | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Everyone starting out | Adult racket | Wilson Federer |
| Couples, friends or families | Two rackets with balls and bag | 2-Racket Tennis Set |
| Kids about 50 to 54 in tall | 25 in junior racket | Wilson Profile 25 |
| Outdoor hard courts | Extra duty balls | Wilson Championship |
| Solo practice and ball machines | Pressureless balls | Practice balls with mesh bag |
| Sweaty or slipping hands | Overgrip | Wilson Pro Comfort |
Best tennis gear for beginners, reviewed
Photos show the product type as examples, not the exact model. Check the Amazon listing for the real product.
Wilson Federer Adult Recreational Racket
You need this if: you are learning tennis and want a light, forgiving racket at a low price.
- FrameAirLite Alloy
- HeadMidplus, enlarged sweet spot
- ComfortStop Shock pads
Why we recommend it: Players mention value, suitability for beginners, light weight and construction. Power Strings with longer main strings add pop, and Stop Shock pads reduce vibration for a more comfortable feel.
Keep in mind: Aluminum alloy frames are less refined than graphite. You will likely upgrade after a season or two of regular play.
2-Racket Tennis Set with Balls and Bag
You need this if: two people are starting tennis together.
- Includes2 rackets, balls, overgrips, bag
- Length27 in adult
- WeightAbout 260 g
Why we recommend it: You get everything to start in one box. The thick aluminum frame is designed to resist warping.
Keep in mind: It is a budget set. Players who stick with tennis will want a better racket later.
Wilson Profile 25 Junior Tennis Racket
You need this if: you are buying for a child around 9 or 10.
- Length25 in
- AgesAbout 9 to 10
- FrameAirLite Alloy
Why we recommend it: Kids need rackets sized to their height, not cut-down adult rackets. The Profile 25 is light and well balanced for kids around 9 or 10.
Keep in mind: Check the junior length chart below, since younger or older kids need different lengths.
Wilson Championship Extra Duty Tennis Balls
You need this if: you play on hard courts, which most public courts are.
- FeltDura-Weave, extra duty
- CourtHard courts
- ApprovalUSTA and ITF
Why we recommend it: Players mention value, bounce, suitability and durability. Extra duty felt is thicker and woven more loosely, so it lasts longer on rough hard courts.
Keep in mind: Extra duty balls fluff up and get heavier on clay. Use regular duty balls there.
Pressureless Practice Tennis Balls with Mesh Bag
You need this if: you use a ball machine, hit with a basket or coach kids.
- TypePressureless
- Pack12 or 18 balls, mesh bag
- Colors4 options
Why we recommend it: Pressureless balls do not go flat over time, so a bag of them lasts for months of practice.
Keep in mind: They feel heavier and harder than pressurized balls. Use pressurized balls for matches.
Wilson Pro Overgrip Comfort
You need this if: you want a reliable, slightly tacky overgrip that works in most conditions.
- FeelSlightly tacky, soft
- MaterialPolyurethane with felt surface
- ExtrasReusable storage bag
Why we recommend it: The Wilson Pro is one of the most widely used overgrips in tennis. It is thin and stretchy, so it wraps neatly without making the handle much bigger.
Keep in mind: That is normal for thin overgrips; frequent players change them often anyway.
Tennis equipment list for beginners
Buy these first
- A racket that fits. Adults use 27 in. Kids use 19 to 26 in, based on height.
- Balls for your court. Extra duty for hard courts, regular duty for clay and indoor courts.
- Court shoes. Running shoes are built for forward motion, not quick side steps.
- A water bottle. Tennis involves a lot of stopping and starting, even at beginner level.
Add these soon
- An overgrip. It adds cushion and helps the handle stay dry. See our overgrip guide.
- A simple bag or backpack. One racket, balls, water and a towel is all you need to carry.
- A towel and a hat or visor. Both help on hot, bright days.
These can wait
- A ball hopper. It helps once you practice serves alone. See our ball hopper guide.
- A second racket. Most beginners don’t need one until they break strings often.
- Custom strings. Beginner rackets come strung and ready to play.
How to size your racket and grip
These two checks matter more than the brand. Our free junior tennis racket size tool finds the right length from age or height, and our tennis grip size finder works from one hand measurement. If you are between two grip sizes, choose the smaller one and add an overgrip.
▶ How to Choose Your First Tennis RacquetRacquetGuys explain head size, weight and grip size for beginners. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
What to look for in tennis shoes
We have not picked specific shoes yet, so use this checklist. Look for shoes labelled for tennis or court sports, with firm support at the sides and a durable toe. Check that the sole suits your court, because herringbone soles are made for clay and harder-wearing soles suit hard courts. Don’t play in running shoes if you can avoid it, because they give less support when you stop and change direction.
What size tennis bag should I get?
A beginner rarely needs a big bag. A backpack that holds one or two rackets is enough for most players, and it leaves room for balls, water and a towel. Larger bags make sense when you carry several rackets, shoes and a change of clothes.
Tennis starter kit for kids
Kids need a racket sized to their height and slower balls, because a standard ball bounces too high and travels too fast for small courts. Young kids usually start with red balls, then move to orange and green as they grow. Our tennis ball guide explains each stage. Don’t buy a long racket to grow into, because it is heavy and hard to swing.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What do you need to start playing tennis?
A racket that fits, a can of balls for your court, court shoes and water. Everything else can wait until you know you enjoy it.
Do I need tennis shoes to play tennis?
They are strongly recommended. Tennis shoes support quick side-to-side movement, and running shoes are not built for that.
What is in a tennis starter kit?
Most kits include one or two rackets, a few balls and a carry bag. Check the racket length and grip size before you buy, especially for kids.
What tennis racket should a beginner buy?
Choose a 27 in adult racket with a large head and a light, easy-to-swing feel. See our full guide to the best tennis rackets for beginners.
How many tennis balls does a beginner need?
One can is enough for your first sessions. Add a bag of pressureless balls if you plan to practice alone.
How we chose
We chose gear from the products in our detailed tennis guides, and picked one option for each beginner need. We have not tested these products in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. Read our full method.
Related guides
- Best Tennis Rackets for Beginners: Adult, women and kids picks.
- Best Tennis Balls: Hard court, clay and practice picks.
- Best Tennis Overgrips: For sweaty hands and control.
- Best Gifts for Tennis Players: Ideas for her, him and kids.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
