Tennis is inherently unique to other sports; there is no time limit factor, you can play all year round and it’s a great workout! But still, it does share the same quality as other sports in the sense that it needs a lot of equipment. Whilst obvious items such as balls and tennis strings might be at the top of the checklist, it is easy to overlook items such as tennis posts and a ball stop net. From umpire chairs to tennis nets, at Sportsmark we have the necessary tennis course equipment to build the ultimate indoor or outdoor tennis facility.
See the comprehensive guide below which details the essential equipment and why they should be considered a necessity for your tennis facility.
Equipment Needed for Tennis Course Facilities
Although the principles of tennis are the same when played inside or outside, the nature of the game is almost entirely different. For instance, indoor tennis is renowned for being a much faster game due to the lack of wind. By having no wind, this means that there are no ‘bad’ bounces, so players can be more accurate. So what are the main characteristics of outdoor tennis? Well, outdoor tennis can be more challenging in the sense that the wind can impact the flight and bounce of the ball. Yet in sunnier conditions, players can be blinded by the sun. Despite this, the same equipment is needed to actually play the game.
Whether it be for both indoor and outdoor facilities, see the essential equipment you need to play tennis:
Tennis Racket
The tennis racket is an essential component of tennis, allowing you to strike the ball to beat your opponent. Although this piece of equipment is a given when playing tennis, it is important to consider that different rackets suit different levels of ability. For instance, a good racket for beginners should be lighter in weight, meaning you will be able to swing the racket easier without fatigue getting the best of you! However, as your tennis skills develop you might need a heavier racket to be able to get those more powerful shots in. Whether you are a novice or a veteran, It is important to have all types of rackets at your facility.
Tennis Strings
It might be obvious, but you can’t play tennis with a hole in your racket! When choosing your tennis strings, thinner tennis strings can improve playability, whilst the thicker strings offer enhanced durability. Broken tennis strings are common and annoying, but they are inevitable. One of the last things you want when playing a game of tennis is for your strings to completely snap and put you out of the game. It is therefore important to ensure that additional tennis strings are there on hand to get you back in the game!
Tennis Balls
Without having any tennis balls, what else are you going to hit? It is important that when choosing the right tennis balls for your facility, you need to ensure that they are both durable and easy to play with. After a while the ball can actually lose its bounce, as small amounts of air seep out of the ball which minimises the inside pressure. This then reduces the amount of air that pushes on the inside of the ball when it comes into contact with the ground, meaning that the bounce of the ball becomes weaker. It is therefore important to stock lots of balls so that when a ball loses its bounce, you can easily replace it.
If you are running an outdoor tennis facility, it is likely that a lot of balls are going to be lost. As beginners begin to find their feet, wild swings and wayward shots might see tennis balls fly over the court and out of the facility. This means that keeping extra tennis balls at your facility is a must. At Sportsmark, we stock training balls that can give you a helping hand to become a master in the sport.
Tennis Grips
An important part of tennis is your actual grip on the racket. When playing tennis, the racket flying out of your hands is less than ideal. Tennis grips allow the player to have control with every shot to maximise their chance of winning the match. Having a grip on your tennis racket can add some extra weight, offer a softer feel and also absorb any sweat. Having a wide range of tennis grips available at your facility means that players can boost their chances of winning the match.
Tennis Net
The sole purpose of the net is to provide a limit on the height or length of the shot. Without a net, tennis would be an entirely different sport as there would be no tolerance on what shots fall ‘in’ or ‘out’. For tennis nets, the thicker the twine, the longer the net will actually last. At Sportsmark, we have a whole array of tennis nets that will fit perfectly in your indoor or outdoor tennis facility.
Tennis Posts
Whilst tennis course equipment such as the racket, balls and net might seem important, it is easy to overlook tennis posts. Without a strong post, the net can sag or be pulled tight – which can change the complexion of the game significantly. That’s why having a sturdy post will make the world of difference at your tennis facility. Having a well built outdoor tennis post is also important, as they need to be able to help fight against the wind to ensure the net is stable.
Floor Markings
Floor markings are a fundamental part of the game of tennis. These markings allow players, umpires and spectators to understand the boundaries for each shot. Without markings, it would be impossible to see whether your shot is legal or outside of the boundaries. At Sportsmark, we have a long history of marking playing fields so we know exactly what is required for the perfect tennis court. See our About Us page to learn more about our history.
Guidance for Outdoor Tennis Court Facility
We have already explained what is needed for both your indoor and outdoor facility, but what equipment is especially important for an outdoor facility? See some of the essential equipment you need for your outdoor facility:
Umpire Chairs
Umpire chairs are a given when it comes to an outdoor tennis facility, as the umpire needs to have full visibility of the court when giving their decisions on the match. Umpire chairs play a pivotal role when it comes to upholding the rules and calling the score.
Ball Hopper Retriever
A ball hopper retriever is a practical piece of equipment that should be on any outdoor tennis facility. This equipment allows you to pick up, store and efficiently bring the tennis balls back to the court. At Sportsmark, check out our ball hopper retriever that allows you to pick up sixty balls at a time!
Ball Stop Net
The sole purpose of a ball stop net is to contain balls within the outdoor facility. This piece of equipment will allow you to practice your serves and match-winning shots without the inconvenience of running after the loose balls!
Surround System
Although not directly related to the actual participation of tennis, a surround system is important to notify players and spectators of what the score is. This piece of equipment is essential when it comes to competitive matches and tournaments.
Get Your Tennis Equipment at Sportsmark!
Given that tennis requires a lot of equipment, it’s important that you know exactly what is needed to create the perfect tennis facility. Whilst we have just listed some of the equipment needed, other items such as scoreboards and litter bins should not be dismissed. At Sportsmark, we are able to assist you with the best tennis equipment. Whether you need equipment for a tennis club, tennis tuition or for your own home, Sportsmark have you covered. As well as covering sports, we can also assist with any road markings products and services with our range of tactile studs and hazard warning strips. Get in touch with us today for more information!
