The novice and expert need the same type of equipment but there are variations in price, especially with rackets, so take your time and ask for advice when buying.

Rackets & Balls

The racket head is the part used for hitting the ball, and the bigger the head, the more hitting area you have. However, if the head is too big, the racket can be difficult to handle, especially for a young junior player. Junior rackets are usually between 21 and 26 inches. Racket strings are made from synthetic material.

The handle should have a good grip. Handles are usually covered in leather or synthetic material but you may want to add an extra 'overgrip', so the racket feels more secure in your hand. An overgrip is a roll of special tape that you wind around the handle.

Until you are sure you want to play regularly, try to borrow a racket. When you do decide to buy, choose a racket that feels quite light and comfortable in your hand.

Balls

You can buy tennis balls singly or in packs. They are made of rubber and are coated with a mixture of fibres. They also vary in price, but when you play you will notice the difference between the cheap and the more expensive ones.

Keen tennis players keep new balls in a cool place (such as a fridge!) before they use them because it improves the quality of the game.

Clothes and Shoes

If you join a club, you will need to keep to the club rules about clothes.

Many competition organisers insist that players wear white but some allow patterned or coloured shirts.

Shoes
Shoes should be comfortable and you can buy proper tennis shoes. These have special cushioned soles to support your feet and lessen the vibrations on your ankles and legs. Some shoes are suitable for use on indoor and outdoor courts.

Always wear sports socks to absorb the sweat.

Courts and Clubs

When you are ready to play on a court, try the local park. They often have courts for hire, especially in the summer months. Costs are cheap and you can have a game with a friend for as little as £1 an hour. Some parks will even let you hire rackets and a ball.

Leisure and sports centres may have tennis facilities. Some have short tennis courts for hire from about £2 per person. These are good to learn on as they are smaller than the normal court but the rules are almost the same. Indoor, you often play short tennis with a sponge ball and a plastic bat.

Clubs
If you are serious about your game, think about joining a club. They have indoor and outdoor courts that can be used all year round. Most clubs will charge you a fixed fee to join (perhaps around £20) and an annual membership fee. These fees vary from club to club, and some are much more expensive than others.

Fees are often charged on a sliding scale. For example:
adult £135 per year
18-20yrs £80 per year
15-17yrs £50 per year
12-14yrs £45 per year
8-11yrs £30 per year
under 8 free
(Note: these prices are only given as an example; every club sets their own rate of charges)

Many clubs offer family membership and if all the family want to play this can work out much cheaper.

As well as tennis facilities, clubs arrange social events, provide coaching sessions (for an extra charge) and hold club tournaments and competitions for all ages and abilities.

Where to learn
Tennis coaches are usually based at a local club. Lessons are charged by the hour and can be anything from £10 - £15 upwards. Some clubs may ask you to join as a member, however, to use their facilities.

If you are interested in receiving some coaching but are having difficulty finding a coach, contact The Professional Tennis Coaches Association [See Information] for advice.