| Tennis is a fun and exciting sport for people of all | | | | half to hour and three fourths inches for men. This |
| ages. There is very little equipment necessary in order | | | | measurement will coincide to the measurement around |
| to play tennis, but what there is, is extremely important. | | | | the handle of the racket. As the grip begins to wear, |
| When you begin to play or learn tennis, you will need a | | | | you will need to replace it. This time period will differ |
| place to play and practice. Many schools have tennis | | | | depending on how frequently you play. |
| courts which you should be able to use when school | | | | There are two types of replacement grips for your |
| isn't in session. You can also find courts at local parks, | | | | racket, cushioned and firm. The firm grip is used by |
| private clubs, and sometimes community centers. | | | | those players who like to feel the ball and racket |
| Sometimes use of these courts will be free, while | | | | connect, cushioned is better if you want to protect |
| other times they may charge a small fee. Once you | | | | your hand from absorbing the shock. There are |
| have found a place to play, you will need comfortable | | | | additions to your racket called overgrips. These are |
| clothing and tennis shoes (or sneakers), a tennis ball | | | | temporary grips that can prevent your grip pores from |
| and most importantly, a tennis racket. | | | | being clogged by dirt or sweat. They will need to be |
| Your tennis racket is made up of two parts: the handle | | | | changed frequently (ever five or so times you play) so |
| or grip and the racket itself. When choosing a racket, | | | | that they don't get sticky and affect your game. There |
| the grip is the most important thing to keep in mind. | | | | are three types of overgrips available, depending on |
| The wrong grip on your tennis racket can cause | | | | your preference. These are Soft, Tacky and Dry. |
| blistering and discomfort, it can also affect your game | | | | They each have their advantages and disadvantages. |
| by requiring more energy in your swing. In order to | | | | Choosing the right racket and the right grip will ensure |
| choose the correct racket, you should first measure | | | | that you play to the best of your abilities. If you can, it |
| your grip. This is done by measuring from the middle of | | | | is good to speak to a sales person when you buy |
| your palm, to the tip of your ring finger. Typical sizes | | | | your racket. They can help make sure that you get |
| are four inches for children, four and an eighth to four | | | | the best fit. |
| and three eighths inches for women and four and a | | | | |