A forgotten overgrip, a snapped string with no spare, a flat can of balls or no water on a hot day — small problems can ruin a session or cost a match. A well-packed bag solves most of them before they happen. Here is a checklist that scales from casual play to tournaments, plus a few tips on choosing the bag itself.
The core checklist
| Item | Casual | Club / league | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|
| Racket | 1 | 2 | 2–3, identical setup |
| Overgrips | 1–2 | 3+ | A full pack |
| Balls | 1 can | New can + practice balls | As per rules, plus warm-up balls |
| Water / electrolytes | Yes | Yes | Yes, plus spare |
| Snack | Optional | Yes | Several |
| Towel | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Spare socks and shirt | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Small first-aid kit | Recommended | Yes | Yes |
Rackets
Strings break, and they tend to break at the worst moment. If you play matches, carry a second racket — ideally the same model, grip size and string setup, so the switch feels seamless. Players using polyester strings break and wear them faster and benefit most from a spare. Keep a note of each racket's last restring date (a strip of tape on the throat works), and see our strings guide for how often to restring.
Grips and dampeners
- Overgrips: the single most useful small item in a bag. Quick to change, they restore tack and keep the handle dry. Tacky overgrips suit most players; absorbent ones suit heavy sweaters and humid conditions.
- Vibration dampener: if you use one, carry a spare — they fly off with a mishit or get lost when restringing.
- Grip tape or finishing tape: to fix an overgrip that starts to unwind.
If your grip size feels off when adding overgrips, our grip size guide explains how much each layer adds.
Balls
Bring a fresh can for matches if you are the one providing balls, and older balls for warm-ups or serving practice. Choose the felt type to suit the court — extra duty for hard courts, regular duty for clay and indoors — as explained in our tennis balls guide. A ball pressuriser at home extends the life of opened cans.
Hydration and food
A water bottle is essential; on hot days or for long matches, many players add electrolyte drinks to replace salt lost through sweat. Easy-to-digest snacks — bananas, dried fruit, cereal bars — are useful during long matches or between tournament rounds. Insulated bottles keep drinks cool in summer.
Clothing and footwear
- Spare socks — wet socks cause blisters.
- A dry shirt for long matches or the drive home.
- A cap or visor and sunscreen for outdoor play.
- Wristbands and a headband if you sweat a lot.
- A warm layer for cooler evenings and between matches.
- Shoes suited to the surface, carried separately from rackets if possible. See tennis shoes by surface.
A small first-aid kit
Blisters are the most common minor problem on court. A small pouch with blister plasters, a few standard plasters, sports tape and antiseptic wipes covers most situations. If you have a known condition, such as asthma or allergies, keep your prescribed medication in the bag. For anything more than a minor knock, stop playing and seek proper medical advice.
Tip: keep a "never remove" pouch in the bag with overgrips, a spare dampener, blister plasters, a pen and a few coins or a card for court fees. Restock it whenever you use something, and you will never be caught short.
Useful extras
- A towel for changeovers.
- A notebook or phone notes for match tactics and string tensions.
- A string saver or a basic string kit if you string your own rackets.
- Earphones for warming up or travelling to tournaments.
- A small bag for wet clothes, so the rest of your kit stays dry.
Choosing a tennis bag
Backpack
Holds one or two rackets, with space for shoes and a few essentials. Ideal for recreational players and those who commute by bike or public transport.
Racket bag (3–6 rackets)
The club player's standard. Usually two main compartments — one for rackets, one for clothes — plus a shoe pocket and a thermal-lined section that protects strings from heat.
Large tournament bag (9–15 rackets)
For competitive juniors and players who carry several rackets, multiple outfits and kit for a full day of play. Often has a ventilated shoe compartment and backpack straps.
What to look for
- A separate, ventilated shoe compartment.
- A thermal lining for rackets — strings and frames dislike heat.
- Backpack straps if you carry the bag any distance.
- A small valuables pocket for keys, phone and cards.
Looking after your gear
Never leave rackets in a hot car: heat can loosen strings and, in extreme cases, distort frames. Air out shoes and clothes after each session instead of leaving them zipped up in the bag. And check your strings and grips every few weeks — the condition of your equipment matters as much as what you choose in the first place. If it is time for a new frame, start with our racket buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a second racket?
If you play matches or use polyester strings, yes: a broken string mid-match without a spare means retiring or forfeiting. Ideally the spare is the same model with the same strings and tension. Recreational players can manage with one racket and a quick restring when needed.
What type of tennis bag should I buy?
A backpack holding one or two rackets is enough for most recreational players. Club and tournament players usually prefer a racket bag holding 3 to 9 rackets, with a separate shoe compartment and a thermal lining that protects strings from heat.
Why do tennis bags have a thermal compartment?
Heat affects strings and frames. A thermal-lined compartment slows temperature changes, helping strings keep their tension and protecting rackets from extreme heat — for example in a car on a summer day.
How often should I change my overgrip?
It depends on how much you sweat and how often you play. Many club players change overgrips every few sessions; heavy sweaters and competitive players may change before every match. Change it as soon as it feels slippery or worn.