Part 6 - Your one minute bag check

Top 10 Things every player should have in their tennis bag

                                                          

Welcome to Part 6 of 6 of this series of blogs. The reason that I broke it down in parts was three folds.  One was to make it easier to locate if certain topic was of particular interest.  Two was based on some of the questions at the parent's meeting that took place several weeks ago. Three was to prepare our players and parents heading down to the Florida tournaments in December.  Without further delay, here is your bag check to bring to tournaments.

Racquets

1. Racquets

This one is obviously a no brainer. You need rackets to play the game. Make sure you have at least 3 of the same racquets that are strung the same way, and gripped the same will make the transition easier if you are to break a string or crack a frame. 

Towel

2. Towel 

Having a towel on hand keeps the sweat at bay, provides a place of solitude between changeovers, and a tool to slow things down so you can mentally regroup a bit in between points.  

Hydration

3. Hydration

Juniors unlike the pros don't have water provided on the court.  It is very important to bring enough water on the court to prevent exerting energy in having to locate a water fountain to refill.  If bringing electrolyte powder be sure to bring a small bottle as well to have a combination of water and electrolytes.

Hydration

When competing in extreme heat like Florida another option is to fill the cooler with ice and put several bottles of water and 

several of the pre-mixed water with electrolytes or sports drinks in it.  This way you can monitor the amount of liquids that were consumed during the match.

A small towel can be placed in the cooler to be used on change overs to bring down body temperature by putting the cold towel around the neck.

Extra Clothes

4. Extra clothes

Spare tennis shirts/skirts/shorts, socks, shoe laces, underwear, hats, and sweatbands are crucial for a tournament. You never know if your match will last you 30 mins, or 3 hours 30 mins. Having a fresh set of clothes to change into during a bathroom break or end of set can give you a mental refresh.    

Extra Grips

5. Extra Grips

Dried up grips will hinder the way you play.  Be sure to have fresh grips before your match.  You don't want to distract your focus having to regrip during a match.  Keep a reel of grips or lots of individual ones in your bag.    

Strings

5. Reel of String

Although most tournaments will have a stringing service nearby they won’t always carry your preferred type of string. Bring a reel of string (good for about 20 re-strings).  If you use the individual packet factor in 3 strings per week of tournament.

Resistance Bands

6. Resistance Bands & Jump Rope
Great for warm ups and injury prevention.

Tennis Balls

7. Tennis Balls

It is always a good idea to have some tennis balls in your bag so you are always ready to hit at a moment's notice.  Not only are tennis balls just good for tennis, they can be used to massage trouble spots in your back, feet, legs and anywhere else that is tight.

8. Hats & Visors

Usually about 6 is sufficient. 

Sunblock

9. Sunblock

A must to have for outdoor sports.

Customized First Aid Kit

10. Customized First Aid Kit
- band aids
- sports tape
- neosporin
- cortisone cream for bug bite
- hair ties
- imodium

Well, there you have it.   I want to thank you for taking the time to read the blogs.  And I hope the information provided some helpful insights.  Best of luck to all.