Getting on court
What to Bring to the Court: A Simple Checklist for Players
By the TennisCourtFinder team · Updated June 29, 2026 · 4 min read
You can overthink a trip to the court, or you can pack a bag once and stop worrying about it. After years of forgetting exactly one thing every single time, here is the short list that actually matters, plus the couple of extras that quietly make a session better.
Start with your feet
Court shoes are the one piece of gear worth getting right before anything else. Running shoes are built to move you forward, and they slide out from under you on the side to side movement that tennis and pickleball demand. A real court shoe has a flat, grippy outsole and lateral support that protects your ankles. If you play more than a couple of times a month, this is where your money goes first.
The racket or paddle, and fresh balls
Bring your racket or paddle, of course, but check it before you head out. A grip worn slick will cost you control and hand you blisters, and a fresh overgrip takes two minutes to put on. Keep a fresh can or two of balls in the bag. Dead, flat balls turn a good hitting session into a frustrating one, and you cannot always tell until you are already out there.
Sun, water, and the small stuff
Bring more water than you think you need, especially in summer, because open courts have no shade and the heat coming off a hard court is real. A hat and sunscreen save you on long afternoon sessions. A small towel, a spare overgrip, and a few bandages live in my bag permanently and have rescued more sessions than I can count.
- •Court shoes
- •Racket or paddle
- •Fresh balls
- •Water, more than you think
- •Hat and sunscreen
- •Overgrip and a small towel
Ready to play?
Find tennis and pickleball courts near you. Search by ZIP code or browse by state.
Gear up for the court
Ad · affiliateA hugely popular all-court racket known for power and an easy, forgiving feel.
Flexible and arm-friendly with great control, a favorite for comfort.
Among the most popular paddles, with a balanced blend of power and control.
A premium, durable paddle line trusted by serious recreational players.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
- You can, but it is not a good idea. Running shoes are built for forward motion and tend to slide on the quick lateral movement tennis requires, which raises your risk of rolling an ankle. Court shoes are flatter and give you the side to side support you need.
- A fresh can lasts a few solid hitting sessions. Once balls feel soft, lose their bounce, or go fuzzy and flat, swap them. Pressureless practice balls last much longer if you only hit casually.