Daily Insights 05 [Tennis, What's in your bag]

What’s In Your Tennis Bag Matters More Than You Think

Whether you're just picking up a racket for the first time or grinding it out to boost your UTR, what's in your tennis bag can absolutely influence your performance. Not just for training, but as well in match play.

I'll admit it: I’m an over-packer. Always have been. Whether it's a vacation, a day trip, or a quick outing, I pack for the “just in case.” And when it comes to tennis? That mindset has paid off time and again.

Tennis Practice Bag Check

For practice or training days, here’s what I pack. Trust me, it all gets used:

• 2 strung rackets

• 2 extra shirts + full outfit change (yes, that includes socks)

• 1 towel

• 2–3 wristbands

• A protein/carb-loaded snack

• Tripod for self-filming stroke analysis

• 64–100oz water

• Electrolyte container + 1–2 extra packs

• Hat

• 1–2 overgrips

Match & Tournament Bag Check (1-Day, Multiple Matches)

Match day requires even more intentional packing. Here's my go-to setup:

• 3 strung rackets

• 6 extra shirts + 2 full outfit changes (including socks)

• 2–3 towels

• 4–6 wristbands

• Protein/carb snacks + 1 full protein shake (homemade, in lunchbox)

• Tripod for match analysis

• 128oz+ water

• Electrolytes: container + 4–6 extra packs

• 2 hats

• Extra pair of tennis shoes + flip flops

• 2–3 extra overgrips

Sounds excessive? Maybe. But when the temperature spikes, the match goes long, or your shirt is soaked and sticking to you, it won’t feel excessive anymore. It'll feel essential.

5 Must-Know Tips for Match & Training Prep

1️⃣ Hydration First

Dehydration is the silent killer of tennis performance. Without proper hydration, muscles cramp, focus drops, and stamina fades.

2️⃣ Nutrition is Fuel

Long matches or tough trainings require real energy. Bring fuel your body knows—snacks and drinks you digest well and that sustain you.

3️⃣ Dry Clothes = Fresh Mindset

Playing soaked for hours leads to chafing, sluggish movement, and mental fatigue. A fresh outfit can reset your body and your brain.

4️⃣ Grip Control = Match Control

Wristbands and towels keep your hands and grips dry. Losing your racket during a key point because your hand slipped? Not worth it.

5️⃣ Film Yourself

A tripod and a simple match video can unlock huge insights. Are you executing your game plan? Making the stroke changes you practiced? There’s no substitute for seeing yourself in action.

Takeaway: Tennis is hard. Brutal even. So don’t make it harder by being underprepared. Pack with intention. Train with awareness. Compete with confidence. Your body, mind, and game will thank you.