Posts

What It Takes to Train, Dress, and Compete Like a D1 Athlete

Image
As a college athlete, a new year at school means a new season, new matches, and new goals. With plenty of challenges and changes ahead, you need gear that reflects your D1 mindset. Confidence, discipline, and readiness aren’t just qualities; they are requirements. Finding the right equipment to match your energy both on and off the court is key. Pre-Season Starts Before Syllabus Week When you are a D1 athlete, you don’t wait for classes to start training. You hit the court before the rest of campus even wakes up. Prepping early for those taxing practices means adjusting your sleep schedule, stretching, eating, and hydrating well before the first drill. Establish your routine now so everything else falls into place later. Once your routine is as strong as your serve, it’s time to focus on gearing up, starting with your body. Ladder drills, cone work, and footwork exercises help build quick agility and speedy court coverage. In the gym, focus on functional lifting that ta...

Sized Right: 4 Racket Bags That Fit Your Routine

Image
Whether you're squeezing in a match before work, rallying at the club, or hitting the gym after class, your tennis bag should support your routine, not slow it down. No matter your court, having the right bag makes all the difference. This guide helps you find the tennis racket bag that's sized for your lifestyle and built to deliver, every match, every time. For the Gym: Slim, Sleek, Locker-Friendly Gym lockers aren't known for being spacious or easy to deal with. When space is tight, reach for a compact tennis racket bag or backpack with minimalist storage: think breathable compartments, a water bottle pocket, and room for a quick change. It should fit easily, function seamlessly, and be ready when you are. Product Rec: Wilson Clash V3 3-Pack Tennis Racquet Bag Compact yet organized, with a padded racquet sleeve and accessory pockets. For the Trunk: Mid-Size Bags That Ride Shotgun For players on the move, versatility is key. If you’re driving to multiple...

Upgrade Your Game with These 3 Pieces of Next-Level Tennis Gear

Image
You’ve been playing tennis for a while. It’s one of your passions. As a more advanced player, you want equipment that meets your needs and helps you excel on the court. Look beyond staples like shoes and racquets. You’ve likely already found shoes and racquets you prefer anyway. Instead, it’s time to take a closer look at higher-level tennis gear, like advanced tennis bags and ball machines. It could be just what you need to improve your skills as a player and help you hone your game. A Bag for All Your Racquets More advanced players can be picky about their tennis racquet bags. There are many to choose from, including casual shoulder bags and lightweight backpacks. While these options definitely serve their purpose in the right circumstances, you might be looking for a bag to carry all your racquets and gear. Finding an option you love may be easier than you think. You can discover a tennis backpack that checks all your boxes. Search for bags that securely fit multiple ...

3 Ways to Always Be Prepared to Go to the Tennis Court

Image
What if you could be ready to go to the tennis court at a moment’s notice? Maybe you got a text from a friend heading to the tennis club or a nearby court, and they’ve invited you along. Or perhaps you’ve just watched a pro match online and you’re suddenly in the mood for a match of your own. Of course, now you have to get ready to head out. But what if you didn’t have to get ready? It’s time to put together your tennis court go bag! It’s as easy as keeping a tennis racket bag packed with tennis apparel and gear ready to hand. Here are a few things you can do so you’re always ready to head to the court. Invest in the Perfectly Sized Tennis Bag The perfectly sized tennis bag easily fits all your essential gear. This can include your tennis racquet (or two or more), tennis apparel, court shoes, a can or two of tennis balls, and any other gear you like to have when you play. There are all kinds of tennis racket bags to choose from, from backpacks to multi-racquet bags, maki...

5 Volley Drills to Help Improve Your Tennis Game

Image
Are you looking to practice volleying to improve your tennis? From learning proper positioning to developing better reflexes and practicing better shot placement, volley exercises can be invaluable to help you become a better tennis player. Lace up your On Roger shoes , grab your racquet, head to the court with a friend, and get ready to improve your skills at the net with these drills. Serve and Volley The serve-and-volley technique is an excellent drill to practice in groups. Take turns serving, then immediately moving forward to the net to hit a volley. Players on the other side of the court will hit returns, keeping the drill going while keeping you on your toes. Lob Volley Drill The opposite of the first drill, start the lob volley drill at the net. Whether you’re wearing Adidas men’s court shoes or Nike womens tennis sneakers , be sure to tie them for stability since you’ll be moving a lot. A player on the other side of the net hits a lob to you. Then, you move back ...

Tennis Shoes vs. Running Shoes: What’s the Difference?

Image
Tennis shoes and running shoes are nearly interchangeable, right? Try wearing running shoes on the court instead of Nike tennis shoes , and you’ll suddenly discover a huge difference between the two types of shoes. From traction to needing to be heavier for stability, here are a few significant differences between tennis shoes and running shoes. Tread Pattern The tread pattern is the first, easiest way to see a difference between the two. Herringbone pattern is very common on tennis shoes as it provides the traction needed for quick lateral movements. You can see this on a pair of Nike Vapor 12 shoes , for example, which is meant for a clay court. The sole is usually flat to keep the feet stable and prevent ankle rolling. Running shoes have soles and treads meant for shock absorption and cushioning, with a curved sole and a pattern to grip road or trail. Weight for Stability Running shoes tend to be lightweight, making it easier to move your feet. However, that comes at...

Essential Tennis Apparel for Men

Image
In tennis, dressing sharp can translate to playing your best on the court. That’s because today’s men’s tennis apparel is packed with innovation. With the best tennis apparel, you can stay comfortable and confident to put your skills on display. Here are a few essentials every player needs to succeed. Choose Technical Fabrics for Peak Performance Modern tennis apparel is built with performance in mind. Look for pieces made from technical fabrics that wick moisture, increase breathability, and allow a full range of motion. Lightweight, breathable materials and proprietary technology are designed to keep you dry and cool even during long matches in the heat. Every piece of apparel should provide convenience to your game day routine, including pockets and more freedom to focus. Classic Meets Contemporary: Polo Shirts, Tees, and Tanks When it comes to shirts, your tennis style may come down to whether there’s a dress code where you’re playing. A crisp tennis polo shirt is a...