How to Maintain Your Tennis Equipment 

Your tennis apparel and equipment can make a big difference in your performance on the court. Having comfort, support, and equipment that functions properly is imperative to a successful match whether you’re a tennis pro or a novice player. Parham Bridges and Overkil Pro Shop are here to share some of the tips and techniques for maintaining your tennis equipment, keeping it all in peak performing shape and assisting you in playing your very best. 

How to Maintain Your Tennis Racquet

• Restring consistently: The string in your racquet will naturally lose tension over time, especially in high-use conditions. You’ll want to learn the suggested string tension for your racquet and have it tested and restrung as necessary. Most commonly you’ll want to restring as many times a year as you play per week. For instance, if you play three times a week, you will likely restring your tennis racquet three times a year. 
• Replace the grip: A worn out grip can greatly impact your game, causing your hold and control on your racquet to be weakened. If it begins to feel slippery, rough to the touch, or moves, have your grip rewrapped. 
• Protect the head: Hitting the head or frame of your tennis racquet weakens it and leads to long-term damage, so avoid doing so.
• Properly store your tennis racquet: A wide variation in temperature can affect the string tension and cause warping, so keeping your tennis racquet in a climate controlled environment is ideal when you’re not playing. 

Tips for Maintaining Your Tennis Footwear

• Alternate shoes: Both your footwear and your feet will benefit from rotating the court shoes you wear for tennis. This allows the shoes to dry out fully between uses which prevents the sweat and moisture from breaking down the shoe materials and also reduces the wear and tear on any one pair. 
• Clean shoes often: Wiping down your shoes after play can reduce the eroding of the material, which is especially important after playing on clay courts.
• Air-dry court shoes after use: Many tennis bags offer a vented compartment for sweaty clothes and/or shoes. It’s important to allow court shoes to dry fully after use. This reduces odors and bacterial build up.
• Use the right shoes for the right court surface: Tennis court shoes have been specifically designed for the court surface you’ll be playing on. The traction, cushioning, material, and other design aspects have been carefully built for a specific surface, so it’s important to wear shoes for each specific court type. 
• Check over tennis shoes often: Inspect your shoes often for signs of wear and tear that are indicators that you need to replace your shoes. Keep a close eye on the cushioning and tread, as these aspects are important in preventing injuries. 

How to Maintain Tennis Apparel

• Wash in cold water and air dry: Most tennis clothing is made of specialized performance materials, which hot water can damage. The same goes for dryers, as they can shrink or damage the material.
• Allow to fully dry: After tennis games it’s important to allow your tennis clothing to dry fully. This prevents odors and mold from forming in your clothes. Select a tennis bag that has a ventilated pouch to store wet clothing until you get home. 
• Use gentle detergents: Stringent detergents can cause the breakdown of materials commonly used in tennis apparel.

For the best brands and selection of tennis racquets, tennis clothing, and tennis court shoes in Mississippi, visit Overkil Pro Shop today!