What’s in My Tennis Bag – 2 Must-Haves I Never Coach Without!

As a tennis coach, having the right gear organized and ready to go is essential for every session on the court.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the contents of my tennis bag can make or break a coaching day. From the rackets I bring to the little extras that help my students improve their game, every item has its purpose.
Today, I want to share with you what I pack in my tennis bag, including two must-have items I never step on the court without, and one item I should be using more often but tend to forget.

Choosing the Right Tennis Bag

First off, the tennis bag itself is a big part of the equation. I prefer a bag that is lightweight yet durable, with enough compartments to keep everything organized. Waterproof material is a bonus, especially if you occasionally face wet weather on the way to the courts.
A bag with sturdy zippers and multiple compartments allows me to separate rackets from accessories and personal items, making it easier to find what I need quickly during lessons.

Organizing My Rackets: The First Compartment

One of the main compartments in my tennis bag is dedicated exclusively to rackets. It comfortably fits up to six rackets, but I usually carry five: two adult rackets and three for kids.
Here’s how I organize them:

• Adult Rackets: I bring my racket, a Head Prestige, which I use for playing and demonstrating techniques. I also carry an extra adult racket as a backup in case a student breaks theirs or forgets to bring one.
• Junior Rackets: When coaching kids, it’s common for siblings or friends to come along and want to join in. To keep lessons running smoothly without distractions, I bring three junior rackets of varying sizes (23, 25, and 26 inches) that fit different age groups and skill levels.

This setup ensures I’m always prepared, whether coaching adults or kids, and can quickly adapt to different lesson scenarios.

The First Must-Have: My Teaching Board

Among the essentials in my tennis bag, my teaching board stands out as one of the two items I never coach without. This compact drawing board allows me to visually explain strategies, tactics, and footwork patterns to my students. Sometimes, verbal explanations aren’t enough, especially when teaching complex movements or positioning on the court. With a marker in hand, I can sketch out plays or drills, making it easier for students to understand and retain the information.

The bag has a special pocket designed just for this board, which keeps it safe and accessible. Having this tool at my fingertips transforms my coaching sessions and helps my students grasp key concepts faster.

Lost and Found: Why I Carry Extra Dampeners and Accessories

Another interesting aspect of my tennis bag is the collection of dampeners and elastic bands I keep on hand. You might wonder why a coach carries a stash of these small items. The reason is simple: when coaching at public or neighborhood courts, I often find dampeners or bands left behind by other players. Instead of letting them go to waste, I collect these and offer them to my students if they need replacements.

This small gesture helps my students avoid interruptions during lessons caused by missing or broken equipment. It also fosters a sense of community and responsibility towards sharing and taking care of gear.

The “Messy” Compartment: Everything Else I Carry

Now, let’s talk about the other compartment, which I call the “messy” part of my tennis bag. This section holds a variety of items that support my coaching sessions beyond just rackets and teaching tools. Here’s a closer look at what I carry:

• Can of Tennis Balls: I always bring a fresh can of balls in case someone wants to play a match or practice. New balls make a big difference in bounce and control.
• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, so I never forget my water bottle.
• Band-Aids: This is the second must-have item I never coach without. Blisters can abruptly end a lesson, but having band-aids handy means I can quickly patch up a student’s finger or foot and keep the session going.
• Squishy Balls for Kids: I bring soft, squishy balls that kids can squeeze to strengthen their forearm and wrist muscles. These are great for warm-ups and fun exercises.
• Oversized Sponge Balls: These are fantastic for warming up and rallying with students using a full range of motion. Unlike regular tennis balls, oversized sponge balls allow players to swing hard from the service line without fear of missing or hitting the ball out of bounds. They’re perfect for both kids and adults to loosen up before serious drills.
• Hand Grips and Elastic Bands: Strengthening the wrist and forearm is key for tennis players. I use hand grips daily and keep elastic bands that kids love to play with and that double as effective muscle toners.
• Z-Ball: This ball bounces unpredictably, making it excellent for reaction drills and quick movement training. Kids especially enjoy trying to catch it.
• Spare Clothes and Socks: After hitting sessions, it’s nice to change into fresh clothes. I always keep an extra t-shirt, socks, and a towel in my bag.
• Hats: I carry two lightweight tennis hats to protect myself from the sun during outdoor coaching.
• Jump Rope: A jump rope is a simple but effective warm-up tool that I keep in a dedicated pouch inside the bag.
• Sunglasses: Although I bring sunglasses, I prefer not to wear them while coaching because maintaining eye contact with students helps communication and connection. When playing or practicing in bright conditions, I wear them, but during instruction, I take them off to foster trust and engagement.
• Markers and Permanent Markers: Besides the teaching board marker, I carry a permanent marker for labeling or quick notes.
• Earphones: At the end of the day, when I’m brushing or watering the court, I like to listen to podcasts. Earphones help me stay entertained while finishing up chores.

The One Item I Should Use But Don’t: Sunscreen

One thing I often forget to use, but know I should, is sunscreen. You might be surprised, but my coaching schedule helps me avoid the harshest sun exposure. I usually coach early in the morning before 10:30 a.m. and then again in the late afternoon or early evening. By avoiding the peak sun hours between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., I minimize my risk of sunburn.

Still, sunscreen is important, especially if you coach outdoors for extended periods. I recommend applying it before heading out, even if you plan to avoid the strongest sun hours. Protecting your skin is key for long-term health and comfort during coaching.

Balancing Coaching Time and Energy

Typically, I coach no more than five hours a day: two hours in the morning and two to three hours in the afternoon or evening. This schedule allows me to stay active and engaged without burning out. I’m an active coach who rallies with my students during drills, so managing my energy is crucial.

Having a well-packed tennis bag with all the essentials helps me maintain this balance. I can focus on coaching, demonstrating, and supporting my students without worrying about missing equipment or supplies.

Final Thoughts: What Your Tennis Bag Should Have

Whether you’re a tennis coach or a player, having a thoughtfully packed tennis bag can elevate your experience on the court. Here are the key takeaways from my packing routine:

1. Rackets: Bring the right mix of adult and junior rackets to cover all your coaching needs.
2. Teaching Tools: A drawing board or teaching board is invaluable for explaining tactics and footwork.
3. First Aid: Band-aids or blister treatments are essential to keep lessons moving smoothly.
4. Warm-Up Equipment: Squishy balls, oversized sponge balls, jump ropes, and hand grips help prepare students physically.
5. Extras: Spare clothes, hats, sunglasses, markers, and earphones round out the bag for comfort and convenience.
6. Sun Protection: Never underestimate sunscreen and scheduling your sessions to avoid peak sun hours.

Organizing your tennis bag with these essentials will ensure you’re ready for any coaching scenario and help your students get the most out of their training sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to organize rackets in a tennis bag?

Use a compartment that fits multiple rackets but only carry the ones you need for the session. Separate adult and junior rackets for easy access and preparedness for different players.

Why is a teaching board important for tennis coaches?

A teaching board allows coaches to visually explain strategies, tactics, and footwork, making it easier for students to understand complex concepts during lessons.

What are oversized sponge balls, and why are they useful?

Oversized sponge balls are larger, softer balls that allow players to rally using a full range of motion without worrying about hitting the ball out or missing. They’re great for warm-ups and teaching proper swing mechanics.

Should tennis coaches wear sunglasses while teaching?

While sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun, they can hinder communication by blocking eye contact. It’s best to wear them during play but remove them when speaking with students to build connection and trust.

How can I protect myself from the sun during tennis coaching?

Apply sunscreen before going outdoors, wear hats, and try to schedule coaching sessions outside peak sun hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to reduce UV exposure.

What small items should every tennis coach carry in their bag?

Band-aids, dampeners, elastic bands, markers, spare clothes, and hydration are all small but essential items that support smooth and effective coaching sessions.