Fiend at Court Unplugged
The impact of the pandemic has raised the public consciousness on the importance of supporting small locally owned and operated businesses. The retail pro shop attached to clubs or tennis centers are firmly in that category. If you are considering giving someone the gift of tennis, the pro shop at your local tennis center is an obvious first start.
Local services and offerings may vary. Some pro shops no longer carry merchandise beyond tennis balls while others are fully stocked. There should be always someone on staff who can render solid advice on gifting options available at that establishment. In any case, the first question when making this sort of inquiry is who would be a good person to talk to about such opportunities. The person who initially answers the phone might not be the best source of information.
Tennis Gifts for Beginners
If you are considering giving tennis to a beginner, the local pro shop is a particularly good choice. They may have a demo racquet program or recommendations for inexpensive starter level equipment appropriate for the age and size of the player. They will also be able to recommend beginning tennis programming appropriate for the prospective player.
I am hard over on the idea that first time players should receive some level of competent instruction when first picking up the sport. Tennis is a game with a steep learning curve and using proper technique from the onset is tremendously beneficial. Additionally, I strongly prefer beginning instruction in a group setting because it is reassuring to the player to observe that other players are experiencing the learning curve of tennis as well.
For the beginning players a great tennis gift is an inexpensive racquet and a gift certificate to cover a series of beginning tennis lessons from their local tennis facility.
Tennis Gifts for Experienced Tennis Players
Tennis players always need more gear, however it is fraught with peril. Tennis Players almost always have a strong brand preference on gear. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to collect that information in casual conversation. For example the question “What string do you have in your racquet” is likely to generate a lengthy discussion not only of the string, but also how crisp/soft/sharp it feels on all manner of strokes. In fact, you may be sorry you asked.
 | WILSON Triniti Tennis Ball Case – 72 Balls, 24 Can Case The ripples in the supply chain have not spared tennis. There is a general shortage of tennis balls right now. IF you can find the brand of tennis ball that your player prefers (and most players WILL have a brand preference) you should grab them. Buyer Beware because online sources are charging a premium right now. For that reason I am recommending the Wilson Triniti Ball. It is more expensive than standard tennis balls, but is reusable over multiple plays. I use the Triniti Ball in my ball hopper right now and anticipate continuing to use the Triniti even when the supply chain issues are resolved. |
 | Gamma Sports EZ Travel Cart Pro, Portable Compact Speaking of that ball hopper, this is the one I use. I actually received it as a Christmas gift from my brother a few years ago and it remains my favorite. |
 | Tennis Player Survival Kit For a personalized gift, you can stuff a zipper bag with consumable and reusable items that tennis players need. Great ideas for those things can be found in my 2021 Ultimate Stocking Stuffer List for Tennis Players from yesterday. |
| Strings, Shoes, Racquets, Overgrips | This may be on your tennis player’s wish list, but there will always be a strong brand preference. You are going to have to ask. This may be a gift certificate situation opportunity from their local pro shop. |
If none of these ideas resonate with you, tomorrow’s topic is technology gifts for tennis players.
