The following post is an excerpt from the Second Edition of The Tennis Parent’s Bible
Available through most online retailers!
EQUIPMENT PREPARATION
The day before the match, review their Match Day Equipment Essentials List with your athlete. In case you need to run to the store to pick up an essential item or if their lucky shorts aren’t washed. Remind them that they may also want to pack their perishable Match Day Essentials the night before and keep them refrigerated and/or frozen and ready to go- ice, food, drinks etc.
“Waiting until the last minute is a common blunder and adds un-needed stress
that can steal everyone’s emotional energy before even getting to the tournament.”
Match Day Equipment Essentials: (For Competitive Athletes)
- Three- four rackets freshly strung and re-gripped.
- Extra sets of strings (your brand and gauge) and extra vibration dampeners.
- A first aid kit composed of Band-Aids, athletic tape, elastic bandages, appropriate pain reliever, plastic bags for ice, sun screen, liquid Band-Aid, hair ties etc.
- Extra shoelaces, socks, shirts and a fresh towel(s). (You may need an extra towel to soak in ice water to cool you down in very hot temperatures.)
- Water, sports drinks, electrolyte powders, easily digested fruit (banana), and energy bars/gels to be used as quick energy and/or to bridge between meals.
- Performance goals and match notes. (Reminders) Examples include: how to beat moon-ball/pushers, opponent notes, match performance goals, etc.
