The exciting world of professional tennis has garnered quite a following and spurred others to try the sport, too. In fact, equipment sales and the number of new players has increased over the years. Those in the business of supplying equipment and promoting the sport are seeing encouraging growth.

But when you're in the tennis business, you need to provide top-notch tennis rackets at great prices and the clothing to make your customers not only perform well but look good, too. You'll also want to consider stocking up on racket strings and shoes as well as accessories and gifts.

Consider the following tennis information:

1. The history of tennis can be traced back thousands of years, when European monks played it for entertainment during breaks from religious rituals.

2. Tennis players are people of many different ages and skill levels. Make sure to cater products to varying levels of ability and interest.

3. While knowing the basic tennis rules is essential for those who play in tournaments and other competitions, it's not necessary for those who are just learning how to play to memorize rules.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Outfit your customers with the latest tennis clothing styles

Long gone are the days when tennis players had to wear all white. Now, a wide array of colorful athletic gear is available. And you can always play in a T-shirt and shorts. You'll want to have on hand a selection of activewear as well as the traditional tennis skirts and tops to accommodate different styles.

I recommend: Activewear, along with traditional tennis skirts and tops, can be found via Ad In Tennis Apparel. Look for men's tennis shorts at A Perfect Match Tennis Apparel, along with other clothing for men, women and children.

Provide a variety of tennis rackets

Tennis is a pretty basic sport. All you really need is a racket and a few tennis balls to hit around. Rackets can range in price from very inexpensive amateur models to the higher-priced professional models. You'll want to know your clients' preferences and offer a range of rackets that best suits your business needs.

I recommend: Search racket options by manufacturer at Midwest Sports. Browse through the selection of tennis rackets and tennis bags offered at Irvine Tennis.

Direct customers to facilities where they can learn to play tennis

New players may want to find tennis lessons or a program to help them learn and practice the sport. Research indicates that those involved in a structured program or lessons are more likely to enjoy the sport and keep up with it than those learning to play on their own. But there is also much help online for those who may be more advanced and only need help with a certain technique.

I recommend: In Louisiana, for example, private lessons are offered at the Johnny Wahlborg Total Tennis Program through the YMCA in Baton Rouge. Check out the Lesson Lounge at Tennis4You.com for a complete online video collection of lessons whether help is needed with making a certain shot or mental strategy.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to have a list of tennis court options for your customers including facility location and directions, hours of operation and whether reservations must be made ahead of time.