There are days when I live out of my tennis bag. It’s those epic matches that go on and on, until you realize you’re suddenly hungry and start desperately scavenging for anything to eat. It’s those meetings you’ve scheduled right after a clinic, forgetting to schedule in a shower. There’s always something we need to get us through the day—and it helps to throw some go-to comfort essentials into your “home-away-from-home” tennis bag. Here are a few must-haves:

10. L’Occitane Vanilla Body Trio

Heavenly. This is beautifully scented and can give you a fresh boost. $35 for the trio, be sure to ask for samples…

09. No Sweat!…get a grip®

I clearly remember those lost points when the racquet would accidentally turn in my hand on a hot day. No Sweat!…get a grip spray goes on wet, dries in seconds and improves grip traction. It works, lasts, has no odor, and contents are food grade (similar to baby powder without the mess) $8.99.

 08. Going To The Net:
Winning The Psychological Game Of Tennis
by Bill Bishop

If you find yourself between matches and need to improve your mental toughness, this easy-to-read book gives sage advice citing those moments of self-doubt to which we can all relate. It helps to reprogram your thinking patterns so you can stay positive and focused. (see twitter reviews and excerpts @cg_courtgirl)

07. Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo

Whoa, Nellie! Yes, it’s shampoo for horses and will keep your mane (‘n tail if you have one) silky and soft. The bottle is ginormous, so just pour it into a travel bottle and throw it in your bag. This is truly the best shampoo and conditioner after Kerastase, which is my hands-down favorite. The difference between the two? Kerastase is more creamy and luxe at $33, Mane ‘n Tail is no-nonsense but does an amazing job at $6.99 in CVS or drugstore.com. All of the below use it, and it helps hair grow faster, too!

06. Macadamia Dry Shampoo & Natural Oil Spray Duo

No time to wash your hair? No problem, try Macadamia Dry Shampoo—instantly absorbs excess oil, this dry shampoo will revitalize your hair leaving your locks clean and refreshed. The Natural Oil Spray nourishes and helps reduce frizz. Duo and handy clutch $29.95 folic.com

05. Skoot skirt

Say what? A Skoot Skirt. If you haven’t heard of this, it’s great on cool days or when you just feel like a bit more coverage. Only available through QVC, it’s a skirt with built-in leggings. Most tennis skirts come with super short-shorts built-in, this is similar but these “shorts” extend to your mid-calf for support and cover those “no one needs to that” areas of your booty and legs. I’m “all about the bass”, but super short tennis whites are not the most flattering way to show it off. Love my Skoot Skirt!

 

04. KT Tape

If you have any minor joint pain, KT Tape will keep it under control. Easy to apply yourself, variety of colors and available at CVS. Apply a few strips to your tennis elbow, Achilles, shoulder, anywhere you need it and looks streamlined, graphic and intimidating. The best tape on the market.

03. Sunglasses

After being clocked in the eye with a tennis ball and still recovering, I realized protective gear is a must. Just depends what you’re into, style, function, both?

02. Larabar

When you need a bite between sets, this bar packs a nutritional punch. No sugar in most bars, all natural, uses dates and bananas as the sweetener, gluten-free.

1. Coconut water!

It’s so good, I can’t stop talking about it. Better than most sports drinks and naturally sweet (be sure to check the label for added sugars), coconut water is packed with electrolytes, provides longer hydration than water, has the same potassium as eating four bananas. I swear by it (see our previous article for more info).

Not just for sports…after a tough day on the courts try one of these:

ZICO Loco

· 1.5 ounces Light Rum
· 1 and 1.5 ounces ZICO Natural Premium Coconut Water
· Squeeze of fresh lime
· 1 strawberry

Build in an ice-filled rocks glass, mix together rum, ZICO Natural and fresh lime, pour over ice and stir in the sliced strawberry for garnish. Enjoy!

 

Now that you don’t have to think about the little things…
Go play, have fun, win!

 P.S. Much thanks to my friend Rachel Kilcullen for the clever editing tips!