Doubles points move quickly, and there is rarely time to rummage through a bag after a long rally. The right accessories help you stay comfortable, keep your grip reliable and make small between-point routines smoother. They can also prevent avoidable problems—like sunglasses slipping during a poach or a dampener coming loose—without getting in the way of your partner or breaking match rules.
Accessories That Make a Difference in Doubles
Doubles players share the court, cover more angles and often transition to the net in a hurry. Accessories should support those demands: secure vision, dependable grip, quick access to water and a simple way to manage balls. You do not need every item on this list. Start with the ones that solve a problem you actually notice during matches.
1. Overgrips: the most useful small upgrade
A fresh overgrip is one of the easiest ways to improve racket security. That matters when you are reaching for a reflex volley, changing direction to cover the alley or serving on a hot day. A tacky grip can suit players who like a firm hold; an absorbent, more textured one may feel better if your hands sweat heavily.
Why it helps: It can restore a comfortable handle without replacing the racket’s underlying grip. Trade-off: Tackiness and thickness are personal. A grip that feels secure to one player may feel sticky or bulky to another. Replace it when it becomes slick, compressed or visibly worn, rather than waiting for it to fail mid-match.
2. Wristbands: quick sweat control
A wristband lets you wipe sweat from your forehead between points without searching for a towel every time. That small convenience is useful in doubles, where the next serve or return can arrive quickly. Choose one that stays in place without squeezing your wrist or restricting movement.
Why it helps: It keeps sweat away from your hand and racket handle. Trade-off: A saturated band can become uncomfortable and less effective, so carry a spare on humid days. Some players prefer a headband or cap instead; use whichever keeps sweat out of your eyes without distracting you.
3. A cap or visor: shade without losing the ball
When the sun sits behind the server or hangs over the baseline, a brim can make it easier to track the toss and follow a high lob. A cap offers more coverage; a visor can feel cooler and leave the top of your head exposed. Look for a secure fit that will not shift when you turn sharply toward a poach.
Why it helps: It reduces glare and can help keep sweat off your face. Trade-off: A brim may briefly obstruct vision on high balls if the fit or tilt is wrong. Test it in practice, especially if you often play under lights or in changing conditions.
4. Sports sunglasses: useful only if they stay put
On bright outdoor courts, sunglasses can make the ball easier to follow and reduce eye strain. For doubles, fit is especially important: you may need to look up quickly for a lob, then move forward for a volley. Choose lightweight sports frames with secure, non-slip arms, and check that your peripheral vision remains clear.
Why it helps: They can cut glare and improve comfort in strong sunlight. Trade-off: Lenses can fog, slip or make depth perception feel unfamiliar. Practise in them before a match; do not debut a new tint in a tight third set. Keep a protective case in your bag to avoid scratched lenses.
5. A vibration dampener: comfort, not extra power
A dampener sits on the strings and changes the sound and feel at impact. Some players like the quieter response, particularly on compact volley punches. It is a comfort preference, not a shortcut to more control or power; your technique and string setup matter far more.
Why it helps: It can soften the string-bed sound and feel more familiar to some players. Trade-off: It will not fix arm pain or poor technique, and it can pop out if it is fitted loosely. Under the standard racket rules, a vibration-dampening device must be placed outside the pattern of crossed strings, not among the intersecting strings.
6. A compact towel: reset between points
Keep a small towel where you can reach it during changeovers. It is useful for drying your hands, face and grip, especially when you are serving several games in a row. In doubles, agree with your partner where your towels and bags will sit so neither player has to cross behind the other during a changeover.
Why it helps: A dry hand and handle can restore confidence before a serve or volley. Trade-off: A bulky towel takes up bag space and can stay damp for hours. A quick-drying sports towel is a practical choice for players who travel between courts.
7. Water bottle and electrolytes: plan for the changeovers
A bottle with a secure lid and an easy-to-open top makes it simpler to drink during the short breaks allowed by the match format. For long or hot matches, some players also use an electrolyte drink. What you need depends on conditions, match length and your own health; avoid trying a new supplement or drink for the first time in competition.
Why it helps: Having fluids within reach supports a consistent routine. Trade-off: A bottle that leaks can soak your bag, while a complicated cap wastes time. Keep it outside the playing area where it cannot roll onto court or become a hazard.
8. Ball clips or a second ball: faster service routines
A waistband ball clip can hold an extra ball for a server who wants to avoid reaching into a pocket. It is particularly handy if your shorts or skirt do not have usable pockets. Some players prefer carrying a second ball in a pocket instead, provided it sits securely and does not interfere with movement.
Why it helps: It gives the server a quick backup after a missed first serve. Trade-off: A clip can bounce, snag clothing or feel awkward when moving to the net. Practise with it before match day, and remove it if it distracts you or creates a safety concern.
Quick Comparison
| Accessory | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Overgrip | Secure racket handling | Feel varies by material and condition |
| Wristband | Sweat control between points | Can become saturated |
| Cap or visor | Sun and sweat management | May obstruct high-ball vision if poorly fitted |
| Sports sunglasses | Reducing glare outdoors | Can slip, fog or affect depth perception |
| Vibration dampener | Changing sound and string-bed feel | Personal preference; does not improve technique |
| Towel | Drying hands and face | Can be bulky or slow to dry |
| Water bottle | Keeping fluids accessible | Must be stored safely and securely |
| Ball clip | Keeping a spare ball close | May bounce or snag during movement |
Rules and Court Etiquette to Keep in Mind
Most ordinary personal accessories—such as caps, wristbands, towels and overgrips—are routine on court. Still, accessories should not delay play, distract your opponents or create a hazard. Keep bags, bottles and loose clothing off the playing surface, and do not leave spare balls where a player could step on them. If a ball rolls onto court from another court, call out promptly and safely rather than trying to play through the danger.
Racket attachments are subject to equipment rules, so make sure a dampener is fitted in an allowed position. Tournament regulations may also address electronic devices, coaching or what players can wear. If you are entering a league or sanctioned event, check its current rules instead of assuming that every accessory permitted in a casual match is allowed there.
Doubles also rewards clear partner habits. Decide before the match who will collect balls, where you will place towels and how you will signal between points. Accessories should make those routines easier, not become another thing to coordinate during a fast exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessories should a doubles player buy first?
Start with a fresh overgrip, a water bottle and a towel. Add a cap or wristband if sun or sweat regularly affects your play. These solve common problems without requiring a change to your technique or racket.
Are vibration dampeners allowed in tennis?
They are generally permitted, but the device must be placed outside the pattern of crossed strings. Check the rules for your event if you are unsure about a particular attachment.
Can I wear sunglasses during a doubles match?
Usually, yes, but they should fit securely and allow clear peripheral vision. Practise in them first so that tracking lobs and judging volleys feels natural.
Is a ball clip better than keeping a spare ball in a pocket?
Neither is universally better. A clip can make the spare easy to reach, while a pocket may feel less noticeable. Try both in practice and use the option that stays secure and does not interfere with your movement.
Final Thoughts
The best doubles accessories are the ones you stop noticing once play begins. A dependable grip, reliable shade, quick sweat control and a simple hydration routine can make long matches more comfortable, while a towel or ball clip may suit your personal habits. Choose for your conditions, test items in practice and keep the court clear. Your partner—and your next reflex volley—will benefit from a routine that stays simple.
