Bags

Backpacks work well if you're only carrying the basics - shoes, kneepads, a water bottle - since they're easier to carry to school or on transit. Duffle bags are better if you travel with a full kit (extra clothes, multiple pairs of shoes, team gear), since they offer more overall space.

Look for a dedicated ball pocket, a separate shoe compartment to keep dirty shoes away from clean gear, padded straps for comfort, and water-resistant material to protect against wet gyms or outdoor courts.

Not necessarily, but beach players often prefer a bag with better water and sand resistance, while indoor players may prioritize a dedicated shoe compartment since indoor shoes are typically kept separate from outdoor use.

For single or day sessions, a backpack is usually enough, but for multi-day tournaments where you're packing extra clothing, shoes and gear, a larger duffle bag gives you the space to stay organized over several matches.