| Tennis racquet string tension is a commonly | | | | out more, which allows the strings to have a better |
| misunderstood issue but a very important consideration | | | | bite on the ball. This, in essence, provides more control. |
| for your racquet. What racquet string tension should I | | | | Many players prefer tighter strings but it does have a |
| use? Well, when it comes down to it, it really is a | | | | board like feel that you may not like. It is also important |
| matter of personal preference, but here are some | | | | to keep in mind that racket string tension will feel |
| guidelines and facts to keep in mind. First, there is | | | | different with different rackets. Some tennis rackets |
| generally a tension range that is provided by the tennis | | | | are flexible while others are stiff. Your current tension |
| racket manufacturer and is usually located on the | | | | may feel very different on a different racket even |
| throat of the tennis racket. If you ever find yourself | | | | though they have the same recommended string |
| unsure or struggling to decide what tension, a number | | | | tension. |
| smack dab in the middle of the recommended racquet | | | | Tennis string tension really becomes a matter of |
| string tension is usually a good one to start with. You | | | | personal preference and trial and error. And it starts all |
| can then increase or decrease your string tension until | | | | over again if you get a new tennis racket. So just |
| you find something that feels good. | | | | remember the basics: |
| Since all tennis rackets recommend different tensions | | | | 1. Higher string tension means reduced power but more |
| (they are generally somewhere in the 50 or 60 pound | | | | control |
| range), there is not one tension that can be | | | | 2. Lower string means more power but reduced |
| recommended. You can only use the following | | | | control |
| guidelines. Lower tension increase power and higher | | | | Now that I have said all of this, I will throw a kink into |
| tensions increase control. With a lower tension, the | | | | the mix. These guidelines really apply to those tennis |
| racket acts almost like a trampoline. The ball hits the | | | | players who are passed the beginning stage of tennis |
| racket, the strings quickly form a small pocket (relative | | | | and are a more intermediate or advanced player. A |
| to the tennis string tension) and your swing and strings | | | | beginner could be hitting balls all over the place but a |
| shoot the ball out of the pocket. Obviously, this is a little | | | | higher or tighter racket string tension is not going to |
| over exaggerated, but it is a metaphor to how the | | | | help them out with better control. A beginner would |
| strings respond with a lower tension. This all results in a | | | | most likely benefit from a lower tension because the |
| little less control. | | | | strings will be more forgiving and help with the number |
| Racquet string tension that is on the high side causes | | | | of off center hits that they have. I would suggest that |
| the racquet to act more like a board or "brick wall". | | | | a beginning tennis player stick with the mid-range string |
| This tight racket string tension causes the ball to flatten | | | | tension that is recommend for the tennis racket. |