String tension is the final piece in the racquet-string-tension triad.
It’s also the least understood by most recreational players. Let’s
start with the basics - lower tensions provide more power, tighter
tensions provide more control. This is a very general rule of thumb
and assumes a certain level of player ability (especially the control
part). A beginning player may need more control but tighter string
tensions aren’t the solution. This player needs a soft, forgiving
stringbed that lower tensions provide due to the frequency of off-center
hits.Advanced players who swing fast and hit hard usually need more
control and will, therefore, benefit from tighter tensions. There are,
of course, always exceptions but these generalizations apply to the
majority of players.
Each racquet has a recommended tension range. This range has been
determined by the manufacturer as a result of extensive playtesting
by real players. If a player doesn’t have a specific need (more power,
arm problems, etc.), he should start at mid-range and make any
adjustments from there.
Otherwise, here are some specific guidelines for selecting a string tension.
Power - as we stated above, if a player is seeking more power
from his racquet, he should try dropping tension a few pounds.
The stringbed will deflect more (and the ball less),
returning greater energy to the ball. There is a point
of diminishing returns where the stringbed turns into
a butterfly net, but it’s well below any racquet’s
recommended tension range.
Control - a tighter stringbed deflects less and deforms the ball more,
providing less energy than looser strings. This means the
ball won’t fly as far when you hit it. Beginners who are
shanking the ball in every direction won’t gain any advantage
by increasing tension, but intermediate and advanced players
who are hitting a lot of long balls will be able to reduce the
depth of their shots without changing their swing. It is also
generally accepted that spin potential is enhanced with higher
tensions, which provides even more control for topspin and slice
players.
Arm Injuries - lower tensions result in a softer stringbed and a larger
sweetspot, reducing the amount of shock and vibration
transmitted to the hand and elbow.
Switching Racquets - too many players are stuck on a tension
(“I always string my racquet at 60 pounds”) and
don’t make allowances when changing racquets.
Whether changing head sizes, brands, or buying a
new titanium racquet, a player will need to make
the corresponding tension change. If 60 pounds was
mid-range on his old racquet and the new racquet’s
tension range is 50-60 pounds he should start at 55
pounds with the new racquet.
Switching Strings - if a player changes from a standard nylon or synthetic
gut string to a kevlar composite or hybrid, we suggest
he reduce tension to compensate for the added material
stiffness. With composites, we recommend a 5% reduction.
Kevlar hybrids should be strung 10% looser to approximate
the same feel of nylon strings. On the other end of the
spectrum, players switching from nylon strings to polyester
may want to increase tension 5-10% to compensate for
polyester’s high initial tension loss.
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