How to string a tennis racket involves preparation on knowing exactly what string and stringer to use. Brand new strings don’t have that feel and control after 40 hours of play, this quick wear affects players’ performance on the court. Learning how to string a tennis racket is the smartest decision a tennis player can make not only does it save money but it also gives them the opportunity to strengthen their racket strings. Most pro tennis players string their rackets with two different strings to get both playability and feel. Hence most active tennis players have switched to hybrid rackets.
Before stringing a tennis racket it is important to familiarize the various types of strings in order to choose the best combination. Here are a few examples, natural gut strings are 100 percent natural and made from the intestine of an adult steer. These strings dampen vibration and offer you outstanding feel on shots. Since gut string is an expensive choice and can be affected by moisture and humidity, make sure not to leave your racquet in the trunk of your car on days of extreme hot or cold. You will also need to change this string often since it is not very durable.
Nylon strings come in a variety of textures, constructions and gauges. Thicker gauges offer the best resilience, especially if you’re prone to breaking strings. The drawback is that you have less feel. The thinner gauges will give you a better feel and add more spin to the ball, but the durability of the strings declines. Polyester strings are made from synthetic fibers. Since this type of string has little movement, you have less friction and greater durability during your game. Kevlar is an extremely stiff string constructed out of the same fibers used in bullet-proof vests; this makes Kevlar strings exceptionally durable.
The most common string combinations are Kevlar mains and nylon crosses designed as a last resort for chronic string breakers. Another combination is the polyester and the natural gut. String combinations depend on user preferences. A good stringer to use when stringing is the gamma 8800 ELS with 6-PT SC mounting system, functionally engineered to accommodate the demanding needs of professional stringers, this is a tennis stringer. Now the ES5PRO Electric Badminton & Tennis String Machine can do both badminton and tennis rackets, it consistently operates no matter the operating voltage. It is a microprocessor-controlled 4-way and 2-way backup systems ensure the ultimate in reliability.
When your equipment is prepared, the next step is to decide what kind of string to get. A combination between durability and resiliency is the best way to go. You will need to choose durable main strings and softer gut cross strings. Next is to determine the tension that is best for you. A good rule of thumb is that tighter strings offer more control while looser strings offer more comfort and power because they tend to project the ball farther. String tension is a personal preference and another aspect that will probably take some experimentation. After you have determined your tension and chosen your strings then you are now ready to string, you first need to mount the racket in a stringer, ensuring the head and neck of the racket are very secure. Make sure all clamps are tight so that the racket doesn’t move. Adjust the tension on the stringer to your desired weight. Be sure not to go beyond the limit of the frame, which is usually located near the neck of the frame. Prepare to string your main strings by counting out 36 to 40 feet of string. Take note that the mains are strung vertically. If your racket has four holes, take 12 feet of string and start inserting it at the head of the racket, going down to the neck and back up to the head. Place the clamp on the first string at the head, apply tension and clamp the string. Keep clamping until all of the mains are done. Use leftover string to tie a firm knot. Unclamp and release tension. Cut off any excess string.
String the crosses. When stringing the crosses, insert string through one side and take the tip of the string and weave in and out of every main out through the other side. Apply tension to every cross and clamp. Keep doing this for every hole. When you are finished with the last cross, clamp the string, insert the string through one of the larger holes and tie a double-knot. Unclamp and release the tension. Cut off the excess string. Then voila you’re done!
Learning how to string a tennis racket is a valuable skill that every tennis player ought to learn. It helps them upgrade and adjust their tennis racket strings when their court performance is hampered by string problems.