Our Tennis Racket Stringing Guide
Choosing a tennis string can be even harder than choosing a tennis racquet. With literally hundreds of different options, it’s tough to know which is the right string for you. Finding a string that works well with your PLAY STYLE and RACQUET will make you more confident in your gear and your game when it’s time to take the court. Correct Stringing can also alleviate or avoid injury during your game.
Strings Based On Play Style
Heavy Spinners
A heavy spin-style player breaks a lot of string. A thicker gauge string and/or a monofilament polyester string will increase durability for this type of player.
Flat Hitters
A flat hitter could use a thinner more feel-orientated type of string due to them imparting less spin, thus breaking less string and not needing the durability that a thicker string provides.
Other Considerations
New Racquets
Many times the old favourite string does not play as well in the new frame you bought. This can be due to a different weight, racquet stiffness, or string pattern.
Injuries
For players who are suffering from tennis elbow or shoulder issues, a softer more elastic string like the natural gut or a multifilament will help and is recommended.
String Tensions and Considerations
Choosing your string tension is as important as choosing your string type. The tension you play with is dependent on the type of courts you play on, the temperatures or altitudes at which you play, or even to reduce injury stress.
Court Surface
On faster surfaces like grass, artificial grass, and quicker hard courts, the ball comes through faster off the surface, therefore requiring higher tension to stay in control. Â
On slower surfaces like clay and slow hard courts the ball won’t come through as fast and will sit up more, in this case lowering tension will help hit the ball higher over the net and with depth.
Weather
In hotter weather, the ball will fly faster through the air and some control may need to be regained meaning higher tension is needed.
In colder conditions, the ball will move more slowly through the air meaning lower tensions are required.
Locations
When playing tennis at a high altitude it will mean a faster game compared to playing at the coast. Increase tension at high altitudes to help with control at faster speeds.
Coastal play means a slower game, tension may need to be lowered to help with depth and power.
Injuries
If you suffer from an injury, particularly an arm or wrist injury, lowering tension will help reduce stress on the affected part of the body.Â
The slower swing speed will help the player continue playing with less discomfort.
Choosing Your Stringing Provider
ERSA CERTIFIED STRINGERS
ERSA (European Racquet Stringing Association) International was established in order to support and develop racquet stringers through administering courses and conducting stringing qualifications, thereby setting a reputable stringing standard.
ERSA is the largest of the three globally recognized stringing associations, with managers and testers in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Africa, and over 3000 members worldwide.
Baseline Racquets has completed the relevant training and is proud to be registered as the ERSA Manager for South Africa.
“We are excited to be involved in setting a standard of excellence in racquet services and products knowledge by conducting ERSA sanctioned workshops and certifying candidates in South Africa.”
Other benefits of completing the ERSAÂ – South Africa Qualifications include:
– Promoting professionalism in the racquet sports industry.
– Instilling consumer confidence in racquet stringers and technicians.
– Expanding the availability of expert racquet stringers.Â
Not only do we provide unmatched racquet expertise, but Baseline Racquets also offers the widest range of String Brands in South Africa. No matter your string choice… Baseline Racquets have you covered.
