How to String a Tennis Racquet
If you’re a professional tennis player, your racquet is your best friend. It’ll need proper care, and one important maintenance task you need to do for it is to string it properly. Stringing a tennis racquet by yourself is pretty easy. Here are a few steps to follow.
What You’ll Need:
Tennis racquet
String
Stringing machine
Diagonal cutter
Procedure:
Decide which type of string to get. Strings made from Kevlar are recommended, because of their tough composition, but you can also get polyester strings. Remember that what you should look for is a combination of resiliency and durability. For the main strings, you’ll have to get something durable, while something soft for the gut cross strings is more ideal. You might need to experiment with several different kinds, until you find one that suits you best.
tennis racquet
Buy a stringing machine. Using your bare hands will be a feat, and if you’re an avid tennis player, this will certainly come in handy. Depending on the model you choose, a stringing machine can cost between $150 to $1,000.
Determine the string tension you need. Loose strings give more power and comfort, since they project the tennis ball farther, while tighter strings give more control. Like the string type, the tension you choose depends on your preference and how you play. You’ll also need to experiment several times, before you can find a string tension that suits you well.
When you’ve decided on the tension, mount your racquet in the stringer. Make sure its neck and head are secured, and that the clamps are placed on tightly, so the racquet won’t move.
Adjust the tension on the stringer, depending on your desired weight. Remember, never go beyond the frame’s limit. Usually, this is found near the frame’s neck.
Count out 36 to 40 feet of string, and prepare to string the main strings. You have to string these vertically. If your racquet has four holes in it, get 12 feet of string, then begin inserting it at the racquet’s head, going downwards to the neck, then back up.
Put the clamp on the first string at the racquet’s head. Apply some tension, then clamp the string. Keep clamping, until all the mains are finished.
Using the leftover string, tie a firm knot, then unclamp to release the tension. Cut off the excess string.
String the crosses, by inserting string through one side, taking its tip, then weaving it in and out of every main, going through the other side. Make sure you apply tension to all the clamp and crosses. Do this for every hole.
After you finish the last cross, clamp the string, inserting it through one of the bigger holes. Tie a double knot. Release the tension again by unclamping the string. Cut off the excess string.
How often you string your racquet depends on how frequently you use it. Never forget to do this maintenance tactic, otherwise you’ll find yourself with a faulty racquet in the court!