When deciding the gauge number, see what playing style suits you the best. As a player who loves hitting spin shots and relies on durability and elasticity, you would prefer a thin string. The higher the gauge, the thinner will be the string. On the contrary, a soft string, made of softer coating, vibrates less and tends to produce more spin thanks to a stiffer stringbed. Thicker strings tend to provide a better feel whereas the thinner strings will last longer. Other than loose and tight strings, there are thick and soft strings. Alternatively, if you like loose strings, you prefer power over control. If you like tight strings, you prefer control in comparison to power. Loose string vs Tight Stringīoth loose and tight strings are effective, depending on your gameplay. That’s because you’re able to add more force and impact. For instance, if you’re used to tight strings, you’ll end up hitting powerful shots when the strings loosen up. Stringing is pivotal and it can prevent inconsistency in shots. Yes, the accuracy could be a little off, but not entirely. When you hit two identical shots, let’s say volley, with the same power and accuracy, you’ll expect similar results. The lack of any of these aspects will severely impact your control and overall performance. Crucial aspects of the game such as power, vibration, and spin largely rely on the string. While one may wonder what effect can string have on one’s game? They must know that the stringing style determines the control. Aces being an integral part of winning points, a poorly strung racquet can cause you the match, let alone a set or point. Similar to serves in squash, the power and precision are not up to the point and can easily result in a fault. The moment you hit a shot, you don’t get that oomph and the shots you hit are not accurate either. However, when strings start cushioning during impact, you cannot guide the shots effectively as the force/tension ratio changes. Herein, you use the momentum of the powerful incoming shot and guide it towards your opponent. Cushioning during impactĪ properly strung racquet doesn’t cushion but rather relays the shot. But over time, due to excessive stretching, the shot connection isn’t smooth. When practicing with a new racquet, you’ll feel that the stretching is minimal allowing you more control. When your racquet comes in contact with the incoming shot, you’ll feel that it’s stretching more than usual. You can identify if your racquet needs restringing when you notice the following things: Excessive stretching on impact After a while, your racquet might lose the punch, and here’s when you need to work your string tension. Restringing is a practice of reworking your racquet strings to ensure peak form. Thus, if you want to stay on the top of the game, you do need to restring the racquet. The shots you hit or rally start to feel different. As you keep playing, the tension on your racquet strings keeps changing. Image Credit: Tennis Companion Tennis Racquet Stringing: Why it matters?Īs a tennis player, you’re engrossed in drills, day in, and day out mastering singe or doubles strategies.