Understanding String Tension and Patterns

Luke Henley explains why string tension may be the most important racket factor. The right string at the wrong tension can be a disadvantage.

String tension is arguably the most important factor for your racket. Even if you have the right string for you in your racket, if it is at the wrong tension then you could be playing at a big disadvantage. Nonetheless, racket string tension is not well understood by most players. Luke Henley is an ERSA certified stringer and in this interview he explains the answers to the questions you’ve always wondered about racket string tension:

Why is string tension so important?
What myths and truths are there regarding string tension?
- ie tighter strings
- ie looser strings
Why is string pattern so important?
What string tension should I have?

Key Take-Aways

String tension is one of, if not, the most important factor for your racket. Even if you have the right string for you in your racket, if it is at the wrong tension then you could be at a big disadvantage. Think of it like this… you put the best Michelin tyres on your car but the tyres are flat, you are not going to get the performance you should out of them and you will not be able to control the car as well as if the correct pressure was in them. Exactly the same principle applies to your tennis strings for both too loose and too tight!
An easy way to get a general understanding of this is the looser the tension the more power you have and the tighter your tension the more control you have. It is a common misconception this is the other way round.
When it comes to string pattern then it is similar to string tension with regard to different ones suit different players/game styles. For those of you who aren’t sure what the different numbers mean then the first number refers to the number of strings running down the racket from top to bottom and are usually referred to as the “mains”. The second number indicates the number of strings going across the racket and are usually referred to as “crosses”.
More open string patterns such as 16×18 or 16×19 are designed to make it easier to hit with depth power and spin. Imagine it like an off-road tyre, an open string pattern will grab/grip the ball and send it back out again with a good amount of spin.
More dense string patterns such as 18×20 offer less space between the strings and are often favoured by players who tend to hit the ball flatter and use the racket/string combo to control the ball within the lines, opposed to spin. The denser pattern enables them to still get a good strike the ball while being able to control it. It should be noted that in some circumstances due to swing biomechanics and speeds that some players may find the denser string patterns still spin friendly and visa versa with the more open patterns.
Tension is a very personal thing and often it can be case of some trial and error or experimenting trying out different tensions before someone finds their ideal tension that they feel most comfortable with. Then other factors like a change in racket or (this is more relevant to touring players) a change in altitude could also lead to a change in tension. At the highest level’s players will go onto court with different rackets at different tensions in case they feel like they need slightly more control for example.

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Understanding String Tension and Patterns

Luke Henley explains why string tension may be the most important racket factor. The right string at the wrong tension can be a disadvantage.

Key Take-Aways

Full series on understanding and caring for your racket

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