Understanding the Importance of Tennis Racket Tension

Posted by Mike Volkin on November 30th, 2016

String tension can significantly impact the overall feel and performance of the racket. So if you’re serious about tennis, you need to understand the basics of tennis racket tension and be able to have yours adjusted accordingly so that it complements your preferences and playing style.

Let’s start with the basics. ‘Tension’ refers to the amount of pressure applied to the strings as they are pulled by the stringing machine. The measurement is expressed in pounds (lbs.). Hence, when people talk about string tension, you will hear measurements like 60 lbs. or 55 lbs.

Loose strings results in low tension, and tight stringing results in high tension. The latter offers more control and the former will provide more power. With a low tension (softer string bed), the racket acts like a trampoline, resulting in a greater rebound effect when the ball hits. This may help you generate more power or speed. The sweet spot becomes slightly bigger as you decrease tennis racket tension. High string tension reduces the rebound effect, resulting in more stable hitting surface and minimal sweet spot. This can give you more control.

It makes sense to adjust tennis racket tension according to your level of play. Are you a beginner? Though higher tension may promote greater control, it is not be the best choice for those that are new to the game. Beginners typically benefit from a low tension racket because it tends to be more forgiving even when the player hits off-center.

Most tennis racket manufacturers recommend a tension range. Check for any labels on the inside of the racket’s throat, where you will likely find the suggested numbers. Manufacturers always let actual players test their rackets to determine the right stringing range. But of course, you don’t always have to follow this recommendation. You are free to string your racket slightly higher or lower than the manufacturer’s suggestion. Many experts advice that you split the difference and go for a tennis racket tension that falls in the middle of the recommendation. For instance, if the racket says that the ideal string tension is 55 to 60 lbs., start with 57 or 58 lbs. Play with it and see how it feels. You can then make the tension lower, or higher based the performance and overall feel.

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