How to Select Tennis String

Selecting the right string for your tennis racquet sounds easy, but it can be a little overwhelming. There are dozens of brands and many types of string to choose from. Tennis string comes in several gauges, made with a wide variety of materials and techniques. Strings are designed to match a players skill, style of play and racquet choice.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what type of tennis player you are. Are you a big hitter or are you a touch player? Do you break strings often? Do you have elbow problems? Do you need more power in your game, or do you need more control? What kind of racquet do you play with? These are all things to consider when choosing the right tennis string.

    • 2

      String your racquet with a 15 gauge or a 15L gauge string if you break string often. This gauge string is thicker and will not break as often as a thinner 17 or 18 gauge string. However, thick gauge string will not bite the ball as well as a thinner gauge string, and feel for the ball and the spin potential will be reduced.

    • 3

      Choose a softer string if you are prone to having elbow soreness or tendonitis. A softer string is made with a multi-filamented core, making it not so stiff and therefore easier on your arm. Natural gut string is a an example of a mult-filamented string that is very playable and comfortable. You should note that this type of string has more elasticity and will therefore lose tension fast.

    • 4

      Select a polyester string if you are a big hitter. If you like to hit hard with control and do not want to worry about the expense of constantly restringing due to breakage, this would be an excellent string choice. Do not use this string if you are having arm problems.

    • 5

      String your racket with a hybrid string if you use a racquet that has a wide string pattern. This type of racquet will cause strings to break early because of the gnawing movement of the main and cross strings. A hybrid string will consist of a durable main string coupled with a more playable cross string. A hybrid string will give you durability, but still allow you to have some feel for the ball.