How to Choose Tension for a Tennis Racquet

Choosing the proper tension for your tennis racquet can put more power on your shots, add more spin or give you a nice balance between the two. Also make sure you pick the proper strings. Many professionals and amateurs use natural gut (gut is another word for tennis string), or a combination of synthetic and natural gut. Most stores carry standard synthetic gut, which is fine for the recreational player.

Things You'll Need

  • A tennis racquet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide whether you want more power or more spin in your shots. Higher tensions will provide more spin while a lower tension will give you more power. For example, if you like to hit with a lot of topspin on a tennis forehand, then you should get a higher tension when you string your tennis racquet.

    • 2

      Know the number values for tension. The general balance point for restringing a tennis racquet is 60 pounds of tension.

    • 3

      Choose your tension to fit your style of play. Between 55 and 60 pounds will give you more power but less spin. Between 60 and 65 pounds of tension will give you more spin but less power. Try not to go above 65 pounds or below 55 pounds, though most tennis racquets have tension limits written on the frame.