THE 3 KEY TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR TENNIS STRING

Choosing the right tennis string is crucial. A poor choice can leave you playing with equipment that doesn't suit your needs, doesn't match your playing style, or even strains your arm and joints. So, here are a few tips to help you choose your string, based on your racket and… your own individual needs.

TIP #1: YOUR ROPE MUST BE SUITED TO THE RACECAKE

As we already mentioned in our previous article, the string is first and foremost an integral part of the racket. So we can start there: the string complements the racket, must adapt to it, and accommodate its weight and structure.

In short, if you own a lightweight racket, under 300 grams, it generates more impact (18% more, to be exact) on the forearm than a racket over 300g. This results in more muscle fatigue. Therefore, a lightweight racket offers lightness and maneuverability, while a heavier racket guarantees more power. The best option is to choose one that is heavier than the others.

• A multifilament polyurethane string for a racket under 300g, which, being more elastic, will generate maximum power for less arm fatigue.
• A monofilament polyester string for a racket weighing more than 300g, a stiffer string which offers better control but also generates more arm fatigue.

IN SUMMARY

Do you own a heavy racket? Opt for a monofilament string to channel the power generated by the racket's weight and give you more control.

Do you own a lightweight racket? Opt for a multifilament string to compensate for the power deficit caused by the racket's lightness.

TIP #2: CONSIDER YOUR GAME AND THE TYPE OF PLAYER YOU ARE

Next, one of the important things to remember when choosing strings is that you need to consider your playing style and physical abilities. Therefore, as we will discuss in a future article, there's no point in copying the strings (or even the racket!) of your favorite player simply because they play well with that equipment.

And since the ball arriving in the center of the racket causes very significant vibrations (a shock of 100G for a ball launched at 70km/h), the choice proves decisive.

When we talk about player type, this refers to gender, age, but especially to the frequency of practice and physical capabilities (body type, potential injuries, etc.). The game itself refers more to playing style (based on powerful shots, excellent defense and movement, a powerful serve, etc.).

Therefore, several situations may suit you:

• You're looking for power . You'd like sharper, more aggressive shots with a flatter trajectory. In that case, you could consider a multifilament string. Alternatively, you could lower the string tension, which increases the trampoline effect and therefore power, or reduce the string gauge (which decreases its resistance).
• You're looking for control . You want to make fewer mistakes, or perhaps channel your power with equipment that offers security and control. Conversely, you can increase the gauge or tension of your strings. Alternatively, opt for a softer polyester string. Be aware, however, that this type of string is more demanding on the forearm; make sure your arm shape is suitable before choosing a stiff string. Similarly, this type of string is not recommended for young, growing players: it could increase the risk of injury as they get older.
• You're looking for comfort. To avoid injuries, it's best to opt for a multifilament string that's more flexible, more powerful, and therefore more comfortable. Vibrations are less noticeable, but you lose some control…

IN SUMMARY

If you are looking for power, to deliver more winning shots: opt for a multifilament string.

If you're looking for comfort and flexibility , and to avoid vibrations and injuries, opt for a multifilament string. Power and flexibility go hand in hand.

If you are looking for control, and you do not experience any forearm pain, opt for monofilament polyester string.

TIP #3: BE DEMANDING IN YOUR CHOICE OF ROPE

Don't buy the first rope you come across. Carefully consider the different types of ropes.

1/ Polyester monofilament: the control choice to avoid in case of pain and lack of power

Monofilament strings are made entirely of polyester. These strings offer strength and control, but at the expense of comfort (forearm muscle fatigue). Therefore, polyester should be avoided by players with arm pain, as well as by young players who train very frequently and are at risk of injury.

Two figures to remember: while polyester monofilament is 38% stiffer than polyurethane multifilament, it also generates 22% more muscle fatigue when hitting!

Hybrid string: it is possible to combine the strength and control of polyester (mainly on the main strings), with the power and flexibility of nylon or multifilament, in order to gain in comfort and ball length.

2/ Multifilament string: comfort & power

Multifilament ropes are made up of multiple intertwined filaments. The polyester discussed above can therefore be combined with polyamide, for example, to create a more flexible rope, such as Duramix.

Multifilament strings are more elastic and comfortable, but they are also less durable. In terms of playing characteristics, they offer more power (they are closer to natural gut, which is more expensive) and greater comfort, reducing pain associated with repeated impacts with the ball.

Hybrid string: Just as nylon can be combined with polyester, multifilament, which is similar, can also be combined with polyester. It's often preferable to position the multifilament horizontally and the polyester vertically. This is because the main strings move more upon impact with the ball and are gradually cut by the cross strings, which is why a string with vertical strength is desirable.

And finally…

To choose your string, take into account your playing style, your body type, and your racket, but above all, try several types of strings before choosing, to see how they react to your game and to the stroke.