The J011yroger guide to strings.

[a0f6459]

J011yroger,

First off I can't believe I read through 30+ pages, but this thread is very informative.

I found the first page about finding the right tension by checking depth on the ball especially helpful.

My question is about matching tension with lead tape customization.

1) Should you find the right string tension first before going to customization?
2) Say you finally have the right tension because you have good depth on your ball, won't adding lead make you start hitting it out because of the higher swing weight?
3) On that same train of thought, should you string it with tension so that you have depth beyond service line, but ample distance from the baseline so that you can add weight in still be able to keep the ball in?

Apologies in advanced if I'm not asking the right questions, but I also spent some time reading up on lead tape customization and was wondering how these two go hand in hand as far as getting the correct setup calibrated.

As far as my game, I am a baseliner that only goes to the net when pulled up there by short balls. I was coached as a kid all the way through high school, so my swing technique is solid. I do not hit tons if topspin, just what comes naturally within my normal swing so although I have not tried it yet, I'm pretty sure it will be a deploarized setup.

Thanks in advance.

[Agent Orynge]

Originally Posted by a0f6459

J011yroger,

First off I can't believe I read through 30+ pages, but this thread is very informative.

I found the first page about finding the right tension by checking depth on the ball especially helpful.

My question is about matching tension with lead tape customization.

1) Should you find the right string tension first before going to customization?
2) Say you finally have the right tension because you have good depth on your ball, won't adding lead make you start hitting it out because of the higher swing weight?
3) On that same train of thought, should you string it with tension so that you have depth beyond service line, but ample distance from the baseline so that you can add weight in still be able to keep the ball in?

Apologies in advanced if I'm not asking the right questions, but I also spent some time reading up on lead tape customization and was wondering how these two go hand in hand as far as getting the correct setup calibrated.

As far as my game, I am a baseliner that only goes to the net when pulled up there by short balls. I was coached as a kid all the way through high school, so my swing technique is solid. I do not hit tons if topspin, just what comes naturally within my normal swing so although I have not tried it yet, I'm pretty sure it will be a deploarized setup.

Thanks in advance.

Would you settle on a particular tension, and then change frames? Probably not. If you consider that a modified frame is essentially a different racquet altogether, then you understand that you should modify your frame before experimenting with string type and tension. To do otherwise is simply putting the horse before the cart.

Practically speaking, it's also much easier (and quicker) to apply and remove tape than it is to experiment with tension.

[a0f6459]

Originally Posted by Agent Orynge

Would you settle on a particular tension, and then change frames? Probably not. If you consider that a modified frame is essentially a different racquet altogether, then you understand that you should modify your frame before experimenting with string type and tension. To do otherwise is simply putting the horse before the cart.

Practically speaking, it's also much easier (and quicker) to apply and remove tape than it is to experiment with tension.

Thanks for the reply.

To me it seems like chicken or egg unless I am understanding customization incorrectly. From those threads it seems that you would also add or subtract lead when you have reached the depth that you want off of your shots.

So if tension is adjusted based on depth and customization is based on depth, I'm not not quite sure how to reconcile the two.

So in your suggestion, I would add tape to what I already have strung. Would I add tape until I felt that I was hitting the ball nice and heavy? (and possibly hitting it out at this point) Then would I increase string tension to decrease depth to start getting the ball in?

Does that make sense?

[yokied]

After a decent scan of the first few posts (thanks j011yroger for all of it), I still have a question: is there any advice you can give me on how to play a new string job in?

I picked up 4 fresh restrings from my stringer, went direct to serving training and broke 2. I understand serving probably isn't the best way to start off, but I had no choice. About half an hour of rallying ok?

[paulfreda]

Here is a great slow motion video that shows how poly and co-poly generate so much spin.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...f-tennis/8339/

The strings slide on impact but then recoil as the ball leaves thus causing an increase in spin in addition to that generated by the low to high motion.

[Muppet]

If you're adding lead tape to the hoop, put a little more on than you need. While playing, peel layers off until it feels comfortable. Then when you re-string dial in the depth. Unfortunately this method doesn't help with adding weight to the handle.

[Power Player]

That's not the way you do it.

You add 2-3 grams per week and get used to it. Then see if you want to add more. There is no way you will be able to make decisions on lead over the course of one hitting session.

[ClarkC]

Originally Posted by Tunsco

And am I right that one needs to reduce the tension by 10% for the polys?

Originally Posted by J011yroger

10% is the common rule of thumb, some people drop 5% some don't at all.

For the first one, drop 10% and see how it feels. Then go up or down from there.

J

I understand that reducing the tension on the poly mains in a hybrid string job will let the polys move more and impart more spin, for those with sufficient racquet head speed. But reduced tension is also said to increase power and decrease control.

Is the idea of the reduced tension poly mains to increase spin and use the spin to compensate for control issues as well as compensating for the increased power by spinning the ball down into the court before it can go long?

[derickyan]

is monofilament strings considered as a poly? should the beginners-intermediate use those strings? or would it hurt your arm?

[rdis10093]

so would you say the "jolly rig" is for open level players only?

[travlerajm]

Originally Posted by paulfreda

Here is a great slow motion video that shows how poly and co-poly generate so much spin.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...f-tennis/8339/

The strings slide on impact but then recoil as the ball leaves thus causing an increase in spin in addition to that generated by the low to high motion.

Authored by a frequent TTW poster in the Racquets and Strings forums too.

[J011yroger]

Originally Posted by derickyan

is monofilament strings considered as a poly? should the beginners-intermediate use those strings? or would it hurt your arm?

All poly is monofiliment, not all monofiliment is poly.

It doesn't much matter what beginners use, once intermediates get to the point where they are breaking strings, it might be time to start investigating poly.

Usually it is technique, not string that hurts your arm.

J

[J011yroger]

Originally Posted by rdis10093

so would you say the "jolly rig" is for open level players only?

Not at all. My friend Dennis is a self rated 1.0, having never felt the crumbling pressure of USTA events, nor spent the blood, sweat, and tears required to hone his skills in order to compete, and he uses the 'Jolly Rig'.

J

[tlm]

Originally Posted by ClarkC

I understand that reducing the tension on the poly mains in a hybrid string job will let the polys move more and impart more spin, for those with sufficient racquet head speed. But reduced tension is also said to increase power and decrease control.

Is the idea of the reduced tension poly mains to increase spin and use the spin to compensate for control issues as well as compensating for the increased power by spinning the ball down into the court before it can go long?

That is what many here claim that the extra spin will give the control needed to tame down the trampoline effect of the low tension. But they never mention that in a match situation a player cannot always use spin.

Every player I know agrees that the higher tension the better control, this is the only place I have ever heard that lower tension can give as good or better control than high tension does.

[rdis10093]

for real though, I am a 4.0 that has his days. I am left handed and push with the forehand, while my two hander is very flat and my weapon. I also have crazy lefty slice that spins inside out. rigth now in college club. I go through poly syn hybrids in about 20ish hours of mild tennis drills. when I was playing in high school though, I played full bed of lux alu rough at 60 lbs, but is killed my arm to the point were I was out of the game for like 4 weeks. Now I string my hybrids at 53/51 and my arm loves it. I could play for ever.

In short you think I am man enough for kevlar poly mix or will it kill my arm?

Ps. what do you string at?

[Power Player]

Originally Posted by tlm

That is what many here claim that the extra spin will give the control needed to tame down the trampoline effect of the low tension. But they never mention that in a match situation a player cannot always use spin.

Every player I know agrees that the higher tension the better control, this is the only place I have ever heard that lower tension can give as good or better control than high tension does.

What does that mean?

Higher tension is better control for flatter hitters. Lower tension retains the power for spin hitters. The spin is used to control the ball. This is why Nadal, the hardest swinger in the game strings at 55#s. Now ask yourself, do you hit nearly as hard as him? No. So could you not string your poly at 48 or 50 if you are a spin hitter and retain good control? Of course.

The problem with lower tensions is that it challenges poor technique. If you arm the ball you will have to resort to stringing high even though you hit with spin.

[J011yroger]

Originally Posted by rdis10093

for real though, I am a 4.0 that has his days. I am left handed and push with the forehand, while my two hander is very flat and my weapon. I also have crazy lefty slice that spins inside out. rigth now in college club. I go through poly syn hybrids in about 20ish hours of mild tennis drills. when I was playing in high school though, I played full bed of lux alu rough at 60 lbs, but is killed my arm to the point were I was out of the game for like 4 weeks. Now I string my hybrids at 53/51 and my arm loves it. I could play for ever.

In short you think I am man enough for kevlar poly mix or will it kill my arm?

Ps. what do you string at?

I don't see what you would gain by trying it.

J

[tlm]

Originally Posted by Power Player

What does that mean?

Higher tension is better control for flatter hitters. Lower tension retains the power for spin hitters. The spin is used to control the ball. This is why Nadal, the hardest swinger in the game strings at 55#s. Now ask yourself, do you hit nearly as hard as him? No. So could you not string your poly at 48 or 50 if you are a spin hitter and retain good control? Of course.

The problem with lower tensions is that it challenges poor technique. If you arm the ball you will have to resort to stringing high even though you hit with spin.

I don't see what is confusing about stating that in a match situation it is not always possible to use spin. Like when just having enough time to block back a big shot or serve. That is when a tighter tension will help with control.

I am confused when you state that higher tension is better control for flat hitters and lower tension retains the power for spin hitters. Say what? Does this mean that lower tension will not retain the power for flat hitters?

Lower tension gives more power to any hitter, just like higher does the opposite. Then you claim that rafa uses 55lbs. and so a club player like myself should be able to use a lower tension because I don't swing near as hard.

Again this make no sense to me, a pro player has perfect timing and preparation unlike an amateur. Plus I always love these tension comparisons to the pro players. Yes Rafa does use 55lbs. tension on his rackets for about a half hour or so and then he changes to a fresh string job.

So when people claim they are using the same tension as a pro player that only applies for the first half hour, every hour after that let alone days they are no where near that tension.

I do agree that you need a lot better timing and technique when using low tension, that is exactly why especially in match play when rushed a higher tension helps maintain control. I don't know about arming the ball needing more tension, not sure what you mean by that.

[alidisperanza]

Can we make a trip to SoCal this winter? Beach Tennis, Brews, Tennis, and... well, what's left?

[J011yroger]

Originally Posted by alidisperanza

Can we make a trip to SoCal this winter? Beach Tennis, Brews, Tennis, and... well, what's left?

Can't do it this winter due to budget constraints. Would love to do Indian Wells one year, or play the Hardcourt National in Balboa park...

J