McEnroe asymmetic lead tape at 3 & 9

[dje31]

McEnroe asymmetric lead tape at 3 & 9

Saw a while back where, on his Max 200g, he had lead at 3 & 9, but only on the face of one side. IOW, as you look at the face, you'd see lead on either 3, but it would be on the backside of 9, and look asymmetrical. Or vice versa.

On a forehand, it could be on the leading edge of 3, while on a backhand, it would be on the trailing edge of 9. Or vice versa.

It would theoretically yield different results depending on whether he was hitting a forehand vs backhand. Just not sure what the difference would be.

Does anyone know or recall which side it was on? Or the rationale behind it? Does he still do it that way now?

 

[Captain Ron]

fwiw I've done something similar when I only needed a little weight. I can't tell the difference between leading vs trailing edge
Unfortunately, I have no info on what McEnroe did or why

 

[1HBHfanatic]

^ same here
i usually do this when im moving arround the weight while on the court trying to find the "sweetspot" i want,
eventually i find what i like, i half the lead tape length and place it on both sides of the racquet properly when i get home..

 

[Long Face]

I would split the lead tape in half (same length but 1/2 thinner), and still place them on both sides.

 

[teekaywhy]

+1 for another person who does this.
I have my yonex leaded up this way with about 5 grams on each side of the racquet but on opposite sides, in this case 12-2:30.
I agree with CPT Ron that i can't tell any difference on how the racquet feels or plays.

 

[sureshs]

It will make a difference only if you hit balls with the frame on edge

 

[Geoff]

Saw a while back where, on his Max 200g, he had lead at 3 & 9, but only on the face of one side. IOW, as you look at the face, you'd see lead on either 3, but it would be on the backside of 9, and look asymmetrical. Or vice versa.

On a forehand, it could be on the leading edge of 3, while on a backhand, it would be on the trailing edge of 9. Or vice versa.

It would theoretically yield different results depending on whether he was hitting a forehand vs backhand. Just not sure what the difference would be.

Does anyone know or recall which side it was on? Or the rationale behind it? Does he still do it that way now?

I had the opportunity to string for McEnroe when I was a teaching pro at Turnberry Isle Yacht & CC (1983-1985). John was not exactly particular about his equipment back then to say the least. He handed me several different gauges and types of Pacific Gut that he was using at that time. I mentioned to him that they were all different - some were coated vs uncoated, some were rough vs smooth and various gauges. His reply was: Does that matter? I said if it works for you being #1 then I guess not. He also was not a practiceaholic at that time either.

 

[LapsedNoob]

My guess is that is was not for any specific benefit.

The weight is only unbalanced in the third axis in relation to what the racquet does for us. No big difference in how it feels compared to taking the time to split the strips in half IMO.

 

[BreakPoint]

I had the opportunity to string for McEnroe when I was a teaching pro at Turnberry Isle Yacht & CC (1983-1985). John was not exactly particular about his equipment back then to say the least. He handed me several different gauges and types of Pacific Gut that he was using at that time. I mentioned to him that they were all different - some were coated vs uncoated, some were rough vs smooth and various gauges. His reply was: Does that matter? I said if it works for you being #1 then I guess not. He also was not a practiceaholic at that time either.

Ha ha LOL. That explains why even today, McEnroe still calls Luxilon and poly strings - "synthetic gut". Maybe he can't tell the difference? :shock:

Might also explain how he could suddenly go from using a Wilson Jack Kramer Pro Staff to the Dunlop Maxply Fort without missing a beat at the net. To me, those two were VERY different wood racquets, especially on volleys, and I couldn't believe he could go from one to the other so easily.

And as far a applying lead tape, didn't Connors apply lead tape to ONLY one side (edge) of his T-2000 but not the other? I guess he liked his racquet to be off-balance? :shock:

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Alot of times I am shocked at the answers I get from good players about their equipment. They choose something That feels good to them. Stick with it and could care less how and why it works. Im thinking this is also why LUXILON is so popular. Good company. Proven string. But 1out of 1k out there. Add to that racquets, string combos and lead. Its too much for them to think about. Soo they opt for 52lbs of all poly and adjust their games to it. A gear head stringer like us comes along, suggest lead. And they end up with a racquet described by the OP.. HAHA. ..

 

[gambitt]

Alot of times I am shocked at the answers I get from good players about their equipment.

One of the coaches at my club is like this. Was a top 500 junior at one point so ~6.5 level now and he says stuff like "I prefer 18x20. It gives you more spin, right?"

 

[Geoff]

Ha ha LOL. That explains why even today, McEnroe still calls Luxilon and poly strings - "synthetic gut". Maybe he can't tell the difference? :shock:

Might also explain how he could suddenly go from using a Wilson Jack Kramer Pro Staff to the Dunlop Maxply Fort without missing a beat at the net. To me, those two were VERY different wood racquets, especially on volleys, and I couldn't believe he could go from one to the other so easily.

And as far a applying lead tape, didn't Connors apply lead tape to ONLY one side (edge) of his T-2000 but not the other? I guess he liked his racquet to be off-balance? :shock:

Hi BP

You are correct, Connors did use lead on his T2000. I can't remember if it was one side only. I also strung for him while at Turnberry but he was extremely picky. He would not break strings and would save a "good" string job for a big tournament. He strung close to 60 with VS gut 17 gauge.

 

[Geoff]

My guess is that is was not for any specific benefit.

The weight is only unbalanced in the third axis in relation to what the racquet does for us. No big difference in how it feels compared to taking the time to split the strips in half IMO.

The lead was applied by McEnroe himself. An interesting side note is that Fred Stolle at that same time had lead under the grommets of his Prince Pro. It was a beast.

 

[El Diablo]

^^ I'd read that Connors had lead tape on only one side and he always kept that side turned closer to the ground when he hit his groundstrokes.

 

[max_brat]

And as far a applying lead tape, didn't Connors apply lead tape to ONLY one side (edge) of his T-2000 but not the other? I guess he liked his racquet to be off-balance? :shock:

I feel I read somewhere that when he switched from his T2000 to the Estusa or Slazenger model (can't remember which one it was) he wrapped lead tape around the top in the same fashion the metal was around the top of the T2000 holding the strings on. I believe he did it so the racquet was more head-heavy.

 

[BreakPoint]

Hi BP

You are correct, Connors did use lead on his T2000. I can't remember if it was one side only. I also strung for him while at Turnberry but he was extremely picky. He would not break strings and would save a "good" string job for a big tournament. He strung close to 60 with VS gut 17 gauge.

I'm not surprised that Connors strung fairly tightly despite the small head on the T-2000 (which was even smaller than on a standard wood racquet) since those wire string holders (grommets) on the T-2000 really made the stringbed into a trampoline. Most mere mortals couldn't control that thing.

 

[Rock Strongo]

Given the rather thick, rectangular profile of the Max I figure this actually makes sense in some weird way. I mean, it's not like it's going to be balanced asymmetrically, the weight is still there. It's just that instead of placing it on the inside, it goes on the outside.

I should try this on mine and see the results.

 

[dje31]

Thanks for everyone's input. I thought there might be some rhyme or reason to it, but based on folks' experience and stories of old, perhaps much ado about nothing.

I tried it on mine, when I moved two strips from opposite sides from 3 & 9 to 12 ( on both sides ) . I matched them up, but should probably do them opposite. My guess is that the difference will be negligible at best.

I know on golf clubs, lead tape is often used low on heads in order to lower CoG, with the intent to get more elevation on the ball. Not something typically sought in tennis.

I could see wanting it on the low leading edge side of the head of a racquet to keep sliced approach shots low, given McEnroe's net play.

 

[Rozroz]

Alot of times I am shocked at the answers I get from good players about their equipment. They choose something That feels good to them. Stick with it and could care less how and why it works. Im thinking this is also why LUXILON is so popular. Good company. Proven string. But 1out of 1k out there. Add to that racquets, string combos and lead. Its too much for them to think about. Soo they opt for 52lbs of all poly and adjust their games to it. A gear head stringer like us comes along, suggest lead. And they end up with a racquet described by the OP.. HAHA. ..

That's what we all should do!

 

[1HBHfanatic]

^ i know what you mean, but then again, who would demo all thoes beautiful racquets out there, with the pletora of string combos..
having just said that, i think im gonna try next that t2000 idea with the lead on just 1 side and using it on the bottom of the swing only, like Connors,,, i havent tried that yet
this is one of my cheap pleasures in life, trying stuff out on the courts..

 

[slice bh compliment]

Mac had a continental grip on all shots. The tendency was to have an open face.
He put the lead at nine o'clock on both sides.

It was explained to me by one of his buds that he felt the leaded side would accelerate during the swing and help him resist the kind of twisting that might open the stringbed. His configuration was borne from that, likely over a bonfire and some late night pizza....if you know what i mean.

I personally think it is because they did not cut the lead into thin strips back then....so he used half here and half there.

 

[the green god]

I'm not surprised that Connors strung fairly tightly despite the small head on the T-2000 (which was even smaller than on a standard wood racquet) since those wire string holders (grommets) on the T-2000 really made the stringbed into a trampoline. Most mere mortals couldn't control that thing.

If you look closely at Jimmy's racquet in the 84 US Open semi against McEnroe, almost the entire top of the racquet is covered with half inch lead tape from 10 to 2. No telling how much that bad boy weighed.

 

[Recoil]

not sure what the logic is behind it but Steve Johnson did the same thing on his rackets when he was at USC. I can't imagine it throws the balance out that much - it would even it out I imagine. Proabbly a way to distribute a small amount of weight evenly across a large part of the 3-9 oclock part of the racket.

 

[dgoran]

Cilic does this too

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

I had the opportunity to string for McEnroe when I was a teaching pro at Turnberry Isle Yacht & CC (1983-1985). John was not exactly particular about his equipment back then to say the least. He handed me several different gauges and types of Pacific Gut that he was using at that time. I mentioned to him that they were all different - some were coated vs uncoated, some were rough vs smooth and various gauges. His reply was: Does that matter? I said if it works for you being #1 then I guess not. He also was not a practiceaholic at that time either.

Did you do any on court work with Mac and Jimbo Geoff? :evil: BHBH

 

[mtommer]

Considering it's just a few mms distance from one side of the gromments to the other it won't affect the feeling of the racquet. My guess is that, although not much weight is being added, the player prefers that weight to be distributed along a longer length of the frame and having the same amount on two sides cuts that length in half. Small change, but probably preferred none the less.

 

[Early Retirement]

He probably just didn't care. The positioning is inconsequential. He seems like the kind of guy who slapped some on, found the right amount, and went out and played.

 

[Geoff]

Did you do any on court work with Mac and Jimbo Geoff? :evil: BHBH

I was a staff teaching pro at Turnery Isle Yacht & CC after graduating college. One of the responsibilities (perks) was being a practice partner for touring pros. It was a great experience to be able to hit with touring pros and especially the likes of McEnroe and Connors. Thanks for the opportunity to self embellish.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

I was a staff teaching pro at Turnery Isle Yacht & CC after graduating college. One of the responsibilities (perks) was being a practice partner for touring pros. It was a great experience to be able to hit with touring pros and especially the likes of McEnroe and Connors. Thanks for the opportunity to self embellish.

It's the least I can do! BHBH

 

[EasternRocks]

Danielle Collins does this too.

 

[Nida]

I had the opportunity to string for McEnroe when I was a teaching pro at Turnberry Isle Yacht & CC (1983-1985). John was not exactly particular about his equipment back then to say the least. He handed me several different gauges and types of Pacific Gut that he was using at that time. I mentioned to him that they were all different - some were coated vs uncoated, some were rough vs smooth and various gauges. His reply was: Does that matter? I said if it works for you being #1 then I guess not. He also was not a practiceaholic at that time either.

Note to self: Stop obsessing about gear. But my talentless game definitely needs practice..

 

[recreationalplayer]

Note to self: Stop obsessing about gear. But my talentless game definitely needs practice..

Compared to the mid-80’s,today’s equipment is fine tuned to meet every need of players of all levels, there are racquets of various weights, swingweights, lengths and flexibility. And strings - there are dozens if not hundreds of choices before thinking about hybrid setups. In the mid-80's superfine tuning every aspect of one's game may not have been in the forefront of anyone’s thinking nor as possible as is currently. Today anyone can almost buy themself a tennis game. So not obsessing and practicing a little is always a refreshing idea.

 

[BumElbow]

Hi BP

You are correct, Connors did use lead on his T2000. I can't remember if it was one side only. I also strung for him while at Turnberry but he was extremely picky. He would not break strings and would save a "good" string job for a big tournament. He strung close to 60 with VS gut 17 gauge.

I recall reading an interview of Warren Bosworth regarding Connors' T-2000 customization. He did put lead tape on only 1 side of the racquet (as well as at the top). The side with the lead tape was always the up side and never the down side. I once experimented with this. If the lead tape is on the down side then the ball tends to fly because the side without the lead tape is less stable and opens up on contact with the ball. If the lead tape is on the up side then the ball tends to skid and stay low - a big help on Connors' backhand. He had an unusual grip and hit is backhand either very flat or with some slice though it was a power slice and not a floater slice. It means that Connors always hit the ball with the same side of the racquet so that the lead taped side faced up.

 

[ron schaap]

McEnroe asymmetric lead tape at 3 & 9

Saw a while back where, on his Max 200g, he had lead at 3 & 9, but only on the face of one side. IOW, as you look at the face, you'd see lead on either 3, but it would be on the backside of 9, and look asymmetrical. Or vice versa.

On a forehand, it could be on the leading edge of 3, while on a backhand, it would be on the trailing edge of 9. Or vice versa.

It would theoretically yield different results depending on whether he was hitting a forehand vs backhand. Just not sure what the difference would be.

Does anyone know or recall which side it was on? Or the rationale behind it? Does he still do it that way now?

I even remember he got only lead on one side of his old wooden Dunlops. I think he does that to aid in twisting his racquet during serve, which is so quircky anyway.

 

[Antónis]

pic here

and here, with a woodie

 

[blackfrido]

McEnroe asymmetic lead tape?
Just smoking too much pot

 

[ron schaap]

pic here

and here, with a woodie

yes. why didnt anyone ask him about it?