Poly Recommendation for Junior Aged 12+

[janky]

Hi,

I've done a lot of searching and reading on the web especially old posts on this subject. Note this one from awhile ago:

"Strings Set up for Juniors 12-14 years old":
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/strings-set-up-for-juniors-12-14-years-old.403705/

Unfortunately I'm not arriving at the answer so I'll ask here. Our clinic pro keeps saying we should move to a poly since it will benefit my sons game for his game style. However, I'm a little hesitant to make the jump as my son has been on a full bed of multifilament and I've read the reviews on arm/shoulder pain. So I tried out some Luxilon ALU 16L myself and my shoulder was a tad sore afterwards. I'm getting my racquet strung with natural gut (mains) and the Luxilon ALU 16L (crossed) to see if that helps but it's not giving me the feeling that finding a poly for my son is possible. For now, I've kept him on multifilament. But perhaps there are other recommendations out there for "softer polys"? I would prefer a full bed of a softer poly (just easier to deal with) but if I have to go hybrid then so be it. My son plays tourneys 2-3 times a month and is practicing 4 days a week for 2+ hours so he's definitely more on the advanced side. Thanks for any and all advice.

 

[Notirouswithag]

what about a co-poly? It's a slot in between multi and full poly. They are still a tad on the poly side but are still softer than most stiffer polys.

ONe that comes to mind is kirschbaum pro line evolution or isospeed cream, or even babolat rpm blast?

 

[jangotango]

As a fellow junior player who has recently moved out of the middle school age, I would recommend you get your son to try a soft poly main with a powerful, slick cross. My favorite setup has been Luxilon Adrenaline 16 in the mains, and Wilson NXT Power 16 in the crosses at 51x53lbs in a Blade 18x20. I can also recommend Luxilon Element 16/16L and YTEX Quadro Twist, if he is seeking for a full bed setup.

 

[styksnstryngs]

Isospeed baseline spin

 

[Hansen]

before moving to a full poly setup i would first try hybrid setups ( at his age i wouldn´t let him use a full poly setup anyway, no matter what the coach says).
a multi (mains) / poly (crosses) setup that comes close to a full poly setup in terms of spin and control, but with much more comfort is head velocity mlt (mains) and isospeed cream (crosses).
head velocity is a low powered and slick multi and therefor a good alternative to poly mains. and isospeed cream is on of the softest polys.
other soft poly worth a try in this case are yonex poly tour pro, double ar twice shark, polyfibre tcs ( diameter: the thinner the better )

 

[Big Bagel]

I wouldn't make the jump to poly yet, full bed or hybrid. I would try a durable synthetic, something with a solid core and wraps with a good coating. If you want something on the cheaper side, Tourna Quasi Gut Armor is a great one. Otherwise, the best synthetics and multis can be found from Tecnifibre, particularly their x-1 biphase, multi feel, and NRG; if you need durability, I believe these now come in 15 or 15L gauges, so they will last longer.

If you really feel like going for a hybrid, I would suggest something soft in the mains like Isospeed Cream, Luxilon Element (or Element Rough which is Luxilon's softest poly I believe), or basically anything from Ytex, my favorite of which would be Square-X. You can hybrid it with one of those same synthetics (or one from Ytex which might be easily available if you decide to go with their poly). Make sure to drop the tension on the poly roughly 10%.

If you decide to go full bed poly, I'd say the same suggestions as in the hybrid. Again, make sure to drop tension if you use poly at all.

And again, I would still recommend to STAY AWAY FROM POLY completely until he's 16.

The biggest thing though, if you do decide to go poly at all, DON'T WAIT FOR IT TO BREAK BEFORE YOU RESTRING! Poly will go dead quicker than multifilaments, but they won't break as quickly, so don't let him play more than 10 hours with one set of poly. The softer poly strings usually don't last as long as the stiffer ones, so I'd suggest more in the 6-8 hour range you should restring, but at the very least frequent, 10 hours would be a must. If he has any pain at all from the poly, STOP IMMEDIATELY.

 

[SavvyStringer]

Hi,

I've done a lot of searching and reading on the web especially old posts on this subject. Note this one from awhile ago:

"Strings Set up for Juniors 12-14 years old":
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/strings-set-up-for-juniors-12-14-years-old.403705/

Unfortunately I'm not arriving at the answer so I'll ask here. Our clinic pro keeps saying we should move to a poly since it will benefit my sons game for his game style. However, I'm a little hesitant to make the jump as my son has been on a full bed of multifilament and I've read the reviews on arm/shoulder pain. So I tried out some Luxilon ALU 16L myself and my shoulder was a tad sore afterwards. I'm getting my racquet strung with natural gut (mains) and the Luxilon ALU 16L (crossed) to see if that helps but it's not giving me the feeling that finding a poly for my son is possible. For now, I've kept him on multifilament. But perhaps there are other recommendations out there for "softer polys"? I would prefer a full bed of a softer poly (just easier to deal with) but if I have to go hybrid then so be it. My son plays tourneys 2-3 times a month and is practicing 4 days a week for 2+ hours so he's definitely more on the advanced side. Thanks for any and all advice.

You don't need to go full poly to get majority of the benefit. My suggestion would be a thinner poly main and a syngut or multi cross to keep some softness. Fully poly is a liability with a kid that young. I would look into Tourbite/HyperG in 18, 19 and 20 gauges as well as Volkl cyclone or V-Torque in 18 gauges. The thinner the poly, the better for a kid that age in my opinion.

 

[janky]

As a fellow junior player who has recently moved out of the middle school age, I would recommend you get your son to try a soft poly main with a powerful, slick cross. My favorite setup has been Luxilon Adrenaline 16 in the mains, and Wilson NXT Power 16 in the crosses at 51x53lbs in a Blade 18x20. I can also recommend Luxilon Element 16/16L and YTEX Quadro Twist, if he is seeking for a full bed setup.

Really appreciate this response. Good to hear from a junior who's not that far from my son in age too. I'm going to add Lux Adrenaline 16/Wilson NXT power 16 to my possible configurations.

 

[janky]

I wouldn't make the jump to poly yet, full bed or hybrid. I would try a durable synthetic, something with a solid core and wraps with a good coating. If you want something on the cheaper side, Tourna Quasi Gut Armor is a great one. Otherwise, the best synthetics and multis can be found from Tecnifibre, particularly their x-1 biphase, multi feel, and NRG; if you need durability, I believe these now come in 15 or 15L gauges, so they will last longer.

If you really feel like going for a hybrid, I would suggest something soft in the mains like Isospeed Cream, Luxilon Element (or Element Rough which is Luxilon's softest poly I believe), or basically anything from Ytex, my favorite of which would be Square-X. You can hybrid it with one of those same synthetics (or one from Ytex which might be easily available if you decide to go with their poly). Make sure to drop the tension on the poly roughly 10%.

If you decide to go full bed poly, I'd say the same suggestions as in the hybrid. Again, make sure to drop tension if you use poly at all.

And again, I would still recommend to STAY AWAY FROM POLY completely until he's 16.

The biggest thing though, if you do decide to go poly at all, DON'T WAIT FOR IT TO BREAK BEFORE YOU RESTRING! Poly will go dead quicker than multifilaments, but they won't break as quickly, so don't let him play more than 10 hours with one set of poly. The softer poly strings usually don't last as long as the stiffer ones, so I'd suggest more in the 6-8 hour range you should restring, but at the very least frequent, 10 hours would be a must. If he has any pain at all from the poly, STOP IMMEDIATELY.

Great feedback. Sounds like with your post and SavvyStringer's post, I shouldn't go full bed for sure. My instinct and research sounds correct.

Yeah, I also read about the using polys until they deaden (not until they break).

 

[Dartagnan64]

I’d suggest going with a thin copoly with a syn gut cross. That way the string bed will snap right around the time the copoly is dying and you won’t feel guilty about changing an intact string bed.
Greatest problem with poly is people keep it in too long.

 

[Arzivu]

Low tensioned polys are quite comfortable.My brother used to play at the age of 12 with a k factor 90,340 grams with full poly setup and never had an arm issue.Obviously,he had the right technique,which for me plays the most significant role..

 

[janky]

Isospeed baseline spin

Is this a multifilament or poly? I can't really tell from the description on TW.

 

[styksnstryngs]

Is this a multifilament or poly? I can't really tell from the description on TW.

Soft round poly. It's head sonic pro under a different and cheaper name.

 

[fuzz nation]

Is this a multifilament or poly? I can't really tell from the description on TW.

My inclination is to recommend avoiding poly until you've tried full beds of 16 ga. syn. gut for a while. I buy full reels of Kirschbaum's standard syn. gut from TW for $35 and use it in my own racquets all year. A few syn. guts such as Prince SG with Duraflex are more firm than this Kirschbaum string, but Forten Sweet 16 is soft enough to actually work as an affordable alternative to multifiber.

Switching from multifiber - an inherently soft string type - into a poly or poly hybrid is quite a substantial leap into a firm alternative. Syn. gut sits right in the middle of the road between these other two string types. It's moderately soft, but doesn't progressively degrade like many multis. The other issue with the multis is that the premium options are expensive. Decent syn. gut is the most affordable stuff around that offers rather decent performance.

Unless your young slugger is competing in regional USTA action and blowing out strings on a weekly basis, it's likely that he doesn't need poly. In fact it will probably rob his racquet of some of its power - something that he's probably still building on as a 12-year-old. The college killers and pros can get some benefits from this string type, but not the rest of us.

Some of the high school kids I coach have poly in their frames, but they don't generate the swing speeds to get any benefits from those strings. On the other hand, some of the stronger local high school sluggers I know have decided to stick with syn. gut or multi - these are kids outside of the circle that have me stringing their gear. Either they prefer the comfort of the syn. gut/multi or the performance - or both.

If there's no resisting the temptation, I'll second the recommendation for Isospeed Baseline. I've had good results with their lightest gauge (1.20mm) paired with a 16 ga. syn. gut in a hybrid. At reasonable tensions, this layout can be only mildly more firm than a full bed of snug syn. gut. VERY affordable - you can get a reel of this along with a reel of syn. gut (just pay a stringer for labor) and you'll be set for a good long time.

 

[Rabbit]

Definitely a hybrid - poly sun Gut. I would recommend thin gauges in both. You want the Synthetic to break in a reasonable time. This will help ensure the strings aren’t in there too long. A thin gauge poly will also bend and give more than a thicker gauge.

I would go one step further and say to start sun Gut mains and poly cross. String poly 4 pounds looser.

 

[SanJoseState1975]

I highly recommend stringing with 16 gauge Natural Gut in the main and a 17 Gauge Polyester in the cross.
I string this setup for my 14 year old grandson who plays tournaments.
And I also string this for numerous top 10-14 year old year old tournament players at the club where I string.

Hitting with a quality gut allows you to string it up at a relatively high tension as natural gut hits real well at higher tensions.

If you are not a string breaker natural gut will hit a very long time and is typically very playable until it breaks, so for some players gut can be very economical as well, where many synthetic strings will loose their characteristics after so many hours, that you will want to cut it out, where natural gut will keep hitting well even after many hours.

Where I am, a gut main /poly cross hybrid sting job costs $49 and a full poly string job with a quality string (Luxilon/RPM) costs $39.
You can play maybe 2-3 weeks before gut mains break, but only about 1 week before poly mains becomes unplayable and dead.
So on a per month basis, you can play $39 x 4 or $49 x 2.

In that scenario, I choose the gut mains and not just for the $$ savings, but also for the way it plays.

This is because natural gut doesn't lose the snap-back elasticity in the way polyester does. After a while, poly loses elasticity and stops snapping back quickly. Eventually when they move out of place, they just stay there like a nylon string.

But natural gut always retains its elasticity. And since you only need that elasticity in the mains, put a poly in the cross so it has something nice and smooth to slide across, maximizing spin.

The fact is, if you're stringing your frames with full poly at 50 lbs and higher, and you're a 12-14 year old tennis player, very doubtful that you're bending the strings when you hit.

 

[janky]

Jangotango: I'm trying this setup as the place I get our racquets strung had both strings in stock. Will let you know how my son likes it, thanks!

As a fellow junior player who has recently moved out of the middle school age, I would recommend you get your son to try a soft poly main with a powerful, slick cross. My favorite setup has been Luxilon Adrenaline 16 in the mains, and Wilson NXT Power 16 in the crosses at 51x53lbs in a Blade 18x20. I can also recommend Luxilon Element 16/16L and YTEX Quadro Twist, if he is seeking for a full bed setup.

 

[Traffic]

Hi,

I've done a lot of searching and reading on the web especially old posts on this subject. Note this one from awhile ago:

"Strings Set up for Juniors 12-14 years old":
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/strings-set-up-for-juniors-12-14-years-old.403705/

Unfortunately I'm not arriving at the answer so I'll ask here. Our clinic pro keeps saying we should move to a poly since it will benefit my sons game for his game style. However, I'm a little hesitant to make the jump as my son has been on a full bed of multifilament and I've read the reviews on arm/shoulder pain. So I tried out some Luxilon ALU 16L myself and my shoulder was a tad sore afterwards. I'm getting my racquet strung with natural gut (mains) and the Luxilon ALU 16L (crossed) to see if that helps but it's not giving me the feeling that finding a poly for my son is possible. For now, I've kept him on multifilament. But perhaps there are other recommendations out there for "softer polys"? I would prefer a full bed of a softer poly (just easier to deal with) but if I have to go hybrid then so be it. My son plays tourneys 2-3 times a month and is practicing 4 days a week for 2+ hours so he's definitely more on the advanced side. Thanks for any and all advice.

So other than what the coach is saying, what part of the multi string is not working for your son?
How long does the string job last?

We moved from multi to poly without really knowing anything back when my son was 13. All I knew was I was having to get his racquet restrung every 2 weeks because he would be fraying the heck out of it and it was about to break.

Now at age 15, he re-strings his racquet every week during HS season on full bed of poly.

I can't get him to go back to a multi now. He's just too used to the way his setup hits. I wish I had kept him on multi or an sgut/multi hybrid. But once you taste poly, you can't go back.

 

[Traffic]

As a fellow junior player who has recently moved out of the middle school age, I would recommend you get your son to try a soft poly main with a powerful, slick cross. My favorite setup has been Luxilon Adrenaline 16 in the mains, and Wilson NXT Power 16 in the crosses at 51x53lbs in a Blade 18x20. I can also recommend Luxilon Element 16/16L and YTEX Quadro Twist, if he is seeking for a full bed setup.

One thing to look deeper into:

When a string is labeled "POWER", it may mean it is a low powered string. It has less energy return allowing the player to take a fuller swing and keep the ball in the court.

Many players unfamiliar with strings think they WANT power from their strings, but it's actually the opposite. Now there are those that want power and they tend to be those that need help to generate power.

 

[janky]

So other than what the coach is saying, what part of the multi string is not working for your son?
How long does the string job last?

We moved from multi to poly without really knowing anything back when my son was 13. All I knew was I was having to get his racquet restrung every 2 weeks because he would be fraying the heck out of it and it was about to break.

Now at age 15, he re-strings his racquet every week during HS season on full bed of poly.

I can't get him to go back to a multi now. He's just too used to the way his setup hits. I wish I had kept him on multi or an sgut/multi hybrid. But once you taste poly, you can't go back.

Feedback from our clinic pro was my son’s strings were moving too much and for his style of play he needed a poly for topspin. He also breaks pretty quickly. I’m glad I was hesitant in switching him to poly. From my own experience of using a full bed of poly I can totally tell when the strings die. I might try a few other setups for my son from this thread if he doesn’t like the Lux + Wilson nxt. I would prefer the strings to break vs having to test tension and gauge the correct time to restring.

 

[janky]

I highly recommend stringing with 16 gauge Natural Gut in the main and a 17 Gauge Polyester in the cross.
I string this setup for my 14 year old grandson who plays tournaments.
And I also string this for numerous top 10-14 year old year old tournament players at the club where I string.

Hitting with a quality gut allows you to string it up at a relatively high tension as natural gut hits real well at higher tensions.

If you are not a string breaker natural gut will hit a very long time and is typically very playable until it breaks, so for some players gut can be very economical as well, where many synthetic strings will loose their characteristics after so many hours, that you will want to cut it out, where natural gut will keep hitting well even after many hours.

Where I am, a gut main /poly cross hybrid sting job costs $49 and a full poly string job with a quality string (Luxilon/RPM) costs $39.
You can play maybe 2-3 weeks before gut mains break, but only about 1 week before poly mains becomes unplayable and dead.
So on a per month basis, you can play $39 x 4 or $49 x 2.

In that scenario, I choose the gut mains and not just for the $$ savings, but also for the way it plays.

This is because natural gut doesn't lose the snap-back elasticity in the way polyester does. After a while, poly loses elasticity and stops snapping back quickly. Eventually when they move out of place, they just stay there like a nylon string.

But natural gut always retains its elasticity. And since you only need that elasticity in the mains, put a poly in the cross so it has something nice and smooth to slide across, maximizing spin.

The fact is, if you're stringing your frames with full poly at 50 lbs and higher, and you're a 12-14 year old tennis player, very doubtful that you're bending the strings when you hit.

Thank you SJ state. Sounds like you are near me in the Bay Area This is really good information.

Do you have recommendations for a 16 gauge natural gut and 17 gauge poly? What tensions if you’re using Nat gut?

 

[Big Bagel]

Do you have recommendations for a 16 gauge natural gut and 17 gauge poly? What tensions if you’re using Nat gut?

My personal favorite gut is Luxilon Natural Gut, although others that are popular are Babolat VS Touch or Tonic+, Pacific Tough Gut, or Klip.

For a poly, something round, smooth, and slick. Dunlop NT Max Plus, Wilson Revolve, Isospeed Cream, Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax (just saw TW review and I want to try this one), MSV Co-Focus, Ytex Protour, Luxilon Element are all decent options. I usually use something stiffer to tame the power of the gut like Luxilon 4G or Kirschbaum Max Power but I would not recommend these even in a hybrid to anybody not fully grown with powerful strokes.

For tension differences, usually I'll put the gut mains 4-6 pounds tighter than the poly crosses. That's really more based on personal preference than anything else.

 

[janky]

Thanks Big Bagel. I've used VS touch for years now in my own racquet along with a multi (Babolat Addition) so while $$$$ it works well.

Appreciate the recommendations on polys too.

My personal favorite gut is Luxilon Natural Gut, although others that are popular are Babolat VS Touch or Tonic+, Pacific Tough Gut, or Klip.

For a poly, something round, smooth, and slick. Dunlop NT Max Plus, Wilson Revolve, Isospeed Cream, Tecnifibre Pro Red Code Wax (just saw TW review and I want to try this one), MSV Co-Focus, Ytex Protour, Luxilon Element are all decent options. I usually use something stiffer to tame the power of the gut like Luxilon 4G or Kirschbaum Max Power but I would not recommend these even in a hybrid to anybody not fully grown with powerful strokes.

For tension differences, usually I'll put the gut mains 4-6 pounds tighter than the poly crosses. That's really more based on personal preference than anything else.

 

[LOBALOT]

I have been debating about chiming in since this post came out.

My boy just turned 15 3 months ago. So far ... touch wood.. no arm issues. He has been an advanced tournament player since he was 8.

It has been something that worries me as kids have not developed yet they play 20 or so hours/week (repetitive use injuries) and racquets are getting stiffer and stiffer. We see some of his peers that have had arm issues. Others without issue.

I am not sure there is one answer to the poly vs no poly question. As good players develop technique they seek control no mater the age and I am not sure taking a multi and stringing it at 80 lbs to get that control sought avoids issue vs poly.

I would say for us what has worked:

1. Proper coaching/technique. This is no guarantee because I have seen very good players with great technique have issues as noted above but have seen more issues with lack of technique leading to problems.

2. Choose a proper racquet. Less stiff is better. Monitor them as they grow so the grip is the right size, etc.

3. Go with as soft a string as they can control seeking input from their certified coach and what you are seeing. Multi first if no then Hybrid then evaluate polys with their coach who sees them play and has the expertise you can trust.

4. Just because it doesn’t break doesn’t mean poly is not dead. Number your racquets, keep a log on your cell phone, and track hours of use and restring when you hit the deadline without exception.

5. Invest in a stringing machine, buy reels to save, as if you stick with a multi you will be restringing often... if you go with poly you will be restringing often... in fact just plan on restringing often!

 

[kailash]

Volkl Cyclone Tour.

 

[liftordie]

a multi (mains) / poly (crosses) setup that comes close to a full poly setup in terms of spin and control, but with much more comfort is head velocity mlt (mains) and isospeed cream (crosses).

Seems to be a really great hybrid!!
I also think about the new Tecnifibre Multifeel and HDX.

 

[Traffic]

I have been debating about chiming in since this post came out.

My boy just turned 15 3 months ago. So far ... touch wood.. no arm issues. He has been an advanced tournament player since he was 8.

It has been something that worries me as kids have not developed yet they play 20 or so hours/week (repetitive use injuries) and racquets are getting stiffer and stiffer. We see some of his peers that have had arm issues. Others without issue.

I am not sure there is one answer to the poly vs no poly question. As good players develop technique they seek control no mater the age and I am not sure taking a multi and stringing it at 80 lbs to get that control sought avoids issue vs poly.

I would say for us what has worked:

1. Proper coaching/technique. This is no guarantee because I have seen very good players with great technique have issues as noted above but have seen more issues with lack of technique leading to problems.

2. Choose a proper racquet. Less stiff is better. Monitor them as they grow so the grip is the right size, etc.

3. Go with as soft a string as they can control seeking input from their certified coach and what you are seeing. Multi first if no then Hybrid then evaluate polys with their coach who sees them play and has the expertise you can trust.

4. Just because it doesn’t break doesn’t mean poly is not dead. Number your racquets, keep a log on your cell phone, and track hours of use and restring when you hit the deadline without exception.

5. Invest in a stringing machine, buy reels to save, as if you stick with a multi you will be restringing often... if you go with poly you will be restringing often... in fact just plan on restringing often!

Well, it finally happened.
After a 2hr JTT practice yesterday, my son complained of wrist pain. Now granted, he has been playing every single day for the past I don't know how many weeks plus he had High School play-offs this weekend where he played 2 matches on Friday and 2 matches on Saturday. He used a newly strung racquet Thursday afternoon to practice and probably put about 10hrs by the time he was done with JTT practice. He'll be playing with a racquet with strings that have about 4hrs of play for this afternoon's final match with a freshly strung racquet as his back up. His 10hr racquet is sitting on the stringer so I can replace the head guard and re-string to put back into the rotation.

In any case, I'm going to say playing too much is the main contributor. Not necessarily poly.

 

[janky]

Great username, love that, Lob A Lot Sounds like my USTA matches...

Really good advice here. Much appreciated it. Monitoring the grip size is a good one. We just switched racquets and I noticed my son's grip size went up one so I ordered a size slightly bigger. I'm most likely going to get my own stringer here soon because he's seriously starting to break strings, A LOT.

As an update, the Wilson NXT + Luxilon Adrenaline 16 looks like a winner. He tried it out yesterday and loves it. So we're going to stick with that hybrid for now and see how it plays out. No full bed of poly for awhile....

I have been debating about chiming in since this post came out.

My boy just turned 15 3 months ago. So far ... touch wood.. no arm issues. He has been an advanced tournament player since he was 8.

It has been something that worries me as kids have not developed yet they play 20 or so hours/week (repetitive use injuries) and racquets are getting stiffer and stiffer. We see some of his peers that have had arm issues. Others without issue.

I am not sure there is one answer to the poly vs no poly question. As good players develop technique they seek control no mater the age and I am not sure taking a multi and stringing it at 80 lbs to get that control sought avoids issue vs poly.

I would say for us what has worked:

1. Proper coaching/technique. This is no guarantee because I have seen very good players with great technique have issues as noted above but have seen more issues with lack of technique leading to problems.

2. Choose a proper racquet. Less stiff is better. Monitor them as they grow so the grip is the right size, etc.

3. Go with as soft a string as they can control seeking input from their certified coach and what you are seeing. Multi first if no then Hybrid then evaluate polys with their coach who sees them play and has the expertise you can trust.

4. Just because it doesn’t break doesn’t mean poly is not dead. Number your racquets, keep a log on your cell phone, and track hours of use and restring when you hit the deadline without exception.

5. Invest in a stringing machine, buy reels to save, as if you stick with a multi you will be restringing often... if you go with poly you will be restringing often... in fact just plan on restringing often!

 

[janky]

In any case, I'm going to say playing too much is the main contributor. Not necessarily poly.

Right. I've lived my own tennis injuries (achilles, wrist, shoulder pain, etc) and so I introduced my son to static stretching after every match and practice for the last 2 years now. It's at the point where I just remind him to do his stretches and he just does them. Now that he's almost 13, I'm introducing him to light dumb bells and leg workouts to keep his strength conditioning up. Tennis is for life and so many of my friends who have kids playing juniors have had to deal with injuries to their kids at 12/13/14. Insane.

 

[LOBALOT]

Well, it finally happened.
After a 2hr JTT practice yesterday, my son complained of wrist pain. Now granted, he has been playing every single day for the past I don't know how many weeks plus he had High School play-offs this weekend where he played 2 matches on Friday and 2 matches on Saturday. He used a newly strung racquet Thursday afternoon to practice and probably put about 10hrs by the time he was done with JTT practice. He'll be playing with a racquet with strings that have about 4hrs of play for this afternoon's final match with a freshly strung racquet as his back up. His 10hr racquet is sitting on the stringer so I can replace the head guard and re-string to put back into the rotation.

In any case, I'm going to say playing too much is the main contributor. Not necessarily poly.

That is my opinion too as I believe while poor technique / improper racquet & strings for sure can lead to an issue even with proper technique and equipment I have seen kids still have a problem. I think the amount of play is a factor.

I am assuming you are working with a private coach. What did he think about the setup you have selected? Did he think it was appropriate for him, his skills developed so far, etc.?

 

[LOBALOT]

Great username, love that, Lob A Lot Sounds like my USTA matches...

Really good advice here. Much appreciated it. Monitoring the grip size is a good one. We just switched racquets and I noticed my son's grip size went up one so I ordered a size slightly bigger. I'm most likely going to get my own stringer here soon because he's seriously starting to break strings, A LOT.

As an update, the Wilson NXT + Luxilon Adrenaline 16 looks like a winner. He tried it out yesterday and loves it. So we're going to stick with that hybrid for now and see how it plays out. No full bed of poly for awhile....

Thanks, I hit with a fun group at the local club here and we had fun coming up with "Lob A Lot"... It kind of has a rhythm to it when you say it!

As a side note even at 15 years we are really working hard to find his next racquet/string setup as he has not upgraded from when he turned 13. It takes a lot of work and as I indicated earlier racquets are getting stiffer and stiffer so it is a struggle. He has outgrown his current racquet and needs more swing weight and I would really like to see him hit with softer strings as he is now getting much stronger and I am worried about arm issues. We have been demoing and searching for 7 months with a break for high school/regionals/states and now are going to set out in earnest on his next setup.

 

[LOBALOT]

Right. I've lived my own tennis injuries (achilles, wrist, shoulder pain, etc) and so I introduced my son to static stretching after every match and practice for the last 2 years now. It's at the point where I just remind him to do his stretches and he just does them. Now that he's almost 13, I'm introducing him to light dumb bells and leg workouts to keep his strength conditioning up. Tennis is for life and so many of my friends who have kids playing juniors have had to deal with injuries to their kids at 12/13/14. Insane.

I have posted somewhere here before... 3 years ago we are at a sectional event in 12s and my boy was playing this kid that was younger than him (perhaps 11) that was hitting with an AeroPro with Solinco Hyper G. The kid could really crush the ball but after every point the kid was shaking his arm / wrist. I was thinking I couldn't believe that a coach and/or his parents thought that was a good setup and even after they did think it was a good setup to keep him in it.

At tournaments I have seen a multitude of kids in Kineseo taped shoulders, tennis elbow gizmos, arm pressure sleeves, icing shoulders after matches, etc.

Someone, USPTA, USTA, etc. should really come up with a good skill/size/strength/amount of play based recommendations for selecting equipment.

 

[Big Bagel]

Someone, USPTA, USTA, etc. should really come up with a good skill/size/strength/amount of play based recommendations for selecting equipment.

The TIA tried to get a campaign going a few years ago about that. The USRSA has also tried to get the manufacturer's help in getting people into the proper equipment and getting most people out of poly, but the only manufacturer that has tried to help is Tecnifibre because they're the only ones with multiple top non-poly strings, whereas everybody else generally focuses on poly, so it's not in their best interest, or so they think.

 

[fuzz nation]

The TIA tried to get a campaign going a few years ago about that. The USRSA has also tried to get the manufacturer's help in getting people into the proper equipment and getting most people out of poly, but the only manufacturer that has tried to help is Tecnifibre because they're the only ones with multiple top non-poly strings, whereas everybody else generally focuses on poly, so it's not in their best interest, or so they think.

Thanks - it's actually good to hear that somebody out there has a soul... and some long-term vision. I may have to find an excuse to buy some more of their string. TW stopped stocking reels of their syn. gut a few years ago, but that stuff was just yummy!!

 

[Big Bagel]

Thanks - it's actually good to hear that somebody out there has a soul... and some long-term vision. I may have to find an excuse to buy some more of their string. TW stopped stocking reels of their syn. gut a few years ago, but that stuff was just yummy!!

They recently came out with, or maybe are just about to come out with, 15L gauges of X-One Biphase and Multifeel in order to get people looking for slightly better durability to stick with non-poly if they don't need to be playing poly. A thick synthetic gut or multi at a higher tension is still going to be better than a poly at a low tension, especially if it lasts past the 5/6 hour mark when a lot of polys will start to lose playability.

 

[fuzz nation]

They recently came out with, or maybe are just about to come out with, 15L gauges of X-One Biphase and Multifeel in order to get people looking for slightly better durability to stick with non-poly if they don't need to be playing poly. A thick synthetic gut or multi at a higher tension is still going to be better than a poly at a low tension, especially if it lasts past the 5/6 hour mark when a lot of polys will start to lose playability.

Nice!!

The #1 singles player on the boys' team I coach was coming down with a ferocious case of golfer's elbow a few years ago - his rig at the time was the classic combo of a Pure Drive strung with a full bed of RPM Blast. We decided to try 15L beds of Prince Premier Control for a while and his elbowed cooled out just fine within no more than two weeks after the switch.

That heavier gauge of multi was a great find - TW had it on sale when we stocked up. He chewed through regular 16 ga. PPC in only about 3-5 days, but the 15L added maybe 3 or 4 days of service life to his string beds. I'm a believer...

 

[Traffic]

Right. I've lived my own tennis injuries (achilles, wrist, shoulder pain, etc) and so I introduced my son to static stretching after every match and practice for the last 2 years now. It's at the point where I just remind him to do his stretches and he just does them. Now that he's almost 13, I'm introducing him to light dumb bells and leg workouts to keep his strength conditioning up. Tennis is for life and so many of my friends who have kids playing juniors have had to deal with injuries to their kids at 12/13/14. Insane.

My son is also district varsity level swimmer. But he tends to focus on one sport at a time during HS season. I'm sure once his match is over today (finals to advance to State championships - he's down 4-5 in the 3rd set and stopped match due to darkness) he'll get a chance to rest and then start working out in the pool again. But then his JTT has Nationals in FL in 3 weeks so he'll have to keep his tennis training up as well.

 

[Traffic]

That is my opinion too as I believe while poor technique / improper racquet & strings for sure can lead to an issue even with proper technique and equipment I have seen kids still have a problem. I think the amount of play is a factor.

I am assuming you are working with a private coach. What did he think about the setup you have selected? Did he think it was appropriate for him, his skills developed so far, etc.?

He's been in group classes for 5yrs and private coaching for 2 years. We'll probably put together a regular semi-private coaching schedule with a few of his team mates to work on doubles skills. Though is a great singles players, around these parts, his best chance of success will be in doubles. 3 hot shot freshmen will join next season, so my son will be looking to slide into the 1 doubles roll.

We bumped him up from a "lite" racquet to a tweener Pro Staff 97LS (18x16) at 13-14. He played that through his 9th grade season. After the season, we demo'd a few racquets. We were looking for something that was more control oriented. We figured he could add his own power. He settled on the Pure Strike 98 (16x19). I think he really liked the graphics too. Let him play with it for a month before investing in a couple more of the same to have in his bag.

Through the 97LS times, we experimented with full poly, poly/sgut hybrid, poly/multi hybrid. I think the HyperG/Velocity worked the best. But HG would shred the Velocity in 6hrs. So went thinner HyperG (18) and full bed. We tracked how long it took to go dead or break. In the 97LS, HyperG18 would break after 10-12hrs. So felt it was an acceptable "fuse". In the PS98, he found the strings to go dead shortly after 12hrs but not break. So we have a rule that after 12hrs, the racquet gets taken out of the rotation for re-stringing. We also look at what event is coming up and re-string/rotate early so that he has a fresh setup going into a major event. So for HS district play-offs, he started with a fresh racquet, but is on his 2nd in the finals.

As a follow-up, after last night's 2 hr match (that did not finish), he says his wrist discomfort is less than on Sunday. We have been icing it, giving him some ibuprofen and asking him to wear a soft wrist brace during school to remind him to lay off some stuff.

 

[Steve Huff]

Try HEAD FXP Tour. It's not a poly, but it's a little stiffer and has great control. Stay away from polyester strings until he's a lot older and bigger.

 

[LOBALOT]

The TIA tried to get a campaign going a few years ago about that. The USRSA has also tried to get the manufacturer's help in getting people into the proper equipment and getting most people out of poly, but the only manufacturer that has tried to help is Tecnifibre because they're the only ones with multiple top non-poly strings, whereas everybody else generally focuses on poly, so it's not in their best interest, or so they think.

Thank you for providing the background. Yes, when one looks at the String offerings from manufacturers they are a majority poly.

Again, my view is that Poly is not necessarily bad for a kid but it needs be looked in overall context of the player, their equipment, their skill, their size, their strength, how much they play and then selecting the proper string with the racquet. In my example above stiff racquet + stiff string + amount of play = I would think a pretty obvious answer that his coach/parents should have been able to predict.

 

[Big Bagel]

Thank you for providing the background. Yes, when one looks at the String offerings from manufacturers they are a majority poly.

Again, my view is that Poly is not necessarily bad for a kid but it needs be looked in overall context of the player, their equipment, their skill, their size, their strength, how much they play and then selecting the proper string with the racquet. In my example above stiff racquet + stiff string + amount of play = I would think a pretty obvious answer that his coach/parents should have been able to predict.

Also, how often you restring is important, especially in juniors. If you're using a softer poly, just about all of them are going to have shorter lives than a normal one, so if they're not restringing every 6-8 hours of play, it can get dangerous, even with soft polys. Other polys like 4G and Max Power you can keep in longer, maybe up to 12 hours if you aren't a ball-basher, but they're stiffer to begin with so juniors probably shouldn't be using those either.

 

[Traffic]

@LOBALOT , just to provide an update on my son's wrist. His doubles pair came from behind at 4-5 to win 3 in a row and secure the 2nd spot to advance to state championships. I asked him last night if he needed to ice his wrist and he said, "no".

So I think the intensity of the training leading up to the District play-offs, the practice sessions and matches during and the multiple matches every day contributed to wrist the wrist pains.

BTW, schedule has been too hectic for me so I wasn't able to work on his first racquet he took out of the rotation. Now I have 2 to rebuild (change head guard and grommets and re-string). I suppose he gets a bit of a break this week so should be able to work that in.

 

[LOBALOT]

Also, how often you restring is important, especially in juniors. If you're using a softer poly, just about all of them are going to have shorter lives than a normal one, so if they're not restringing every 6-8 hours of play, it can get dangerous, even with soft polys. Other polys like 4G and Max Power you can keep in longer, maybe up to 12 hours if you aren't a ball-basher, but they're stiffer to begin with so juniors probably shouldn't be using those either.

I agree.

 

[LOBALOT]

@LOBALOT , just to provide an update on my son's wrist. His doubles pair came from behind at 4-5 to win 3 in a row and secure the 2nd spot to advance to state championships. I asked him last night if he needed to ice his wrist and he said, "no".

So I think the intensity of the training leading up to the District play-offs, the practice sessions and matches during and the multiple matches every day contributed to wrist the wrist pains.

BTW, schedule has been too hectic for me so I wasn't able to work on his first racquet he took out of the rotation. Now I have 2 to rebuild (change head guard and grommets and re-string). I suppose he gets a bit of a break this week so should be able to work that in.

I am glad to hear that he did well! Also, that he said his wrist was doing well.

I know what you mean by finding the time. It has been very busy for us with school, after school activities, etc.

I hope you get to enjoy working on his racquets... sometimes I find working on/restringing my boys racquets my relaxing part of the day.

 

[darklore009]

synthetic gut is always a good starting point for juniors as they are trying to develop their technique and is affordable too. We all hate that we have to straighten the string once in awhile when it doesnt snap back into place nicely compared to poly, but it carries the benefit of allowing you to experiment what tension would you like to have it at. Not to mention that is much easier than the arm than a poly or co poly in general.

Polys should be only be used if they have the technique to pull it off because they can make the use of the poly's short duration to play so well with it, until it goes dead after that and it plays way differently. While as synthetics in the other hand last way longer and the tension drop is gradual over time.

 

[gmatheis]

what about a co-poly? It's a slot in between multi and full poly. They are still a tad on the poly side but are still softer than most stiffer polys.

ONe that comes to mind is kirschbaum pro line evolution or isospeed cream, or even babolat rpm blast?

These days almost every poly is a co-poly … the "co" part just means that they put additives in to alter the playing characteristics … like Luxilon adding aluminum (Alu Power)

 

[gmatheis]

Hi,

I've done a lot of searching and reading on the web especially old posts on this subject. Note this one from awhile ago:

"Strings Set up for Juniors 12-14 years old":
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/strings-set-up-for-juniors-12-14-years-old.403705/

Unfortunately I'm not arriving at the answer so I'll ask here. Our clinic pro keeps saying we should move to a poly since it will benefit my sons game for his game style. However, I'm a little hesitant to make the jump as my son has been on a full bed of multifilament and I've read the reviews on arm/shoulder pain. So I tried out some Luxilon ALU 16L myself and my shoulder was a tad sore afterwards. I'm getting my racquet strung with natural gut (mains) and the Luxilon ALU 16L (crossed) to see if that helps but it's not giving me the feeling that finding a poly for my son is possible. For now, I've kept him on multifilament. But perhaps there are other recommendations out there for "softer polys"? I would prefer a full bed of a softer poly (just easier to deal with) but if I have to go hybrid then so be it. My son plays tourneys 2-3 times a month and is practicing 4 days a week for 2+ hours so he's definitely more on the advanced side. Thanks for any and all advice.

There's no need to break the bank - I have been using Pro's Pro Blackout 1.24 for a while and really like it and you can get it for about $35 a reel.

I recently tried a reel of Solinco HyperG 17G and my elbow suffered for it.

Order like 2 sets of Blackout and try it full bed at 48lbs … worst case you spent about $15 with shipping … best case you find a great string that you don't mind cutting out before it breaks because it's so cheap but still plays really well.

 

[SanJoseState1975]

Thank you SJ state. Sounds like you are near me in the Bay Area This is really good information.

Do you have recommendations for a 16 gauge natural gut and 17 gauge poly? What tensions if you’re using Nat gut?

I use Babolat VS Tonic+ Ball Feel which is 16 Gauge in Main @ 57 pounds and Babolat RPM Blast 17 gauge in cross. @ 3-4 pounds less than main.
I went to San Jose State MANY years ago but live in ******* now.

 

[Karma Tennis]

My personal opinion.

I've literally tried dozens of string combinations for advanced male junior players in their early to mid teens.

I've come to the following conclusions with regards to poly (co-poly) strings.

1/ Buy a stringing machine.
2/ Buy any poly string you desire by the reel. (Decide the gauge based on the physical size of the player)
3/ String the racquets in the low to mid tension range. (Max. ref tension 52lbs)
4/ Leave the freshly strung racquet to settle for at least 24 hours.
5/ Use the racquet for a maximum of 4 hours of hitting. Have at least four racquets that can be cycled through so that a fresh one is available on demand.

If the cost of doing it this way is high, then consider another sport because anyone who is serious about supporting an advanced junior tennis player will need to have the funds to back them up. On that basis, the cost of a stringing machine and reels of string is going to be the least of their worries.

You will hear a lot of different opinions regarding the use of poly strings for longer periods. But when it comes to junior players, the only way to be sure is to constantly supply them with freshly strung racquets. The other huge benefit of doing it this way is that the junior player can concentrate on playing the game rather than worrying about their equipment. Consistent equipment leads to consistent results.

 

[LOBALOT]

My personal opinion.

I've literally tried dozens of string combinations for advanced male junior players in their early to mid teens.

I've come to the following conclusions with regards to poly (co-poly) strings.

1/ Buy a stringing machine.
2/ Buy any poly string you desire by the reel. (Decide the gauge based on the physical size of the player)
3/ String the racquets in the low to mid tension range. (Max. ref tension 52lbs)
4/ Leave the freshly strung racquet to settle for at least 24 hours.
5/ Use the racquet for a maximum of 4 hours of hitting. Have at least four racquets that can be cycled through so that a fresh one is available on demand.

If the cost of doing it this way is high, then consider another sport because anyone who is serious about supporting an advanced junior tennis player will need to have the funds to back them up. On that basis, the cost of a stringing machine and reels of string is going to be the least of their worries.

You will hear a lot of different opinions regarding the use of poly strings for longer periods. But when it comes to junior players, the only way to be sure is to constantly supply them with freshly strung racquets. The other huge benefit of doing it this way is that the junior player can concentrate on playing the game rather than worrying about their equipment. Consistent equipment leads to consistent results.

Thank you. These are very good points. I agree. That is what we find as well.

I really like the part of focusing on the game vs. the string. A few years back my boy was really focused on string tension. We would warmup at some offsite location before heading to his match and he would be complaining about not enough tension. He would request I bump the tension up, and up, and up. I would tell him to just go play and concentrate on your match and it did eventually sink in as that has stopped.

However, if it were (is) me, and you have really analytical kid (which I do), then the less you get them focused on the string setup the better. I try to keep that to discussion with his coaches.

Also, as they get older having more racquets is a must. During 10s-12s having 3 racquets was fine (Is a minimum). In 14s we have had several stressful tournaments where with 3 freshly strung racquets he would break one set of strings in warmups, and then 1 in the first set. If he broke the 3rd he would have been DQ'ed with penalty points. A few years back he won one tournament where, in a very classy move, he broke all 3, and his opponent gave my boy one of his backup racquets to finish the match. Luckily, that was not a sectional or national event as I am not sure that would have worked out that way. With that we scrambled and bought more racquets.

We still stress during his matches when he breaks a string as we don't know if he will get on a string destructive roll so we usually find ourselves having the racquet and reel sent up to us during his match and then scramble to find a stringer in whatever town we are in (hopefully but usually not unfortunately right at the club we are at.). The more racquets the less the stress.

The other thing is I am trying to get him into is softer string as I really don't like what he has been using although he has not had an arm issue. With softer string he will be breaking string more and we will need even more racquets (Buy Stock!).

He is struggling to find his next racquet but that is another story! When he finally settles on one we will be buying quite a few.