World Team Tennis (WTT) Official Stringer

[Smittithekitty]

We are currently negotiating a contract for the 2018 WTT Season and will pick up 8 games in 13 days for our local team.

We are in charge for the whole operation and this will be the first time for us handling all the logistics from small details such as check ins, stencil selections, how many employees(stringers) to bring, how many machines, etc...

We have done plenty of USTA and private events that all the stringing logistic has been laid out for us.

If anyone has any real time Pro Level Tips for us please share. We are very excited but at the same time got the jitters like “we haven’t done this before” type feel.

 

[kkm]

How many players (local team plus opposing team) will be there will help determine how many stringers/machines you need.

 

[Smittithekitty]

How many players (local team plus opposing team) will be there will help determine how many stringers/machines you need.

Each team has 4 players plus coach, I am not sure if they bring hitting partners as last year the visiting team did bring an extra player... I am looking about 8 players plus 2 coach. I am assuming no one travels without a strung racquet that’s just poor planning as professional, however I am sure they will need match racquets prior to game. I would have no problem with 10-15 racquets averaging 3 racquets an hour with an assistant. However, if we are looking at 2 racquets each for 10 players plus coach that would be a busy day for 1 person.
These scenarios are all speculations, I did ask the event coordinator but guess what? This is his first year too. He did mention previous years they only needed 1 stringer. I have met the stringer before in another ATP tournament which we are all averaging the same amount of time.

We are required to be there 5 hrs before hand and stay for the game for on court situation.

Not too worried about the stringing part (that’s what we do)
The logistics of having enough bags, ink, employees, parking, having extra strings just Incase, pricing, check in ...
That’s what we worry about the most

 

[Rabbit]

Hey, congrats!

 

[Smittithekitty]

Well, just got the word! We are official and they did clear up some worries. What I expected with the format and 1-2 racquets per players plus on court situations.

Always want to prepare for the worst...
This should be a very great event for us, I will post photos soon.

I had to order some stencils last min because we have the major 3 but now Yonex are being widely used now. I do carry some off brand such as Solinco, Pacific and Tecnifibre as they do show up from time to time.

FYI: $20 per racquet paid by the players for service
surprisingly they said prepare to take cash... I am assuming most players or team will have a company card... be funny to get venmoed from players haha

Players mostly come with their strings, but I will probably have to bring some regulars like ALU and RPM. Maybe gut just in case

 

[gmatheis]

That all sounds pretty exciting!

Can't wait to see some photos and hear more

 

[Rabbit]

@Smittithekitty That is fantastic! Please do report as thoroughly as you can over the season.

You might want to look into one of those iPhone/Android credit card readers to boot, just in case. "Square" I think is one brand.

 

[lefty10spro]

Just a tip from a old seasoned pro. DO NOT let anyone run a tab. Make them pay at pickup. I learned this lesson the hard way!

 

[djNEiGht]

bravo. looking forward to your stories of this adventure

 

[Rabbit]

Just a tip from a old seasoned pro. DO NOT let anyone run a tab. Make them pay at pickup. I learned this lesson the hard way!

Yeah, I heard the absolute worst of the worst for walking tabs were the Changs. And surprisingly one of the best for not only paying, but tipping was Connors.

 

[Crozzer95]

I can advise from my boys who played WTT last year for Empire/Breakers, the players were only restringing if they REALLY needed too, if they broke, they restrung, if they felt like the frame had changed tension over the flights/travel, they restrung. Max 2 rackets from each player and that usually covered them for a week.

 

[Smittithekitty]

Just a tip from a old seasoned pro. DO NOT let anyone run a tab. Make them pay at pickup. I learned this lesson the hard way!

Thank you, I was wondering how that works. At other bigger tournament it was deducted from winning/ earnings this makes perfect sense

 

[cluckcluck]

The players will likely ask how your machine pulls (tight or soft), so be prepared to give an accurate answer. Had this question come from Andy Roddick at the Power Shares Series. Threw me off because I hadn't been asked that before.
Also be sure that you can give the players a receipt, they will probably ask for one.

 

[Smittithekitty]

The players will likely ask how your machine pulls (tight or soft), so be prepared to give an accurate answer. Had this question come from Andy Roddick at the Power Shares Series. Threw me off because I hadn't been asked that before.
Also be sure that you can give the players a receipt, they will probably ask for one.

Yes you are correct and I had in the past been asked which machine as they knew Babolat tend to overshoot no matter how much you calibrate and check tensions. That being said receipt everything is ran through my Square Business POS which makes it easier and for cash just in case I’ll have old school receipts pad! Thanks these are all good info keep them coming

 

[CosmosMpower]

Cool, what kind of pace do you expect to have to finish each racquet at to keep up with demand during the day? 15 mins?

 

[Smittithekitty]

Cool, what kind of pace do you expect to have to finish each racquet at to keep up with demand during the day? 15 mins?

Yes that should not be a problem as I will have an assistant to do all the prep work. 3-4.5 hrs before game time so that should be plenty for a machine and a stringer. They did say one was enough and with a plus one this should be cake...

 

[djNEiGht]

The players will likely ask how your machine pulls (tight or soft), so be prepared to give an accurate answer. Had this question come from Andy Roddick at the Power Shares Series. Threw me off because I hadn't been asked that before.
Also be sure that you can give the players a receipt, they will probably ask for one.

Yes you are correct and I had in the past been asked which machine as they knew Babolat tend to overshoot no matter how much you calibrate and check tensions. That being said receipt everything is ran through my Square Business POS which makes it easier and for cash just in case I’ll have old school receipts pad! Thanks these are all good info keep them coming

I didn't notice if you mentioned your stringer for this event.

If I have a new customer, I ask if they know what type of machine the racquet was previously strung on. One of the local shops has a few Prince Crank units while a couple others have electronic. So if they mention the store or machine type then I have an idea on how to target tension for them.

 

[cluckcluck]

I didn't notice if you mentioned your stringer for this event.

If I have a new customer, I ask if they know what type of machine the racquet was previously strung on. One of the local shops has a few Prince Crank units while a couple others have electronic. So if they mention the store or machine type then I have an idea on how to target tension for them.

I believe most pros get their racquets string on electronic machines...or at least the touring players.

 

[Smittithekitty]

I didn't notice if you mentioned your stringer for this event.

If I have a new customer, I ask if they know what type of machine the racquet was previously strung on. One of the local shops has a few Prince Crank units while a couple others have electronic. So if they mention the store or machine type then I have an idea on how to target tension for them.

I will be bring our Babolat Racket Station as we will have limited space for our Baiardo as they will give us a room I can just use the Babolat as a table top call it a day. Times like this I wish we still had our Ergo One... I should have kept it however 3 machines in a year... one had to go

 

[am1899]

Congrats @Smittithekitty! Very exciting, and I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Smittithekitty]

I believe most pros get their racquets string on electronic machines...or at least the touring players.

You’re right I couldn’t image showing up with a Gamma X2 haha however Murphy’s Law they have a Neos there just in case something goes wrong

 

[am1899]

^^ Ha to be a fly on the wall - if you showed up with an X-2. Bring one anyway...when they all gasp yell...”just kidding!”...then bring in the Baiardo.

 

[norcal]

First off congrats, sounds like a great experience!

Yeah, I heard the absolute worst of the worst for walking tabs were the Changs.

Wow, how low can you get? It would be low for a broke futures player to do it but a multi-millionaire slam winner - flat out disgusting.

 

[Smittithekitty]

Besides the big 3 of brands (Babolat,Wilson & Head)
Plus some others Tecnifibre, Solinco, Yonex & Pacific.

I am missing 2 stencils such as Dunlop & Prince

I know they are not as common and players are given stencil with their packages (I doubt that many don’t carry them on person)

Opt 1 order it and rush ship it
Opt 2 print the logo out and make a stencil (last case)
Opt 3 don’t worry about it (I am worried)

Any ideas

 

[Sixpointone]

Besides the big 3 of brands (Babolat,Wilson & Head)
Plus some others Tecnifibre, Solinco, Yonex & Pacific.

I am missing 2 stencils such as Dunlop & Prince

I know they are not as common and players are given stencil with their packages (I doubt that many don’t carry them on person)

Opt 1 order it and rush ship it
Opt 2 print the logo out and make a stencil (last case)
Opt 3 don’t worry about it (I am worried)

Any ideas

If it were me, I'd print in advance, and hold onto them until I placed and received a rush order. I feel the cost would be worth the piece of mind. That, and the stencils will last.

BTW, congratulations and best of luck!!!

 

[SavvyStringer]

Make sure you have an intake form. Player name, tension, pre-stretch, # of knots, stencil and color, special requests, and pick up time.

 

[abllee2198]

Hi Smitty: Congrats on getting WTT Official Stringer Status.

If it wasn't already mentioned you might bring a label maker. Also if the pro gives you different tensions, always string the looser one first so when they tap frame to frame they'll hear a difference.

All the best,

A. Lee

 

[Rabbit]

Hi Smitty: Congrats on getting WTT Official Stringer Status.

If it wasn't already mentioned you might bring a label maker. Also if the pro gives you different tensions, always string the looser one first so when they tap frame to frame they'll hear a difference.

All the best,

A. Lee

Absolutely brilliant! Spoken like a true veteran.

 

[Smittithekitty]

Hi Smitty: Congrats on getting WTT Official Stringer Status.

If it wasn't already mentioned you might bring a label maker. Also if the pro gives you different tensions, always string the looser one first so when they tap frame to frame they'll hear a difference.

All the best,

A. Lee

I was actually going to email you haha. Thanks perfect point

 

[Smittithekitty]

First day was great... I had to restring one racquet that was off. I thought it was maybe machine error but checked the 2nd and 3rd racquet it was on point on the ERT... First racquet of the day morning jitters I suppose. Felt a bit down but no biggie we got the job done.

15 racquets first day and mixture between full poly and hybrid poly/gut

80% of players for both teams are Luxilon ALU Power/Power Rough

Today’s
high tension 59/59 Poly/Gut pre stretch 10%
low tension 43/43 Full Poly

 

[djNEiGht]

@Smittithekitty great! can you share some pictures?

 

[Smittithekitty]

@Smittithekitty great! can you share some pictures?

R.Linstedt
24/24kg ALU Power/Wilson Gut 10% pre on Gut

BIG FOE
Polytour Pro
43/43 Ibs Pro 97
50/50 Ibs SV

BRENGLE WTA
Adrenaline / NXT Power
52/53 Ibs

 

[am1899]

Cool pics.

Wonder if Tiafoe is experimenting with that SV?

 

[Smittithekitty]

Cool pics.

Wonder if Tiafoe is experimenting with that SV?

I think he played with them last season before the pro release... he didn’t practice nor played with them. He strung all 5 racquets

 

[am1899]

Good call...the more I think back, I think you’re right @Smittithekitty!

 

[Smittithekitty]

Round 2
Kastle 3-0 This season

Much smoother day
2 Racquets were waiting for us by the time we got there around 1130AM.


12 Racquets in Total

Tiafoe ATP
5R Yonex
3 x VCORE Pro 97
43Ibs Poly Tour Pro 1.25
2/3 broken strings (1 out 2 was a off center break or shanked on 1 o’clock)
1 VCore SV
50Ibs Poly Tour Pro 1.25
Red Yonex Logo

Murphy Jensen Head Coach
2 Brand New 2018/2019
Wilson RF97 White/Black
52Ibs Luxilon ALU Power 1.25
Red Wilson Logo

R.Lindstedt ATP
1 Ultra 97
24kg Luxilon ALU Power 1.25
24kg Wilson Gut 16g 10% pre
Red Wilson Logo

C McHale WTA
1 Head Radical MP
50Ibs RPM Blast 16g
White Head Logo

Wickmayer WTA
1 Yonex VCore SV 100
New Set up not what she used in Wimbledon
(full poly)
26.5kg Mains Luxilon Natural Gut 1.25
25kg Crosses Luxilon 4G 1.25
Black Yonex Logo

Evan King
2 Babolat Pure Aero
57Ibs Solinco Tour Bite 16
56Ibs Solinco Tour Bite 16
Black Solinco Logo


TOMORROW Thursday 19July18
We have the Byran Brothers tomorrow in addition
10am show time

Tired...

 

[Smittithekitty]

 

[Smittithekitty]

What I also realized that players really do not want to fill out intake forms

Name and tension is all they think about...

They leave it to us to figure out which is Mains/Crosses
Kg or Ibs
Stencil no stencil what color stencil
time they want it

HOW ARE THEY GOING TO PAY FOR IT

You can’t really go off the sticker even if it is recent as we caught one that was completed in Wimbledon but they wanted lower today...

It’s hard because they think we are being anal, but all we want to do is give you the ideal racquet!!!

 

[Wes]

It’s hard because they think we are being anal, but all we want to do is give you the ideal racquet!!!

Yep.
No good deed goes unpunished.

 

[Irvin]

It’s hard because they think we are being anal, but all we want to do is give you the ideal racquet!!!

I’m sure the players could care less whether they have red or black stencils or no stencil at all. It makes a big difference to the sponsor though. OTOH when going from full poly to a hybrid it matters a lot where the gut goes, so ask the coach. Better yet try to find out what setups each player has used in the past.

If a player asks for 52# / non-hybrid, I’d string the racket 1 piece if the racket is a good candidate for 1 piece. If a player asked for 52# - 50# / non hybrid I’d string it 2 piece. If you use an ATW pattern always use the same pattern and make sure all stringers use the same patterns if there is more than one person stringing.

Keep good records on each player so you never make the same mistake twice.

I assume have 1 machine, always have a backup machine and tools. Not a bad idea to have some extra parts on hand. Always clean and check calibration on your machines daily. Maybe Babolat can help, it never hurts to ask. Being the official stringing machine for WTT carries some weight. Make a video show casing Babolat frames, Babolat string, Babolat tools, and put it on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Maybe start the video with Evan King dropping off his racket and the process it goes through to get it strung.

 

[Smittithekitty]

I’m sure the players could care less whether they have red or black stencils or no stencil at all. It makes a big difference to the sponsor though. OTOH when going from full poly to a hybrid it matters a lot where the gut goes, so ask the coach. Better yet try to find out what setups each player has used in the past.

If a player asks for 52# / non-hybrid, I’d string the racket 1 piece if the racket is a good candidate for 1 piece. If a player asked for 52# - 50# / non hybrid I’d string it 2 piece. If you use an ATW pattern always use the same pattern and make sure all stringers use the same patterns if there is more than one person stringing.

Keep good records on each player so you never make the same mistake twice.

I assume have 1 machine, always have a backup machine and tools. Not a bad idea to have some extra parts on hand. Always clean and check calibration on your machines daily. Maybe Babolat can help, it never hurts to ask. Being the official stringing machine for WTT carries some weight. Make a video show casing Babolat frames, Babolat string, Babolat tools, and put it on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Maybe start the video with Evan King dropping off his racket and the process it goes through to get it strung.

Thank you highly noted... I do keep a log via intake form and wrote notes through out process... I think video is a great idea... I might need a camera person for one day!

I believe so far being under the pressure the first day of just setting up and making sure everything was good to go was the hardest for me to focus and keep consistency. I am glad we have 3 including myself at this event. First day I was trying to do everything... Boarder line set the tone or micro managed. Day 2 I just relaxed and stringing came much easier plus attention to detail increased. I didn't have to worry about forms, payments, stencils, etc... Just stringing the racquets given. However, for the away team I have my partner taking care of those... I service all home team racquets for consistency.

If you think stringing is hard, asking for payment is a skill! There will be another post about that haha

 

[Irvin]

If you think stringing is hard, asking for payment is a skill! There will be another post about that haha

The players should be getting paid by someone, go to the source for payment if you can. BTW I don’t think stringing is hard at all, piece of cake. But OTOH stringing 12 Pros rackets a day knowing all must be perfect and done by a certain time would be. Not something I would want day after day. I commend you.

 

[Crozzer95]

You need to start getting onsite a little earlier than 11.30 if they’re waiting for you. You’ve then gotta chase Payments

 

[Rabbit]

The players should be getting paid by someone, go to the source for payment if you can.

It doesn't work that way. Players are responsible for their own expenses. The tournaments I've worked, payment was due at drop off or pickup. If it was due at pickup, the rackets weren't given to the player until payment was rendered; i.e. nobody ran a tab.

When you go get gas for your car, the gas station doesn't have the option of going to your employer....

 

[Rabbit]

If a player asks for 52# / non-hybrid, I’d string the racket 1 piece if the racket is a good candidate for 1 piece. If a player asked for 52# - 50# / non hybrid I’d string it 2 piece. If you use an ATW pattern always use the same pattern and make sure all stringers use the same patterns if there is more than one person stringing.

It's been my experience that most players request "2 knots" or "4 knots". They are fairly particular about this and don't let the stringer decide. I learned this the hard way as I had to redo a string job gratis because I didn't see the note on the ticket. When the tournament was over, we got the tickets changed to have a "knot box" to indicate how many the player wanted.

 

[Crozzer95]

It's been my experience that most players request "2 knots" or "4 knots". They are fairly particular about this and don't let the stringer decide. I learned this the hard way as I had to redo a string job gratis because I didn't see the note on the ticket. When the tournament was over, we got the tickets changed to have a "knot box" to indicate how many the player wanted.

I actually created a sign very similar to the one HEAD Use in Miami/IW to indicate how I strung racquets. Players asked why I gave them the simple answer. I want to string the racquet how YOU want it stringing.

 

[Smittithekitty]

Work in progress I printed the wrong one and missing the pre stretch text haha

 

[Rabbit]

@Smittithekitty on your form, why the 3 boxes with quantity/mains/crosses and then the repeated mains and crosses in the bottom 3rd? Would it be simpler to just have a form per frame?

They also wrote PD or Due on the form to indicate what the payment status was.

 

[Smittithekitty]

Actually it helps out on the top 3 boxes because some times they bring frames that want different tension example

2 racquets at 24kg

1 Racquet at 26kg

1 Racquet at 28kg

There has been many situations like that however
The lower one is missing Hybrid stringing option. I need to label for strings type

For hybrid setup
Main strings
Crosses strings

Pre stretch at the end

I am always tweaking it
Went off Tecnifibre intake which I found very useful compared to other

Hand write them
In for payment

However that is a great idea

 

[lidoazndiabloboi]

Work in progress I printed the wrong one and missing the pre stretch text haha

Your form can definitely be more simplified next time around. I would suggest having options that you can circle, instead of having to write them in. Ex: For racket logo, just have blk / red / wht / none. Same for string logo and the knots (2 or 4). This will save you the trouble of having too much info being thrown at you and not having enough time to jot it all down.