FAQ'S ABOUT STRINGING {2002}

By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo

I've been getting so many questions lately about equipment, I thought rather than answering them all by mail ("e" or "snail") I would answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ's) in my column.

Why do my strings move around so much?

There are a number of reasons for this, but they are all related to spin. The more topspin or slice you give to the ball, the more the strings will move. If the string tension is low you will get more movement. If the strings are tight they will move less, but will still move to some degree. String movement is normal. Even with new strings in a racquet, you should expect to get some movement depending on how much you attempt to make the ball spin.

If you begin to notice excessive movement compared to when the racquet was newly strung, it's probably time to have it restrung. I have been told by some of my customers that they put Super Glue at the intersections of the strings to keep them from moving. I would caution you to avoid this as it can damage the string. String movement is kind of like allowing the string to breathe. Some folks find it annoying or downright distracting. The best advice I can give you is to worry about something else, like what ever happened to Absorbine Senior?

How can I get more topspin?

The most effective way to get more topspin is not related to equipment. Start your forward stroke with the head of the racquet lower, and complete your follow-through with the racquet higher. As far as equipment is concerned, the more space between the strings (especially the main strings -- head to throat) the more the ball will embed itself into the strings and allow for a better bite. The best way to do this is by using a thinner string. If you usually use 16 gauge (approximately 1.30mm in diameter) try 17 gauge (1.25mm) or even 18 gauge (1.20mm). The down side of this is, the smaller the diameter, the sooner the strings will break. If you're not a string breaker, this shouldn't matter, but if you are, expect to get 25% to 35% less time out of a stringing.

There are a number of strings on the market whose names contain a reference to spin. Most have larger filaments wrapped around in a spiral to enhance the spin effect. Some people swear they help, others say they add thickness to the diameter of the string and may be do more harm the good. I lean towards the latter, but you may want to try one. You may like it.

Copyright 2002 (Previously published in FLORIDA TENNIS - June, 2002

By Vincent Chiarelli, PTR, MRT, Owner of String Along With Vince