SECRETS OF GOOD STRINGING {2007}

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

When you look at a strung racquet and all the holes are filled up, the string job must be okay…right? That’s not necessarily true. Let me share with you some obvious and some subtle signs of good stringing. Pick up a freshly strung racquet and look for these things: 1) are the strings straight? 2) are there any misweaves? 3) are there any crossovers where the strings run along the outside of the frame? 4) do the tie-off knots look secure and have short “tails” resting against the frame? The correct answers should be: yes, no, no, and yes.

Now let’s talk about “patterns.” Most racquets have their string pattern printed on the frame. For example: 16 x 19, 18 x 20, 16 x 18, and so forth. The first number denotes the count of main (vertical) strings, and the second number tells how many cross strings. Pattern also refers to the order of installing the strings. This is where the expertise of your stringer makes the difference between just meeting the minimum requirements and doing a really great job.

With very few exceptions, racquets play best when the cross strings are installed from the top of the head down to the throat. Also, “top-down” installation of crosses is the least stressful on the frame itself. However, many racquets are drilled in a way that causes ordinary “one-piece” stringing to proceed from the throat to the head. An expert stringer will recognize these situations and use “two-piece” or some version of “around the world” installation-order to accomplish the goal of “top-down” for the crosses. The stringers for major professional tournaments generally follow a special version of around-the-world that meets even more stringent requirements. With “two-piece” stringing, the cross strings naturally follow the top-down direction. Note that most Head brand racquets do not allow one-piece stringing. Remember, improper stringing can permanently damage a frame. You can ask your stringer how your racquet has been strung.

Other subtle factors that make a great string job include careful preparation of the frame; careful storage and handling of the string; weaving and knot techniques; and, maintenance and calibration of the machine. Expert stringers and the pros know that consistency from one time to the next and from one frame to the next is a hallmark of great stringing. Now you know it too!

COPYRIGHT 2007
By Vince Chiarelli, MRT, PTR, Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo, Florida