TENNIS TECH TRIVIA QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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

As the old saying goes, “There is no such thing as a dumb question.” You can always learn something new or interesting by asking questions. These are some from customers and readers.

What does “pt” mean on specifications for racquet balance?

“Pt” means “point.” Each point is 1/8 inch, measured from the physical center of the racquet length. Racquet specifications will show so many points head heavy or head light. Lightweight large-head frames are head-heavy; heavy small-head frames are head light or evenly balanced. Advanced players generally choose the heavier, head-light or evenly balanced frames because they are more maneuverable.

Where should I put lead tape to change weight and balance?

If you want to make the racquet heavier overall without changing the balance, put equal amounts of lead tape underneath the grip and on the hoop. For lowest torque, place lead tape at “3” and “9 o’clock.” Use less lead at “10” and “2 o’clock” to increase swingweight while maintaining reasonable stability. Place equal amounts of lead tape on the inside of the hoop on either side of the grommets. If you want to make the racquet more head heavy, skip the lead underneath the grip. If you want to make the racquet more head light, skip the lead on the hoop.

What does the number 3 mean on a grip size?

The numbers 0 through 6 on grip sizes are “shorthand” for the circumference of the grip, in eighths. Thus a 0 grip measures 4 0/8 inches, a 3 grip measures 4 3/8 inches, and so on. A quirk of fractions however leads us to call a 4 2/8 grip “1/4”, a 4 4/8 grip “1/2”, and a 4 6/8 grip “3/4.” See, there is a reason you learned about fractions! Even in metric countries, the grip size naming based on eighths of an inch is the customary form.

Why is string tension given in “pounds”?

“Pounds” and “kilograms” refer to the force required to stretch each string a standard amount as it is installed in the racquet. Sometimes people call the tension setting “weight” because on some stringing machines a heavy weight is positioned along a bar and “dropped” to stretch the string. Most modern machines use a mechanical or electronic apparatus to accomplish the effect of a dropped “weight”, but the customary units for tension remain measures of weight.

Can you explain why 18 gauge string is thinner than 16 gauge?

String thickness in the metric system is a bit easier to understand because it is a direct measurement. String that is 1.10 mm (millimeters) is thinner than 1.30 mm string. The increasing numbers follow the increasing size. The gauge system of string measurement is indirect based on earlier standards for wire, where the thickness of the wall of the hole in the gauge that measured the wire was larger when the wire was thinner.

Copyright 2006 By Vince Chiarelli, MRT, PTR, Owner of String Along With Vince, Largo, FL