If you're trying to figure out how to string a tennis racquet, you're in the right place.
We've put together a set of step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process from start to finish, highlighting a few top tips along the way to help you come away with a racquet that's ready to perform on the court.
Unlike the relatively simple process of regripping a racquet though, adding strings is a little more complex and tends to require some specialist equipment in order to achieve a taut finish with your desired tension.
However, we've tried to keep things relatively simple by detailing one of the most commonly used methods around, and have given our two cents as to what tension you should string to.
So grab your best tennis racquet and follow our guide to adding strings right here.
How To String A Tennis Racquet
The following technique is called the two-piece stringing method and is one of the most universal methods that should work for every racquet.
There is also a one-piece technique; however, this approach can be a little more complicated to get right, which is why we've chosen to detail the two-piece method here.
What You'll Need:
- Tennis racquet stringing machine
- Clippers
- Pliers
- Awl
Step 1: Find yourself a suitable stringing machine. You tend to find them at sports shops and tennis clubs; however, you can also purchase your own, like this Gamma X-Stringer if you play regularly.
Step 2: Lock your racquet into the machine by lining up the top of your racquet with the stringer, then clamp it in place, making sure you don't cover any of the grommet holes with the clamp.
Step 3: Adjust the throat piece to secure your racquet around the throat.
Step 4: Set the desired tension you want to string your racquet at. Tennis racquets are typically strung between 40-65lbs.
Step 5: Unravel your new string carefully and inspect your string by running it through your hands to make sure there are no kinks. As a beginner, Wilson recommends nylon strings, whereas intermediates may find hybrids, like this Wilson Sensation Tennis String, more beneficial.
Step 6: Line up the two opposite ends of the string and run your hand down them until you find the exact middle.
Step 7: Clip the string in the middle to end up with two pieces.
Top Tip: We'd recommend clipping at an angle as this should make it easier to feed through tight gaps.
Step 8: If your racquet has six holes at the throat, begin by taking both ends of your two sets of strings, then pull them through your frame. If your racquet has eight holes, start at the top.
Step 9: Making sure both ends are even in length, clamp one of the strings in place as close to the grommets as possible.
Step 10: Start pulling tension through the string which is not clamped, then clamp in place once finished. Repeat steps eight through ten until you all the vertical strings are complete.
Step 11: Finish off by finding the closest hole you can loop back into from the outside of the frame, then tie a knot with the excess string by creating a loop and then tie a double knot around your string. Do the same on both sides.
Step 12: Start the crossed strings by tying a knot with the other piece around one of the main strings. Pull the string through one of the main string grommets from outside to in, then wrap around the string three times. Pull the end through two of the loops then tighten.
Step 13: Feed the rest of the string through the top grommet and begin to weave over the main strings until you reach the end. Pull the excess through, making sure you move the string as you go to avoid knots.
Step 14: Repeat steps 12 and 13 until you've completed three cross strings, then pull tension on the previous two strings before pulling the excess through.
Step 15: Continue to weave the cross strings until you've reached the second to last cross, making sure to add tension on the previous string as you go. Pull tension in the traditional way on the last cross.
Step 16: Find the closet hole that fits two strings through it, then tie the same knot used to finish the main strings.
Step 17: Release your racquet from the machine and clip away any excess as close to the knots as possible so it's ready to use again.
What Tension Should Set To String Your Tennis Racquet?
As mentioned, the most common tensions used when stringing a racquet fall between 40 and 65lbs.
For nylon strings, Wilson suggests aiming for tension around the 50-60lbs mark, whereas hybrid strings should be tightened to around 46-56lbs of tension.
If you're using a stiffer material like polyester, then it's advised you string slightly looser (between 44-54lbs) to avoid arm injuries.
Wilson also recommends adding slightly more tension if you're looking for control over power, and opting for more tension for nylon and hybrid strings if you're a beginner.
However, beginners using polyester strings may find it more beneficial to pull less tension through your strings to reduce stiffness.
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