How to String a Tennis Racquet

A handy skill for people who play tennis regularly is the ability to string a racquet. The strings may lose their tautness if the racquet is dropped, stepped on or left in a hot car. When the strings are tightened according to the recommendations of the racquet manufacturer, they propel the ball in the direction that the player desires and with the speed that the player prefers.

1. First: Place the vertical strings first

   Use a 20 foot length of string recommended by the racquet manufacturer, and insert it in the hole that is on the bottom left side of the racquet. Tie a knot in the end of the string so it cannot slip through the hole. Then, pull it to the top of the racquet, and put it through the hole that matches the location of the one on the bottom. Move across to the next hole on the top, and take the string down to the hole that matches the location at the bottom of the racquet. Use this procedure until all of the holes at the top and bottom have a string in them.

2. Second: Adjust and tie off the vertical strings

   Check the tension on the strings to see if they are tight enough for the way you play. If they seem too loose, tighten them to the correct amount of tension. Then, tie a knot in the string when you finish making the vertical pulls, and cut off any extra string. Keep the knot as close as possible to the frame of the racquet.

3. Third: Place the horizontal strings

   Begin at the upper left corner in the first hole that does not have a string in it, and tie a knot in the end of the string. Weave the string over and under the vertical strings until you get to the hole on the opposite side. Then, move down one hole, and weave your way back to the other side. Keep doing the weave pattern until all holes are filled.

4. Fourth: Adjust and tie off the horizontal strings

   Test the tension of the strings, and tighten or loosen them as necessary. To complete the process, tie a knot in the end of the string that you have just pulled. Keep it close to the racquet frame.