Tennis Racquet Stringing Patterns

Thousands of players hit the tennis court each day hoping to gain a competitive advantage; one factor involved in strategy is the stringing of the player's racquet. Take a look at some of the different tennis racquet stringing patterns to understand how they affect game play.

What stringing does

The strings on the tennis racquet affect the force and velocity the ball travels when it is struck. Manufacturers use machines to string tennis racquets, as they can expertly calibrate the proper tension needed for optimal performance; however, some top-level tennis players use professional stringers that perform this task by hand or with minimal equipment, using simple clamps.

Open patterns

An open string pattern can deflect more on impact than a denser pattern, providing greater ball rebound. Strung at the same tension in similar racquets, an open string pattern may not feel as tight as a dense string pattern. Open string patterns also allow for more spin potential, as the ball can embed itself into the strings more due to its wider spacing. However, the price one may pay for this is reduced string durability. Open string patterns give the strings more freedom of movement, increasing abrasion which causes string breakage.

Denser patterns

A denser string pattern cannot deflect as much upon ball impact, resulting in less rebound energy. In addition, more closely spaced strings can offer less spin potential but can last longer than a similar racquet featuring a more open string pattern. Players who do not hit with much spin and seek enhanced control generally prefer racquets with denser string patterns, as do hard-hitting topspin players who seek increased string durability.

Players can choose between open stringing patterns and denser stringing patterns depending on their style of game.