Thursday, September 10, 2020

Need More Power?

 


Are you feeling like you just aren't getting enough power and depth on your shots? It could be your strings.

There are several factors that could lead to a power loss from your strings.

  1. Stiff strings - for some, a stiff poly string, while durable, just doesn't return enough energy back to the ball at impact. Softer, more elastic strings can give you more depth and pop on your shots.
  2. Strings to tight - the tighter your strings are, the less they can give and return that energy. This means more control for many, but less power and depth.
  3. Strings are old - after a while, strings go dead. They lose their ability to "snap back" at impact, reducing depth, power and spin potential. A good rule of thumb for most is restring as many times in a year as you play in a week.
There are other things that can cause a reduction in power such as using dead balls, but quite often, the strings are the culprit. 
A MP Tennis & Sports we have a huge selection of strings to choose from, Bring your racket in and we can take a look at your current strings and make suggestions based on your needs. Our ultimate goal is to help you play better, and the right strings and tension will go a long way toward that goal.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Can Strings & Tension Help With Tennis Elbow?


Can a change in your strings or tension help with tennis elbow?
Yes, they can. But there is a catch.
If you have elbow pain from playing tennis, going to a softer string or a lower tension can help reduce some of the shock you may feel at impact. They can also add some depth to your shots with less effort. This will reduce the need to overswing, which can cause some arm issues.
Here is the catch. Strings and tension will not cure tennis elbow. Often the root cause of tennis elbow is in the technique of your swing through impact. Many times it is being to wristy, causing a strain in the elbow. To eliminate tennis elbow, a lesson on the proper technique would be the way to go. If you are just looking for some added comfort at impact, strings and tension can do the trick.
Stop in and we can help you choose the right combination.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Is a Heavier Racket Better For Your Arm?


Is a heavy racket better for your arm?
That depends on you.
A heavy racket will generally have less shock at impact than a light one. This can help with arm pain but there are a few things to consider. First of all, can you swing a heavier racket without overexertion, wearing down during a match or feeling like you are overswinging to get the racket through?  If the answer is no, then a heavier racket will not help and could even make matters worse.
Another thing is that most rackets now are so much better in absorbing vibration. This allows for the use of a lighter racket without the added vibration.
Finally, as a rule, heavier rackets are also the least powerful. This can lead to overswinging to make up for the added weight and lack of power. For many, having to swing too hard leads to a break down of technique and more arm issues.
The best thing you can do is try rackets of different weights. Find the one that YOU swing most comfortably, without feeling as if you are under or over swinging. Finding the right weight and power combination can go a long way to helping ease arm discomfort. Also, having your racket strung with the right strings and tension can help with vibration as well as power and control. Stop by the store and we would be glad to help you choose the right racket, strings, and tension for your game.