It Could Be Your Grip

Many tennis players worry about their strings when things aren’t going well on the court. 

If your hand looks like this after
playing, you need a new grip.

Loss of control. Must be the strings.

Loss of power. It’s got to be the strings.

But there is one other replaceable item on a tennis racket that a surprising number of players don’t consider.

Their grip. The one place you have direct contact with

the racket.

As grips wear, they get slick and can cause the racket to twist slightly in your hand at impact. This can have an effect on how well you hit the shot. If the racket twists even a little, the face of the racket can be slightly off, which can result in shots that are slightly (or more) off.

It’s the same with power. If you feel the grip slipping even a little, you may not take a big full swing as usual, and you might not even know you’re doing it.

Having a fresh grip or overgrip on your racket (or pickleball paddle) will give you a more secure hold, allowing you to swing away without concern for slipping. With many grips to choose from, you can find one that fits your needs such as perspiration or dry hands.

Stop by our store and we can help you choose a grip or over grip that will best suit your needs.

Which string is right for you? part 4

 

Natural Gut strings can be the answer for many needs, but is not for everyone.

To start with, natural gut is, as its name implies, natural. Where other strings are synthetic, they make natural gut strings from cow intestines. Being a natural product means it is susceptible to things like heat and moisture, both of which can reduce the life of the strings.

On the plus side, if you need a string that will not lose tension and be very comfortable on your arm, natural gut is a winner. We’ve seen many players with arm issues switch to gut and find less shock and vibration, which helped them to play with less arm pain. Natural gut is not a cure to arm issues, but can help.

Another thing unique to natural gut is that it will play better the more you use it. It doesn’t lose tension like other strings, so you will not have to cut out unbroken strings. It is often said that gut strings will play their best right before they finally break.

There are some negatives to natural gut. First is the price. It is more expensive than synthetic strings. If you are a big hitter who hits with lots of spin, you may find they wear through too fast.

The other thing with gut is that you can’t just toss your racket in the garage or your car trunk in hot, humid Florida. Heat and moisture will, over time, cause the string to break down, leading to premature breakage. We have heard many stories of hearing a POP from their tennis bag, only to find out their strings had broken. You should keep rackets with gut strings inside in an air-conditioned area when not being used.

To sum up, if you need comfort and less stress on your arm, natural gut could be the right string for you. Stop by the store and we cans help you pick the best string for your game.

Which string is right for you? Part 3

The next string type to consider are polyester strings. Poly strings have become increasingly popular as they have become much less stiff and more playable.

That said, they are still rather stiff, which has its benefits. Many big hitters love poly strings for the control and durability they offer. In addition, for those who hit hard enough to really make them give at impact, they can be quite powerful. 

If you are not a big hitter, poly strings can be very stiff, creating a very firm string bed at impact. This may result in a loss of power, spin and more shock to your arm. Players with a history of arm issues may find poly strings to be rather uncomfortable.

The other negative that we see with poly strings is with the increased durability, many players wait way too long to restring. The result is playing with strings that have lost tension and playability.

Big hitters and frequent string breakers should consider poly strings. With the advances made by many string manufacturers, there is a range of strings to choose from based on your needs. Stop in and we’d be happy to help you pick the best string for your game.

Which string type is right for you? Part 2

The next type of string to talk about is multifilaments. Multifilaments are constructed of many thin filaments, unlike poly and synthetic gut strings, which have a sold core. This gives them benefits sold core strings don’t have.

Because multifilaments are more elastic, they give more at impact. This gives them a larger sweet spot and less shock to your arm at impact. Players with arm issues like tennis elbow often find some measure of relief from multifilaments and the reduced amount of vibration and shock.

The other benefit to the elasticity is the potential for more spin and depth on your shots. The extra give in the stings at impact keep the ball on the stings a fraction of a second longer, which creates more time to impart spin. In addition, the trampoline-like effect of the elasticity can add some depth to your shots and additional power.

Multifilament strings may be a good choice for some, but hard hitters and spin players could face reduced control and durability..

For players who want better feel, some extra pop and spin potential, it would be worth it to give a multifilament string a try. Stop by the store and we’d be happy to answer your questions and help you find the best string for your game.

Which string type is right for you? Part1

When trying to decide on which tennis string is right for your game, a good place to start is knowing there are four basic types of strings. You can also combine two of the types into a hybrid stringing, but we’ll get to those in another post. In the next several posts, we’ll give some pros and cons to each of these types. We’ll do so from our many, many years of stringing rackets for countless people, and the feedback they have given.

We’ll start with the most basic of the types, synthetic gut. Technically, all stings that are not natural gut are synthetic. What we’re talking about is strings made of nylon with a solid core, wrapped by smaller filaments.

Synthetic gut is a sting that does everything ok. Not great. Not horrible. For someone just getting into the game, it’s a great option because those players rarely have a clear idea of what their needs and preferences are. This makes it a very good springboard into other types of strings, as their needs become more specific.

For power, control and feel, it comes in between the other strings, but can play great for someone who wants a combination of those traits. As for durability, again, it comes in the middle among the strings.

Synthetic Gut is a great option for its price, which is less than the other types. Some frequent string breakers like it for having more pop than the more durable options, while not breaking the bank for each stringing.

Don’t overlook synthetic gut as an option worth trying. If you’re looking for more control than a softer, multifilament string, and more pop and better feel than a poly, they’re worth a try.

Replacement grip or over grip?

 

Replacement grip or over grip?

We get asked that question often and there isn’t a one size fits all answer.

The main grip on your racket or pickleball paddle can be replaced with a, you guessed it, a replacement grip. Even if you’re using an over grip, over time, the main grip will lose its cushioning and tackiness. If you feel your grip feels hard or noticeably thinner in your hand, it’s time to get a new grip on there. The added cushioning will improve the feel and if you’re not using an over grip, will reduce slipping on impact.

An over grip, as the name implies, goes over the main grip. Many players like over grips for their ability to absorb sweat and their feel. They’re easy to replace, so for someone with really sweaty hands, over grips can be a tremendous help in providing a more stable hold of the racket or paddle. Over grips will make the handle feel larger, so players with small hands or ones with grips too large for their hands may not like the increased grip size.

Stop by the store and we’d be happy to show you the options and help find the best grip solution for your needs. Best of all, we’ll put them on while you wait.

Are you wearing the wrong shoes?

 

Tennis or pickleball, you need the right shoes. 

A mistake many make is using running shoes in place of a good court shoe. This decision can have some nasty results. 

Running shoes (and walking shoes) are made to go in one direction, straight ahead. For sports like tennis and pickleball, this is a problem with so much of the movement being side to side. A running shoe’s lack of lateral support can lead to rolled and sprained ankles. If you want to see for yourself, grab a pair of running shoes and see for yourself how much the bend and twist with just your hands. A court shoe for tennis and/or pickleball will be much sturdier, with less flexibility, but way more support for the needs of the court. 

The other issue with running shoes is the soles. Again, they are designed for running straight ahead, not for sudden starts and stops. Court shoes have a firmer sole with a tread pattern designed to grip the court for better stopping and acceleration. 

If comfort or weight is your reason for not getting a court shoe, try on some of the newest shoes. While some are a little heavy, many are very light without sacrificing support and performance, and they even look a little like running shoes. Oh… and they look amazing! 

Stop in and we’d be glad to help you pick the right shoe for your feet, your game and your needs. 

Are you getting enough depth control?

 

Power is great, but without control, it’s meaningless.

Are you getting enough control? Not the left/right kind, I mean depth. Are you hitting too many balls long?

One cure for this problem is more topspin. If you hit more flat, or struggle with getting enough spin, there are ways to add depth control through your equipment.

The best way is with your strings. Stringing tighter with your current string will reduce the trampoline effect while reducing depth. You can also switch to a stiffer string. One warning with both options. While adding some depth control, you will also lose some power and add more shock at impact. If going a little tighter or stiffer is not helping, you may need to find a pro to help you add topspin to your shots.

One other possible equipment setup that can cause shots to go long is having a racket with an oversize head. If you’re a hard hitter, you might not need a large head, and going smaller could add some control without sacrificing power or feel.

Stop in and we can help you with some options to improve your control.

Are you getting enough depth on your shots?

 

Are you hitting your shots deep enough?

If not, you’re probably giving your opponent short balls that they turn into winners. Hitting the ball deep forces your opponent to cover more ground and keeps them at the baseline where, for most amateurs, it’s tougher to hit clean winners. Hitting deep balls also gives you more time to set up for the return shot.

But how to get more depth?

We see several things that can rob you of depth. Strings can be that cause in several ways. One is stringing your racket too tight. This reduces the trampoline effect at impact, taking away depth and even spin potential. Lower tensions can also reduce shock at impact, reducing stress on your arm.

Another potential cause is using to stiff of a string. While poly strings are great for durability, they are stiff and not very elastic. This again reduces the trampoline effect, making you swing harder without getting the depth you need.

One other equipment related reason you’re not getting the depth you want is your racket. A racket with a small head reduces the trampoline effect, and while good for big hitters, could rob you of more depth and power.

Stop in and we’d be glad to help you pick the right string and tension for your game, and with our Racket Demo Program, a racket better suited to your game.

Are You Using the Right String?

 Are you using the right string? 

Are you getting a good combination of power and control? Are your strings causing discomfort in your arm?

Picking the right string is a matter of finding a balance that works for you from several factors.

Power vs control

Comfort vs durability

Less shock vs tight feel

Weighing these factors and knowing what you want/need will help you find a combination that will help you play better. Once you know what the best string is, you can further customize through tension.

We have a vast selection of strings. Stop by and let us know what is most important in the above questions and we can help you pick a string and tension that best fits your needs.

Is it OK to Go Over Max Tension?

 

Is it ok to go over the maximum recommended tension on my racket?

We get asked that question often by people looking to gain more control, and the answer is yes,

but only slightly.

First of all, there are negatives to stringing really tight, including, more shock on your arm,

loss of power and loss of spin. Before going to max tension, the potential loss of power and spin

should be weighed against any added control you might gain.

As for going over the max tension, the range given for your racket is where you'll get the best

overall playability. Going over by a few pounds isn't going to do too much harm to the racket

and can be done. If you feel the need to go over by more than 5lbs, there may be better ways

to increase your control. The first is switching to a stiffer string that will give you the tighter

feel without going crazy on the tension. Most polyester strings can be strung at fairly low

tensions for increased spin potential, without giving up much control. For many wanting

control, this is a great option.

The other option to consider is getting a less powerful racket. This will allow you to string

at tensions that will allow you to swing away with less fear of hitting shots long. With the

design of many of these type rackets, you can also gain some spin potential and more pop

on your shots, and not give up the control you need.

If you’re looking for more control, stop by the store and we’d be glad to go over the best

options for you and your game.

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.

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.

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.

Want More Comfort

Do you have arm trouble or just want a more comfortable feel when you hit the ball? There are some things that you can do to achieve more comfort, mainly with strings, but also with rackets.
The best way to get a more comfortable feel is through strings and/or tension. Using a more elastic, multifilament string will absorb more of the impact and return it to the ball. You can also reduce tension, which allows the string more give, and ability to absorb impact. 
Where rackets are concerned, most these days are pretty good at reducing shock. Having a racket with the right weight and power for your swing will help make it more comfortable.
Bring in your current racket and we can give you options to make playing tennis easier on your arm.

Want More Control?

Want more control?
First of all, I should be specific about the type of control I'm describing. I'm talking about depth control. The ability to hit the ball consistently deep, but not long.
If this is the kind of control you are looking for, there are a few ways to achieve it though equipment. The first is with rackets. If you are hitting lots of shots long, your racket may be too powerful. A racket with a smaller head, thinner beam or denser string pattern will all reduce depth. This does not come without some cost. With less depth comes less power.
The other way to gain control is with your strings. Going a little tighter on the tension will add some depth control. You can also go to a firmer string. This will decrease the trampoline effect and add control. As mentioned above about rackets, going firmer or tighter on your strings will reduce your power and increase the amount of effort to get the ball deep.
There is another, non-equipment way to add control. Increase your topspin. More topspin will help the ball drop down and in play, keeping you from hitting as many long.
Stop in and we can show you ways to gain control with the least amount of power loss.

Want More Spin?

Spin.
It seems like everyone wants more, but how to get it?First of all, unless you are doing the right things in your swing, equipment really won't help you much. Assuming that you can already generate some spin, there are some ways that you can increase it.For some players, a softer string will increase the amount of time the ball stays on the stringbed. This additional dwell time can increase your spin potential. For other players, a thinner or textured string can help. Both will increase the bite on the ball, adding spin potential. The only downside is many of the textured strings are polys, which can reduce power for some players.
Spin potential can also be increased with a racket change. Rackets with open string patterns allow more string movement for longer contact with the ball, adding spin potential. Also, finding a racket that fits your power needs can help. A racket that is too powerful or not powerful enough can decrease spin potential.
Stop by the store and we can see what you using now, and help you find rackets or strings that can get you the spin you need.Spin potential can also be increased with a racket change. Rackets with open string patterns allow more string movement for longer contact with the ball, adding spin potential. Also, finding a racket that fits your power needs can help. A racket that is too powerful or not powerful enough can decrease spin potential.Stop by the store and we can see what you using now, and help you find rackets or strings that can get you the spin you need.

Tennis Equipment & Cooler Weather

Hopefully, the weather around here will get cooler soon. When that happens, does it have any impact on your tennis racket or strings?
Here, in the Tampa Bay area, the answer is most likely, no. While the cooler weather is nice, it doesn't get cold enough, long enough to really affect your tennis equipment.
If it got cold enough (like up north), stringing your racket a little looser can help reduce the shock of impact. Around here, you won't have to change anything.
One thing to keep in mind, even though it is cooler in the fall and winter, you still don't want to leave your rackets in the car all day. It can still get hot enough in a car to potentially affect both your rackets and strings. Keeping them inside a climate-controlled building or house will keep your racket and strings playing better longer.

Want More Power?

Want more power?
There are three key elements, equipment-wise, that can add depth to your shots. Your racket. Your string. Your tension.
The easiest thing to change is your tension. Going lower will increase the trampoline effect, transferring more energy to the ball, and adding depth and power.
Changing your strings to something softer or thinner will also increase depth and power. Like a lower tension, softer strings will and "spring" to your shots.
Finally, if you want more power, a racket change may be necessary. A larger head on your racket will increase the potential depth on your shots and add power. You can also go to a stiffer racket. Often, the stiffer frames also have the larger heads, which together, add power for those who need it.
Bring your current racket in and we can make some suggestions on how best to increase power to your shots.

What Head Size Should I Get?

"What head size should I get?"
We get asked this all the time. The answer has to do more about how you hit and how much or little power and control you are looking for from the racket.
Basically, the larger the head size, the more depth you will get on your shots with less effort. This is due to an increased trampoline effect from the larger stringbed. This is a good thing for those who don't hit the ball as hard and need that extra depth on their shots.
Players who hit the ball harder will benefit from a smaller head size with reduced trampoline effect. This gives them more consistency and added control.
The best way to determine which head size is best for you is to try several different ones and go with the size that gives you the best combination of power and control.
With the MP Tennis & Sports Demo Program, we'll be happy to help you find the head size that will have you playing your best.