"Should I String Like My Friend?"

Something we hear quite often when people are in to get their racket restrung goes something like this.
"My friend said their racket is strung at 60, so I should be at 60."
This is very often false. Just because someone you play with gets their racket strung at a given tension, does not mean you should do the same. When thinking tension compared to someone else, keep these things in mind.
1) Rackets have different recommended tension ranges. If your racket has a range of 45-55, and your friend's racket is 55-65, stringing both at 55 will give you very different results.
2) The type of string will make a difference. Many players who use poly strings will use lower tensions, which would not be as good an idea for someone using a softer multifilament.
3) The need of the player will dictate the tension for each player. A hard hitter will often string tighter for control. A player needing more power would want to go with lower tensions.
The thing to remember is that everyone has different reasons for why they have their racket strung at a given tension. When trying to find the right tension for you, YOUR game should be the most important factor.
Stop in and we would be happy to help you find the string and tension that will have you playing your best.

Cooler Weather...Different Strings?

Now that the weather has finally cooled off, some of our customers have asked if they should change anything about their strings for the colder temps.
If you live here in Florida year round, you'll be fine with what you use the rest of the year. It just doesn't get cold enough, long enough, to make changing strings or tensions worth it. If the weather were to get really cold (for the Tampa Bay area), you might notice the ball feels "harder" and maybe a little less pop on your shots, but really cold snaps are usually short, and again, not worth restringing for.
If you are a frequent string breaker, you might adapt slightly to the cooler conditions, knowing that any strings will probably not be in the racket long. For the rest of us, unless you are feeling a real difference in your strings in the cooler weather,  you should keep going with your normal strings and tension.
Have questions? Stop in and we'll be glad to help you find the strings and tension best for you.

Better Weather, New Grip

With the weather (hopefully) turning less hot, it's a good time to think about getting your tennis racket ready for the cooler weather that will be here soon (hopefully).
Playing in the summer weather takes a toll on your grip. It has absorbed a lot of sweat during the hot months which will cause the grip to break down and the surface to get worn and slick. This can be a problem when the weather becomes less warm and humid. Your grip may feel even slicker in the drier and cooler conditions. Even if you use an overgrip, the grip underneath will break down from all the sweat it has absorbed and lost some of it's cushioning and feel.
This is a great time of year to re-grip your racket. A new grip will have a tackier feel, which will be less slick as the weather finally turns more pleasant. Stop in and we can replace your grip while you wait and have you back on the court with a much better hold of your racket.

How to Beat Big Hitters

You know the type. They try to kill everything hit to them. They have no idea what a lob or drop shot is. They win by hitting balls past you with all the power they can muster.

They can be beaten....if you play it smart.

If you have trouble with the big hitters the thing to understand is that you can’t let them draw you into playing their game.  Many big hitters want you to stand at the baseline and trade big swings with them. Don’t play their game.

You have to take them out of their comfort zone. Big hitters like to see the ball coming with some pace on it so they can hit it back with even more pace. Don’t give them balls they can tee off on. You will have to mix it up.

Here are some ways to get them out of their comfort zone:

• Get them off the baseline. Hit some drop shots when you can and force them toward the net. From there they will either have to come all the way in and hit a volley or backpedal to the baseline. Either way, you have moved them off their preferred spot.
• Take pace off the ball. Try to hit it deep and with less pace than they would like. You are going to force them to over swing to generate the pace they like. It also attacks their ego and will frustrate them, both of which makes them more apt to hit errors.
• Slice. This will take some pace off the ball while making the ball bounce lower. Big hitters like to see topspin, which puts the ball higher on the bounce and puts it right in there strike zone where they can hit it back with lots of power and topspin. Lower bounces will force them to hit balls in ways they won’t like.
• Spin Serves. Use spin to mix it up on your serves. This will keep them from getting comfortable and less likely to have a ball where they want it.
• Make them run. Hit to all parts of the court and make them run down balls. This will test their fitness, lengthen points and force them to hit balls on the run. Most players can not hit the ball as hard on the run as they can while having the chance to set them selves.

One thing to keep in mind about many big hitters is that they are going to win their share of points. They will hit some right by you and there won’t be much you can do.

Patience will be the key. Lengthen the points and win as many points as possible by taking them off their game. Think of the match as a marathon and chip away, winning as many points as you can by playing smart. In the end, you’ll win more matches.

How to Beat a Pusher

We have all played them, and we have all lost to them at some point. They’re like playing a human backboard.

They are the Pushers.

The reason most players don't like to play them is simple, they can't beat them. Well, if you can't beat them, why not join them...at least to a point.

The reason that the average pusher wins is by consistently getting the ball back and not committing unforced errors. They wait for you to make the error, winning the point without hitting a winner.

It's a fact; most points are won with errors, not with winners.

To win more points and matches, you must cut down on the errors and force the pusher to play more aggressive tennis, making them either hit winners or errors.

The first key is to hit the ball higher and deeper to your opponent. A tennis court is 78' long by 27' wide. That is a lot of ground to cover for your opponent if you are hitting it deep, while moving him around. If you can make your opponent hit more shots on the run, you increase the chance that they will make the unforced errors.

There are several things you can do to help you with your consistency.
1) When you are practicing, can you hit 10 in a row back? Work on being able to keep a rally going with balls hit deep.
2) Try to clear the net by at least 3' on ground strokes. This will reduce the chances of giving your opponent the point with a ball in the net.

3) Work on hitting more topspin. Hitting shots with more topspin lets you clear the net with more room and margin of error.
4) Work on hitting lobs. This is a great shot to have in your arsenal. When on the run, hitting a lob back will keep your opponent deep and allow you time to get set back up for their return.

Power is a good thing to have but is best used at the right times.

Taking a little power off of your shots will insure that more shots are hit in.

Remember, every shot hit out is a point for your opponent. Against a pusher, you are playing right into their hands by giving them free points. Take some power off your ground strokes to keep the ball in play, waiting to really crush the ball for when you really need it.

We know, against a pusher, it is tough not to hit the ball with everything you have (if even just to work out some frustration), but by keeping them deep and moving them around, you will win more points and more matches.

Maybe next time, you will beat them at their own game.

Will Wet Courts or Weather Affect My Racket or Strings?

It is the time of the year in Florida when playing tennis is very weather dependent. It seems to rain most days and sooner or later, you will find yourself playing on wet courts or even finishing in the rain.
We get asked if doing so will hurt their strings or rackets. For the most part, the answer is no.
The rackets will not be affected by water with the exception of the grips. They will take time to dry out and may not last as long if getting saturated often (yes, that includes perspiration).
As for strings, poly and synthetic strings are not negatively affected by rain. Natural gut strings are another story. They are very dehydrated and will absorb moisture when they can. This will cause them to lose performance and longevity.  In addition, keeping a racket strung with natural gut in a garage this time of year will hurt the overall performance and durability. Keeping them inside in the air conditioning will keep them playing better, longer.
There is one thing to consider when playing on wet courts or in the rain. The balls will absorb the moisture and will get heavier. Impact with a wet ball will feel different. This is more from the ball than the strings. It will not hurt the synthetic or poly strings to play in those conditions.

A Better Grip in Hot Weather

With hot weather on it's way, many tennis player's concern turns to making sure the racket isn't slipping from sweat. There are several things you can do to insure a good grip on your racket on even the warmest days.
The first thing that can be done is the simplest. Make sure you're changing your grip or over grip more often. Worn grips are already more likely to slip or turn in your hand. Add heat and humidity to the equation and it gets way, way worse.
Replacing over grips every match or two for those who sweat a lot is a very good idea. The base grips can go longer, but at the point they look or feel warn, get it changed.
There are several other things that you can get that will help.

• Tac Rags - these towels have a tacky substance in them that can be used to wipe your grips or a hands, making them far more sticky. If you don't like a really sticky feel, this may not be the way to go, but for players who sweat a lot, this can help keep the racket in your hand.
• Get-A-Grip Lotions - They have one that, when applied to your hands will make them more tacky. Another will give your hands a dry feel. 
• Wilson Progrip Max - This is basically anti-antiperspirant for your hands. You squirt a little in an hand and rub it in. Depending on how much you sweat, it will keep your hands dry for as long as a set or more. Those who have excessive sweat may need to re-apply often.
• Rosin Bags - For player who don't sweat to much, this can be a way of making your hands feel drier. You just toss it in your hand a few times for a better, drier grip.

Other things that can help are wristbands and having several towels available to wipe your hands off on between points. Stop by our Dale Mabry store and we can help you find the option that will work best for you.