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.