Basic Facts
About Frames & Strings

(**This page has been reformatted from the USRSA. Please join the USRSA or visit their site at http://www.usrsa.com for further information.)

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following information was supplied by USRSA Technical Advisor Steve Davis. When Steve's not technically advising the USRSA, he's directing Research & Development for Prince Sports Group. We think it's safe to say that Steve knows his basic racquet and string facts.

Note that these facts are presented as generalities, and certain variables or modifications can alter the norm. For instance, a stiffer frame generates more power (Basic Racquet Fact #4), although a stiff frame badly strung may generate less power than a more flexible frame properly strung for power players.

Also note that the statements below are relative. When we say a heavier frame generates more power, arbitrarily adding weight to your frame isn't going to necessarily give you the power you need (and adding too much weight could sacrifice maneuverability). Note that other factors come into play. If your client's interested in more power, try adding weight in gradual increments...say 3 or 4 grams at a time, with the prudent placement of lead tape. So, basically speaking, all other things being equal:

• A heavier frame generates more power. 
• A heavier frame vibrates less. 
• A heavier frame has a larger sweetspot. 
• A stiffer frame generates more power. 
• A stiffer frame has a larger sweetspot. 
• A stiffer frame transmits more of the shock load to the arm than a more flexible frame. 
• A stiffer frame provides a more uniform ball response across the entire string plane. 
• A larger head generates more power. 
• A larger head is more resistant to twisting. 
• A larger head has a larger sweetspot. 
• A longer frame generates more velocity and therefore more power. 
• The string bed in a longer frame generates more spin due to increased velocity. 

• Lower string tensions generate more power (providing string movement does not occur). 
• Higher string tensions generate more ball control (for experienced players). 
• A longer string (or string plane area) produces more power. 
• Decreased string density (fewer strings) generates more power. 
• Thinner string generates more power. 
• More elastic strings generate more power. (Generally, what will produce more power will also absorb more shock load at impact.) 
• Softer strings, or strings with a softer coating, tend to vibrate less. 
• Thinner strings tend to produce more spin. 
• Decreased string density (fewer strings) generates more spin. 
• The more elastic the string, the more tension loss in the racquet after the string job.*