Lead Tape: Where to Put It
Also known as: lead tape, lead tape on a racquet, where to put lead tape, lead tape placement, adding weight to a racquet, racquet customization, racquet customisation, tungsten tape, lead at 3 and 9
Most players start at 3 and 9 o'clock on the racquet head, which adds stability on off-centre hits and a little extra pop. Moving it up to 2 and 10 o'clock or to 12 o'clock adds more power and makes the racquet more head-heavy. Tape under the grip makes it more head-light, and matching it to tape on the head keeps the balance the same.
Lead tape adds small amounts of weight to a racquet. Think of the head as a clock face, with 12 o'clock at the tip. Where you put the tape changes how the racquet feels.
At 3 and 9 o'clock, the sides of the head, tape adds stability on off-centre hits. It also raises swingweight a little and tips the balance toward the head. At 2 and 10 o'clock, it adds more power and can raise the sweet spot. That suits players who often hit high on the strings. At 12 o'clock, it gives the most power and the most head-heavy feel.
Tape in the throat adds mass without changing the balance much. Tape under the grip makes the racquet more head-light while adding mass. If you add weight to the head and want the same balance, put a matching amount under the grip.
Add it in small steps. A 4-inch strip of quarter-inch tape weighs about 1 gram. The ITF Rules allow weight to be added to the frame. Make one change at a time and hit with it for a few sessions before adding more.
Tips by skill level
Most beginners don't need lead tape. Get a racquet that suits you first, then customise later.
Add tape to both sides evenly so the frame stays balanced left to right. Keep notes of each change so you can undo it.
Example
Kai's racquet twists on mishits. He adds 2 grams at 3 and 9 o'clock, hits for a week and finds his off-centre shots stay straighter.
Why it matters
A few grams in the right place can make a frame feel more stable or powerful. In the wrong place, they can make it slow and tiring to swing.
Common mistakes
- Adding lots of weight at 12 o'clock at once and losing racquet speed
- Changing several things at the same time, so you can't tell what helped
- Putting tape on the strings instead of the frame
Frequently asked questions
Where should I put lead tape on my tennis racquet?
Start at 3 and 9 o'clock for stability. Move up toward 12 o'clock for more power, or put it under the grip to make the racquet more head-light.
Does lead tape at 12 o'clock add power?
Yes. It raises swingweight the most and makes the racquet more head-heavy. It can also make the racquet slower to swing.
Is lead tape legal in tennis?
Yes. The ITF Rules allow weight to be added to the frame, as long as it does not change the racquet's shape.
Sources
- USTA — How and why should players apply lead tape to a frame (3 and 9 o'clock, 2 and 10 o'clock, 12 o'clock, throat, grip; 4-inch strip of 1/4-inch tape weighs 1 gram)
- ITF Rules of Tennis 2026 — Appendix II The Racket, paragraph (d) (devices to distribute weight permitted on the frame only; printed p. 22)
Related terms
- SwingweightSwingweight measures how heavy a racquet feels when swung, accounting for where its mass is distributed. Higher swingweight gives more plow-through and power but is harder to maneuver.
- Racquet Specs ExplainedRacquet specs tell you how a frame will play. Head size sets the sweet spot, weight sets stability, and balance shows where the weight sits. Head-light means the balance point is nearer the handle, and each 'point' head-light is 1/8 inch. Length runs from the standard 27 inches to the 29-inch legal limit.
- Racquet Rules: Legal Size and StringsYes. The ITF Rules cap a racquet at 29 inches (73.7 cm) long and 12.5 inches (31.7 cm) wide. The strung hitting area can be no more than 15.5 inches long and 11.5 inches wide. The strings must form one flat, generally uniform crossed pattern, and no device or energy source may change how the racquet plays.
- RA / StiffnessRA is a racquet's stiffness measured by how much the frame deflects under load. Higher RA (66+) means a stiffer, more powerful but harsher frame; lower RA (under 58) flexes more for feel and arm comfort.
- Choosing a Tennis RacquetMatch the racquet to your level and swing. Beginners usually suit a lighter frame with a larger head, and Wilson's sizing chart suggests 105 to 110 square inches. Advanced players with long, fast swings often prefer heavier frames and smaller heads for control. Get your grip size right and demo a few racquets before buying.
Related guides & benchmarks
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