Restringing
Also known as: how often to restring, when to restring, restring frequency, restringing frequency, restring my racquet, restring a racquet, dead strings, strings feel dead, string tension loss
A common rule of thumb is to restring as many times a year as you play each week. Playing three times a week means about three restrings a year. Polyester loses tension faster and usually needs restringing more often. Restring when the strings feel dead or lose control, even if they have not broken.
Strings lose tension over time. As tension drops, the string bed gets looser and the ball can fly longer with less control. Strings also lose elasticity and grip on the ball. Spin and feel fade with it. Players call this dead or bagged-out string.
Tennis Warehouse's rule for casual players is to restring as many times a year as you play in a week. It suggests restringing more often with polyester. It also lists polyester as losing tension faster. The United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA) advises replacing strings once they lose 25 to 30% of their original tension, even if they are not broken. It also advises restringing at least twice a year. Frequent players, hard hitters and polyester users often restring far more than the basic rule suggests.
Signs of dead strings include strings that slide out of place and stay there, fraying, and a dull feel. Balls flying long with your normal swing is another sign. Restring before a season or tournament, and keep a backup racquet with the same setup. If you have arm pain, ask a qualified stringer about softer strings or lower tension. See a medical professional if the pain persists.
Tips by skill level
Note the date each time you restring, on a tag or in your phone. Use the play-per-week rule as your starting schedule.
Restring at a set interval rather than on breakage, and record the string, gauge and tension each time. Matching setups across racquets keeps the feel the same when you switch.
Example
A player who hits three times a week on polyester notices her ball flying long and the strings feeling flat after two months. She restrings at the same tension, and her control comes back.
Why it matters
Old strings change how the racquet plays even when they look fine. Restringing on a schedule keeps control, spin and feel steady from week to week.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for a string to break before restringing
- Leaving polyester in the racquet for many months
- Changing tension, string and racquet at once and then not knowing what made the difference
- Restringing only your main racquet and leaving the backup with old strings
Frequently asked questions
How often should I restring my tennis racquet?
A common rule is as many times a year as you play each week. Restring more often if you use polyester, hit hard or notice the strings feeling dead.
How do I know if my tennis strings are dead?
Dead strings feel dull, lose spin and control, and send balls long with your normal swing. Strings that slide out of place and stay there are another sign.
Should I restring if my strings are not broken?
Yes. The United States Racquet Stringers Association advises replacing strings once they lose 25 to 30% of their original tension, even if unbroken. Old strings lose control, spin and feel.
Sources
Related terms
- String TensionString tension is how tightly a racquet is strung, in pounds or kilograms. It shapes the string bed's trampoline effect, control, and power.
- Polyester StringPolyester is a stiff, durable monofilament string built for spin. But it transmits more shock to the arm compared to natural gut or multifilament strings.
- Natural Gut StringNatural gut is made from cow intestine. It offers the most elasticity, tension retention, and comfort of any string, but costs more and is less durable.
- String GaugeString gauge is the thickness of a tennis string measured in millimetres or gauge numbers, with thinner strings providing more spin and feel and thicker strings offering greater durability.
- 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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