February 2017 Newsletter

AROUND THE BEND

JANUARY 2017

PAGE 10

H B C C T E N N I S N E W S

GAME. SET. MATCH.

There are four main types of strings , each having different advantages : W H A T T Y P E O F S T R I N G S H O U L D I U S E ? Polyester Upsides : Durable . Lots of control . Lots of spin . Downsides : Harder of the arm . Loses tension faster Multi - filament Upsides : Great playability . Softer on the arm . Very good tension maintenance . Closest thing to natural gut . Downsides : Less control oriented . Doesn ’ t offer the solid feel some players like . Lacks durability for bigger hitters .

Luke Burden Director of Athletics, Horseshoe Bend CC

S O U N D O F T H E S T R I N G S

With many players on the courts less frequently during the winter months , we are all getting prepared for a busy spring season ! In talking to members about their upcoming increase in play , everyone looks to improve their forehand or backhand , or maybe even change their racquet . However , one of the most important and usually overlooked aspects in a good racquet ( and effects your play more than you think ) is racquet strings . Over the last 15 years , the greatest advancement in tennis technology has been

Synthetic Gut Upsides : Economically priced .

Downsides : Average overall performance and playability . Not extraordinary in any category .

Natural Gut Upsides : Optimum playability . Holds tension the best . Easy on the arm . Playability even at very high tensions . Downsides : High priced . Effected easily by weather

W H A T T E N S I O N S H O U L D I S T R I N G M Y R A C Q U E T A T ? In addition to the type of string , the tension of the strings can make a huge difference . Each racquet has a specific tension range , however the tensions throughout this range allow the racquet to perform very differently . In general , a higher tension will offer more control and a lower tension will offer more power . To begin , we recommend starting in the middle and adjusting to your preferences from there .

with tennis strings . Are you taking advantage of this ?