ERSA Pro Stringer Issue 5 - 2018 prostringer5-18 web | Page 21

www.ersa-stringers.com TIPS Badminton Stringing Tip Changes In String Tension Affect Racket Performance By Steve Crandall Rackets and racket string have to work together as a unit, and choosing the right string tension is one of the most important equipment decisions a badminton player can make. It used to be a no-brainer back in the “old days,” when all rackets were made from the same material (wood), all had the same head shape, and were all strung at 15 lb. of tension. But technology hasn’t stood still, and stringing choices have become more complex. There are now many different racket head shapes, sizes, and stringing patterns, and wide variation in shaft action, from flexible to super-stiff. String tension must be selected with all of these factors in mind. Recom- mended stringing tensions now range from 15 to 24 lb. This means there’s a lot of room for error. Or to look at it in a more positive light: there’s greater opportunity for the player to “tune” his racket to suit his playing style, by altering string tension over a wider range. If you don’t like your racket’s performance, don’t even think about buying a new one until you’ve experimented with changes in string selection and tension. The basic equations are these: Higher Tension = More Control Lower Tension = More Power How to String a Racket in 15 Minutes I have been coaching really good shop stringers to become pro tour stringers for many years. Most come look- ing to pass the ERSA Pro Tour Stringer Certification. They usually have problems doing 3 around the worlds under 1 hour with polyester. I time and film all the stringers and most of the time they are stringing the mains too slow. I just finished stringing for the German Bundesliga and got 20 rackets in Saturday evening for Sun- day morning at 9:00. I concentrated on getting the mains done in 4 minutes. This is easy to do with practice. You do not have to straighten the strings or weave. This leaves me 11 -12 minutes for the crosses. Most of the people coming to me are getting the crosses done in 11-12 minutes but taking 8-9 doing the mains. I have my students work on getting the mains in as fast as possible, doing dozens of times a day until they take 4-5 minutes off the time. After this, they all can pass the practical test in under 60 minutes. Tecnifibre Ergo Touch machine for sale. 1500 rackets strung on the machine. 2700€ plus shipping. Contact ERSA office for more information. ENTDECKE DIE WELT DER WE MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE 21 Die Int. Plattform für alle Trainer und Coaches die professionell unterrichten INFO: PTR European Headquarters Leichtergasse 28 - 39012 MERAN Fon: [phone] - www.ptrtennis.de - [email protected] ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 5-2018