20
Perfecting your Stringing?
After giving workshops and certification testing to somewhere between 1,000 and 2,000 string-
ers I have seen many of the same mistakes being made. Since we are giving tips all the time on
What To Do, I thought I would put together a much shorter list of What Not To Do when stringing.
These are problems we have seen that do not comply with our standards for stringing.
1.Opening a dual-action clamp and pushing it down to open the base. This can scratch the strings
and cause problems with the base on some models. Especially on knot strings be carefull as the
string moves much more when releasing the clamps. We have had experienced tournament string-
ers coming for certification and doing this. ERSA recommends when fixing the clamp closing the
clamp first then the base. When releasing the clamp, do the opposite, release the base first then
the clamp.
2. Weaving four to eight main strings on one side then going to the other side. I have seen many
tournament stringers doing this until they fail their certification tests. ERSA recommends stringing
two main strings on one side then two on the other. With ultra light oversize rackets string the out-
side four mains switching back every string. We have measured a lot of deformation with stringing
these rackets at high tensions.
3. Moving the clamps to the next string before the string is stretched out. This is more a problem
with tournament stringers trying to get their strings done quickly when they are very busy. This can
cause tension loss and a lower stringbed stiffness. Wait for the peeping sound that the string is
stretched out or see when the tensioning head stops pulling.
4. Straightening strings only after all the strings are installed. This causes a looser stringbed, early
string movement and faster tension loss. ERSA recommends straightening each cross string and
the one tensioned before all the way down the stringbed. I have had tournament stringers tell me
they cannot do this as it will take too much time. With some practice you will not need to straighten
the strings when you finish and your stringing time will be even faster.
5. Tensioning the knot string or knot with the tensioning head. I still have stringers from shops
coming to workshops and pulling the last string through the knot whole across the frame with the
tensioning head. Occasionally I still get someone who pulls the knot tight with the tensioning head.
This can damage the frame or break the strings.
6. Pulling two strings at one time. I have had stringers tell me that this is all right on the mains as
there is no friction. You cannot get the correct tension on the first main. Just pluck it and the sec-
ond one and you can hear a very large difference in tension.
***To learn how to string perfectly, attend an ERSA workshop or Symposium.
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