First order of business is to explain the different outcomes associated with varying string tension. Generally speaking, the tighter the strings the more ball control. The looser the strings are the more power they will provide. I can see all of you now running to your nearest pro shop for loser strings so you can see fire trailing your serve. Please keep in mind that the only points you can win are the ones inside of the lines. The real objective is to find the Zen-like harmony between your racquet type, experience, string tension and game. The racquets available today are substantially different than the old wooden racquets which monopolized the game for nearly 100 years. The single biggest moment in racquet evolution was the introduction of aluminum and later, graphite to the frame in the 1970’s. The aluminum frame was stiffer and lighter than wood frames. However, aluminum was to be short-lived and was quickly supplanted by the new graphite material introduced in the late 1970’s. The wooden racquet held on, as its grip on tennis finally slipped away in the 1980’s. It is hard to believe that the wooden frame was “on tour”, only 20 years ago. The new racquet materials were soon to be exploited as manufacturers discovered the possibilities. New larger racquets were introduced in the 1990’s that offered larger sweet spots and maintained a weight of around 10 to 12 ounces. This larger racquet was never embraced by pro players but has been a hit with the recreational market. Racquets today have many variables to consider. A racquets stiffness and its balance are certainly two of the most important considerations in making your purchase. Most manufacturers give a good description of what the strengths are for a particular frame type. The descriptions usually associate the racquet with specific types of play, such as; serve and volley, or base-liners. In addition the manufacturers also identify the racquets with levels of play. A racquets head size and its stiffness are the two primary factors in promoting a racquet to player levels of ability.
Almost all of the pro players opt for higher tensions and smaller racquet head size. It really depends on what type of game they are most comfortable with. For example, Pistol Pete used an 85 sq. in. racquet strung at 78lbs. per square inch. Keep in mind that Pete was a huge hitter with loads of power and racquet head speed. In the hands of an average player that same racquet might feel "dead".
All racquets come with manufacturers recommended tension ranges. If you deviate from that recommendation you will void the racquets warranty, so be careful what you ask for. The smaller the racquet head size the less tension the manufacturer will recommend. For instance a racquet in the 95 to 100 square inch size will have a recommended tension of around 55 to 67lbs. per square inch, whereas a racquet in the 110 to 115 square inch head size should be strung at about 68 to 78lbs. per square inch. Everyone should try different tension within the range allowed to find their comfort zone. As a rule of thumb, if you have plenty of power but lack control, you should begin at the higher end of the recommended string tension and work back in 5lb. per square inch increments, each time you restring. Of course the inverse is true if you lack power but have good control.
This is one of those scenarios where trial and error is the only solution. The good news is that this method definitely works; the bad news is that you could be playing with the wrong type of racquet.
