How to add power to your racquet

Are you looking to add some power to your racquet to help you compete better with the more modern game?  Here are a few simple ways to do just that without having to change racquets or adjust your strokes:

1. Drop your string tension

This is usually the first thing you should try because you don't have to change either your string or racquet of choice.  The next time you get your racquet re-strung, try it a couple of pounds looser than you normally would string your racquet at.  Think of your stringbed like a trampoline - the looser the tension, the more the ball sinks in at contact and then shoots out with more energy and at a higher trajectory.  If you are unsure what tension your racquet is currently strung at, take a look at the recommended tension range (this is usually listed on your racquet frame) and try a tension at the lower end of the range.

2. Try a softer string

If dropping your tension doesn't give you the response you're looking for or you simply know what tension you like your racquet strung at, try a softer string!  The softer a string is the more elasticity it will have, allowing it to deflect at impact and then transfer more energy back into the ball as it leaves the strings.  The easiest way to try a softer string is simply to go with a thinner gauge of the same string that you currently use.  The higher number the gauge is (17 vs. 16), the thinner it is.  Whenever you see an "L" next to the number, that stands for "light", which also means thinner (ex. 16 vs. 16L).  

You could also opt for a softer string altogether.  If you like to use polyester strings, there are softer options out there that are a little livelier and more arm-friendly than most other ones.  You could also go with a softer material like a nylon multifilament or even natural gut, the softest and most elastic string available.  Be sure to check out our String Stiffness Database to compare the stiffness of some of the most popular strings out there.

3. Customize your racquet (add weight)

Another good option to try is to add a bit of weight to the hoop of your racquet in order to help you "win the collision with the ball" at contact.  Remember back to your high school physics class - Force = mass x acceleration.  As long as you can swing your racquet at the same speed, a heavier racquet will exert more force on the ball when you hit it.

By adding weight at the top of the hoop (the 12 o'clock position), you'll the biggest boost in power with the least amount of weight.  You can also add weight in other positions on the frame too, and we want to encourage you to experiment and find the setup that works best for you.

Tungsten tape is the newest safe and easy way to make small adjustments to the weight of your racquet, but you can certainly use lead tape as well.  Check out our article on How to Customize Your Racquet for a more detailed explanation of this process.