Should I increase or decrease my string tension if my shots are going too long?
Key takeaway
If your shots are going long, you should **increase** your string tension. Higher tension reduces the "trampoline effect" of the string bed, which lowers the ball's launch angle and helps you keep your shots from sailing past the baseline. A good starting point is to increase tension by 3-5 lbs.
When your groundstrokes consistently land beyond the baseline, it's a frustrating sign that your setup isn't quite dialed in for your swing. The good news is that a simple string adjustment can often fix the issue. If you're overhitting, the solution is to increase your string tension to gain more depth control.
The key concept here is launch angle. Your string tension directly influences the angle at which the ball leaves your racquet. A higher tension creates a firmer, less powerful string bed. This has a few important effects that help tame your shots:
- Lower Launch Angle: By reducing the trampoline-like rebound, higher tension causes the ball to come off the strings at a lower trajectory. This gives your shots less arc, making them more likely to land inside the court.
- Shorter Dwell Time: The ball spends less time on a tighter string bed. For many players, this creates a more connected and controlled feel, preventing the sensation of the ball "spraying" uncontrollably.
- How Much to Increase: For most players, a change of 1-2 lbs is barely noticeable. To feel a real difference in control, it's best to increase your tension in increments of 3 to 5 lbs at a time.
Conversely, decreasing tension would have the opposite effect—it creates a higher launch angle and adds more depth, which is ideal for players who are hitting the ball into the net, but would only make your overhitting problem worse.
Community Insight Player feedback from tennis forums consistently shows a direct link between tension and depth. Players who struggle with overhitting report that bumping up their tension by a few pounds immediately helps lower the ball's flight path, providing the control needed to keep aggressive shots in play.
Pro tip: For another layer of control, consider trying a slightly thicker gauge string (e.g., moving from 1.25mm to 1.30mm) at your next restring, which also helps lower the launch angle.