When to Restring Your Tennis Racket
- tennisanywhere21
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
If you’ve been playing tennis and something just feels off—your shots don’t have the same pop, you’re working harder to generate spin, or maybe your elbow is starting to ache—there’s a good chance your strings are overdue for a refresh.
At Tennis Anywhere, we talk with players every day who think they need a new racket when really, all they need is a fresh set of strings. Here's how to tell when it’s time to restring—and why making this small change can have a big impact on your game.
Restring Based on How Often You Play
A simple rule to follow - Restring your racket as many times per year as you play per week.
Play once a week? Restring once a year.
Play twice a week? Restring every 6 months.
Play four times a week? Every 3 months.
Even if your strings don’t break, they lose tension over time. That tension loss affects feel, control, power, and spin—all things that can throw off your rhythm without you even realizing it.
Time on the Court
Many players go by how many hours they spend on court.
Casual players: Restring every 40 hours of play
Frequent/competitive players: Every 20–30 hours
Strings stretch and fatigue with every session. If you’re practicing regularly or playing with lots of spin, restringing more often will help you stay consistent—and avoid surprises mid-match.
Listen & Look for Signs
You don’t have to guess. Here are some clear indicators that it’s time to restring:
Your racket sounds dull. A fresh string bed gives a clean “ping” sound. A dull “thud” means it’s time.
Your shots feel flat. If your control, power, or spin has dropped off, your strings may be the cause.
Your strings look worn. Frayed strings, notches, or ones that move around too much are clear red flags.
Your arm is sore. Tension loss can lead to more vibration and discomfort—especially in the elbow or wrist.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth bringing your racket in for a check.
Know Your Strings & Style
Not all strings behave the same, and some need to be replaced more frequently.
Polyester strings are popular with aggressive players—they’re durable, but lose tension quickly.
Multifilament or natural gut strings offer comfort and control, but wear out faster.
Thinner strings (higher gauge) offer more spin and feel, but fray more easily.
Thicker strings last longer, but may reduce finesse.
Choosing the right strings—and knowing when to replace them—is easier with guidance from a stringing pro.
Why Professional Tennis Services Matter
At Tennis Anywhere, we take the guesswork out of tennis racket stringing. Whether you're a weekend player or prepping for your next tournament, we’ll make sure your racket is ready to perform.
Our team can:
Recommend the best strings for your playing style
Set the right tension for comfort and control
Turn around restringing quickly so you don’t miss time on court
If you’re unsure whether your strings are the issue, bring your racket in—we’ll check it out, no pressure.
Come Visit Us in Los Gatos
Knowing when to restring is more than a rule—it’s part of your strategy. By understanding your strings, your style, and your play frequency, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to act. Regular tennis racket stringing isn’t just maintenance—it’s performance care.
Ready for your next restring? Come visit Tennis Anywhere for trusted tennis services in Los Gatos. We’ll help you get back on court—fresh strings, full confidence.
📍 Tennis Anywhere
15466 Los Gatos Blvd, STE 108
📞 (408) 358-9278
🕒 Tues–Fri 11–7 | Sat 9–6 | Sun 1–5 | Mon CLOSED
And don’t be surprised if Gemma, our shop dog, greets you at the door.
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