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I personally know of several pros who believe that racquet strings should not be changed unless they break. According To the United States Racquet Stringing Association, racquet strings need to be changed as many times per year as the player plays per week with a minimum of at least two times annually. Racquet strings are like rubber bands. Over time, and with extended use, the string begins to lose elasticity and resiliency. After awhile, the string just doesn't have the ability to produce to its fullest potential. What does this lead to? For some, it means they start playing poorly. For others, it may be the start of tennis elbow. For the rest it results in a direct loss of power, control and even consistency.

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I am also acquainted with racquet stringers who have very little or no knowledge of the many different types of strings available. They believe that they all have the same structure and physical makeup. Some are so uninformed that they don't even know that strings come in different gauges, or that through the use of lead tape, one can change the weight and balance of a racquet.

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There is plenty to learn about the importance of racquet stringing and how it can help or hurt one's tennis game. The point is, however, that as tennis professionals we have to be willing to learn about a subject that is not as important to us as other aspects of our profession. And to take it even further, the pro has to then be willing to interpret this information and pass it on to the people who need it the most. The tennis playing public! They are the ones who carry the greatest influence in our game. Tennis players of all ages and skill levels across the country are willing to grab ahold of anything that will enhance and improve their games. Let's open up another avenue for them by showing that racquets strings and high quality stringing make a difference.