At Drop the Racquet, we live and breathe the Vermont sports scene. Whether you’re hitting the clay courts in Burlington or battling it out on a squash court during a snowy January, we know that your gear is your best teammate. But here’s a truth we see every day in the shop: most players are sabotaging their game before they even step onto the court.
How? By neglecting their strings.
Think of your racquet strings like the tires on your car or: to borrow a funny analogy from a recent chat in the shop: a "backup bra." If it’s lost its elasticity and support, it’s just not doing its job anymore! Playing with dead strings is a one-way ticket to inconsistent shots and, worse, a sore arm.
Our founder, Tom Twitchell, has played, taught, and coached forever. As a Certified Racquet Technician (CRT) and a member of the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA), he’s seen every stringing blunder in the book. To help the Vermont racquet community stay at the top of their game, we’ve rounded up the seven most common mistakes you might be making and how to fix them.
1. The "It Isn’t Broken, So It’s Fine" Fallacy
The biggest mistake players make is waiting for a string to snap before they restring. Here in South Burlington, we see racquets come in with strings that haven't been changed since the 90s!
The Fix: Even if they don't break, strings lose their "life" or elasticity over time. A good rule of thumb is to restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play three times a week? Restring three times a year. Your arm (and your backhand) will thank you.
2. Ignoring "Dead" Feeling and Tension Loss
Every string begins to lose tension the second it’s pulled off the machine. This is especially true for polyester strings, which can go "dead" in as little as 10–20 hours of play. When strings go dead, they stop snapping back, which means you lose spin and the ball starts flying long.
The Fix: Pay attention to the sound and feel. If your racquet starts sounding like a wet wooden board or you find yourself swinging harder just to get the ball deep, it’s time to visit us for a fresh set.
3. Using the Wrong String Type for Your Game
Not all strings are created equal. We see many intermediate players using stiff polyester "pro" strings because they saw a star athlete using them. Unless you have a fast, full swing, those strings can be incredibly harsh on your elbow.
The Fix: Match the string to your skill level.
- Multifilament/Natural Gut: Best for comfort and power.
- Polyester: Best for advanced players seeking spin and durability.
- Synthetic Gut: A great, all-around affordable option.
Stop by the shop and let’s talk about your playstyle. We’ll help you select the perfect string for your specific needs.
4. Guessing Your Tension (or Blindly Copying Pros)
Pro players often string at extreme tensions: some very high for control, others surprisingly low for power. Copying Roger Federer’s tension won’t make you play like him; it might just give you tennis elbow.
The Fix: Trust the manufacturer's recommended range for your frame, then adjust based on your needs. Higher tension = more control. Lower tension = more power. As your local experts, we can help find your "Goldilocks" tension: the one that feels just right.
5. Not Accounting for the Vermont Climate
Our local weather is a factor! Strings are sensitive to temperature. If you leave your racquet in a hot car in July or a freezing trunk in December, the strings will expand and contract, ruining the tension.
The Fix: Treat your racquet like a pet: don't leave it in the car! If you play in a cold indoor facility during the winter, you might even want to drop your tension by a pound or two to compensate for the stiffer air and balls.
6. Trusting Your Racquet to a "Hobbyist"
We’ve heard horror stories of people getting their racquets strung by a "guy who has a machine in his garage" but doesn't actually know the technical specs of modern frames. Poor stringing can lead to cracked frames, skipped holes, and uneven tension.
The Fix: Trust a professional. Tom Twitchell started Drop the Racquet to provide expert-level service to our community. Being a Certified Racquet Technician means he understands the nuances of knots, tie-offs, and frame protection. We use professional-grade equipment to ensure every racquet is finished to perfection.
7. Forgetting the Accessories (Grips and Dampeners)
You can have the best string job in the world, but if your grip is slippery and worn out, you're going to lose control.
The Fix: Check your grip every time you restring. We offer a variety of replacement grips and overgrips in the shop, and we’re happy to wrap them for you while you wait!
Get Back on the Court with Confidence
Don't let a bad stringing job hold you back. Whether you’re into tennis, racquetball, or squash, we’re here to help you play your best. Our shop is conveniently located inside ‘The Edge’ fitness center in South Burlington, with plenty of free parking.
Drop off your racquet today! Most stringing jobs are finished in just a few days, so you won't be off the court for long.
Location: 142 W. Twin Oaks Terr, South Burlington, VT
Shop Phone: (802) 951-2344
Hours: Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm | Sat: 10am–2pm
We can't wait to see you at the shop!