Poly for the Pint Size

The last few weeks I have been able to make the rounds to several junior tournaments in our state and section. It is amazing to me to walk around these events and hear the non stop distinct crack of polyester strings making contact with the ball. I have also been getting more and more requests to string junior player frames with polyester. These events have motivated me to try and provide some education to any junior player parents reading my blog on some key points of polyester. First let's focus on the primary benefit of the string:

People love polyester for the additional power and spin it can generate. The way it does it is by something referred to as "snap back". When you contact the ball, the mains grip it, slide down along the crosses and then quickly snap back into place as the ball leaves the stringbed. It is this snapping feature that imparts extra RPMs on the ball and increases the spin and explosiveness of the shot. Polyester is also enjoyed for it's durability. It doesn't fray apart or snap as rapidly as multi or synthetic gut.

Overall, if your child is not breaking multi-filament strings on a regular basis (8-10 hrs), then you really don't yet have a need to go to poly. That being said, everybody wants to hit like Rafa this days and poly is the hot string. Here are some basic guidelines I would recommend if your junior is going to use poly:

1. Start by trying a hybrid setup. Use a poly main and a multi cross string. This will still give you the added spin production of poly but the crosses will help soften up the string bed and impart better touch and feel. This setup will also be easier on the arm. There are lots of pre-packaged hybrid options available or you can experiment with some different combos on your own. Durability can sometimes be an issue with hybrids as the mains can eat through the crosses but it is still an excellent starting point.

2. If you are going to go to a full set of polyester, start by finding a softer option. Polyfibre TCS, Solinco Tour Bite Soft and MSV Co-Focus are all excellent options for a soft, comfortable poly. They may not have quite the same pop as a stiffer poly, but they will play more comfortably and be less taxing on your child's body.

3. Attention to tension! Polyester is a pretty stiff material by nature. As such, you can lower your tension by a few pounds typically without the loss of control associated with dropping tension on other materials. Lowering the tension can also help the strings play more comfortably.

4. Know that "snapback" doesn't last forever! While it is an inherent feature of polyester string, it is a characteristic that goes away. Over time, poly will lose its ability to snap back into place. This loss of resilience is what people are referring to when they say their poly is "dead." As it loses this ability, it plays stiffer, loses feel and increases shock to your arm.

5.Accept that you need to re-string more frequently. The biggest mistake juniors make with poly is that since they can't break it, they leave it forever. Regardless of whether or not your player is breaking the strings, you need to be prepared to cut them out and replace them. The longer you leave them in after the go dead, the more you are increasing the risk of injuries like tennis elbow, etc.

6. LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD! If your child says their arm or shoulder hurts, pay attention to that!

Polyester has definitely been a game changer for tennis since its introduction. As players develop, it can enhance their shot performance once they have developed solid mechanics. I strongly recommend that you gradually phase it in with your junior player and educate yourself with the great resources available on the subject.

Get your lawns trimmed and your strawberries and cream ready, it's almost Wimbledon time!!!!