Stringing a racquet
Hi, I’m Olga 👋
Tennis coach, racket enthusiast, and your partner in improving your game
For over 15 years, I’ve been teaching tennis and helping players unlock their potential. But here’s something I learned early on: even the best technique won’t help if your racket isn’t properly set up.
That’s why I started offering professional racket restringing as part of my coaching philosophy. Because I care about every aspect of your game — from your forehand to your string tension.
Why I Started Restringing Rackets
It was a Tuesday afternoon in 2015. I was coaching Maria, a dedicated intermediate player who had been struggling for weeks. “My shots keep going long,” she complained. We worked on her technique, her footwork, her timing — everything seemed fine. Then I asked to see her racket.
The strings were dead. You could tell just by the sound — that dull thud instead of a crisp “ping.” When I asked when she last restrung it, she looked embarrassed. “Um… I bought this racket two years ago…”
That moment changed everything for me. I realized that many recreational players don’t know when or how to maintain their equipment. They spend hours perfecting their technique, but ignore the very tool that connects them to the ball.
I decided to learn professional stringing myself. I invested in a Babolat Star 5 electronic stringing machine, studied under certified stringers, and spent months learning the craft. Not because I wanted to run a stringing business — but because I wanted to help my students play their best tennis.
Today, when my students bring their rackets to me, I don’t just string them. I analyze their playing style, understand their needs, and set up their racket to complement their game. Because that’s what a coach does — we care about every detail that affects your performance.
It’s Not Just a Service — It’s Personal
When you bring your racket to me, I remember you. I remember your playing style, your goals, what you struggled with in our last lesson. This isn’t a transaction — it’s a continuation of our coaching relationship.
I treat your racket the way I’d want mine treated. With care, attention, and professional expertise.
The Coaching Advantage
What makes my restringing service different? I’m your coach first. I’ve seen you play. I know if you need more control or power, if you’re hard on strings, if you have arm issues.
A typical stringing shop asks “What tension?” I ask “How’s your elbow feeling? Still working on that topspin backhand?”
My Restringing Philosophy
These are the principles I follow with every racket I string. Because your equipment deserves the same attention as your training.
Customized Setup
No two players are alike. I recommend strings and tension based on your game, not generic advice. Aggressive baseliner? Recreational player with tennis elbow? Touch player? Each needs different setup.
Quality First
I use the same professional-grade equipment that ATP tour stringers use. Precision to 0.1 kg. No shortcuts, no compromises. Your racket deserves the best.
Education Included
I won’t just string your racket — I’ll explain why I recommend certain strings, how tension affects your game, and when to restring next. Knowledge is power.
Honest Advice
If your racket doesn’t need new strings yet, I’ll tell you. If a cheaper option works for your level, I’ll recommend it. Your trust matters more than a quick sale.
Respect Your Time
As a coach, I know your court time is precious. Most restringing done same-day. Rush service available if you have a tournament coming up.
Long-term Thinking
I’m not here for one-time business. I want to be your coach AND your stringer for years to come. That means building trust through consistent quality.
Honest, Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, no surprises. Just straightforward pricing for quality work.
(Synthetic multifilament)
Includes: String removal, frame inspection, professional installation, precision tensioning, quality check
Time: 30-45 minutes (same-day in most cases)
Best for: Beginners to intermediate players, or anyone who wants durable, reliable performance
Includes: Same professional service + extra care for premium strings
Time: 45-60 minutes
Best for: Advanced players, those with arm issues, players seeking ultimate feel and comfort
(Two different string types)
Includes: Customized combination of strings (typically poly mains + synthetic crosses)
Time: 45-60 minutes
Best for: Intermediate to advanced players wanting specific performance characteristics
📝 Note about strings: Prices above are for labor only. Strings are purchased separately and range from $15 (synthetic) to $150 (premium natural gut). I’ll help you choose the right strings for your budget and playing style — no pressure to buy expensive options!
Choosing the Right Strings (The Coach’s Guide)
Over the years, I’ve learned that string selection is personal. Here’s my honest take on each type, based on hundreds of students I’ve strung rackets for.
Synthetic Multifilament Strings
The Reliable Workhorse
My honest take: These are my go-to recommendation for 70% of recreational players. Why? They’re forgiving, durable, and deliver consistent performance at a price that won’t make you wince every time you restring.
Best for: Beginners, intermediate players, anyone who plays 2-3 times per week, players on a budget, recreational league players
Price range: $15-30 per set
Natural Gut Strings
The Luxury Option
My honest take: Natural gut is like driving a luxury car — the feel is unmatched. Made from cow intestine (yes, really!), it offers supreme comfort and the best tension maintenance available. But is it worth 5x the price of synthetic?
When I recommend it: Advanced players who can feel the difference, anyone with chronic tennis elbow, players who value comfort over durability
When I DON’T recommend it: If you break strings frequently (expensive!), play in wet conditions (moisture sensitive), or are still developing your technique
Price range: $70-150 per set
Polyester (Poly) Strings
The Control Master
My honest take: Poly strings revolutionized professional tennis — they’re the secret behind today’s heavy topspin game. Maximum control and spin potential. But here’s my coaching caveat: they’re NOT for everyone.
When I recommend them: Advanced players with fast, aggressive swings, string breakers, competitive players who restring frequently
When I DON’T recommend them: Beginners (too stiff, too much arm shock), players with arm issues, anyone who won’t restring every 2-3 months (poly “dies” fast)
Price range: $35-70 per set
Hybrid Setups
The Customized Solution
My honest take: This is where my coaching expertise really matters. Hybrid setups combine two different string types (typically poly mains + synthetic crosses) to get the best of both worlds.
Why it works: You get control from poly mains and comfort from synthetic crosses. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
Best for: Intermediate to advanced players who know what they want, players transitioning to poly, anyone seeking specific performance characteristics
Price range: $40-85 per set (depends on string combination)
“Olga, When Should I Restring My Racket?”
Times you play per week = Times you should restring per year
- Play 2 times/week? → Restring 2 times/year
- Play 4 times/week? → Restring 4 times/year
- Play daily? → Monthly restringing (or switch to poly!)
Minimum rule: Even if you rarely play, restring at least once a year. Strings lose tension naturally over time, even sitting in your closet.
But Olga, How Do I KNOW When My Strings Are Dead?
Great question! Here are the signs I teach my students to watch for:
🔇 The Sound Test
Run your fingernail across the strings. Fresh strings go “ping!” Dead strings go “thud.” If your strings sound dull, they’re done.
👀 The Visual Check
Look for fraying, notches where strings cross, or that “fuzzy” appearance. Visible wear = time for new strings.
🎯 The Control Test
Are your shots flying long? Having trouble controlling the ball? Your strings have probably lost tension.
💪 The Feel Test
Does your racket feel “dead” or “boardy”? That’s your strings telling you they’re tired.
😣 The Arm Test
New elbow/arm discomfort? Old strings become stiff and transmit more shock. Fresh strings = happier arms.
What My Students Say
These are real messages from people I coach and string rackets for
Questions I Get Asked All The Time
Honest answers to common questions about restringing
“Olga, can’t I just restring it myself?”
My honest answer: Technically yes, practically no. Here’s why:
Professional stringing machines cost €500-2000+. Learning to string consistently takes months of practice. One mistake can damage your €200 racket frame. And achieving precise, even tension? That’s an art form.
My advice: If you play occasionally, professional stringing is more cost-effective. If you’re a string-breaking machine who plays daily, THEN investing in equipment and learning might make sense. But for most recreational players? Leave it to the pros. 😊
“Why is restringing with you different from the shop at Sportmaster?”
Great question! Big box stores offer convenience, but here’s the difference:
At Sportmaster: The stringer asks “What tension?” They string it. You pick it up. Transaction complete.
With me: I ask “How’s your game been? Any arm issues? What are you working on?” I watch you play. I know your strengths and weaknesses. I recommend setups based on YOUR specific needs, not generic guidelines.
Plus, I use tour-level equipment (Babolat Star 5) that guarantees precision to 0.1 kg. And if something’s not right, you know exactly where to find me — probably on court teaching! 😄
“I’m a beginner. Do I really need professional restringing?”
YES! Actually, beginners benefit MORE from proper string setup. Here’s why:
As a beginner, you’re still developing technique. Playing with dead strings makes learning harder because:
- Less power = you compensate with poor technique
- Less control = you can’t tell if it’s your stroke or your equipment
- More arm shock = higher injury risk
My recommendation: Restring 1-2 times per year minimum with affordable synthetic strings (€15-20). Your developing game will thank you!
“What if I want to try different strings? Can I experiment?”
I LOVE this question! Curiosity means you’re serious about improving. 🎾
Absolutely! In fact, I encourage experimentation once you’ve been playing awhile. Here’s how we do it:
Step 1: We start with a baseline setup (usually synthetic multifilament at mid-range tension)
Step 2: After you’ve played with it for a few weeks, we discuss what you like/dislike
Step 3: Based on your feedback, I suggest ONE variable to change (different string type OR different tension, not both)
Step 4: You try it, give feedback, and we adjust
This methodical approach helps you understand what actually works for YOUR game. No guessing!
“How long does restringing take?”
Standard timing: 30-45 minutes for most setups. I do almost all restringing same-day if you bring it in the morning.
Rush service available: Need it for a tournament tomorrow? I’ll prioritize your racket for an additional €10.
For my coaching students: I keep track of your schedule. If I know you have a match coming up, I’ll make sure your racket is ready in time — that’s just how I take care of my students. 💚
A Little About My Experience
“Every racket I string is for someone I know. That makes all the difference.”
Let’s Get Your Racket Ready
Whether you’re a current student or new to my services, I’d love to help you get the perfect string setup. Reach out however is easiest for you:
📍 Where to Find Me
123 Tennis Court Drive
Your City, State 12345
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm | Sat-Sun: 10am-6pm
I’m usually on court teaching, but you can drop off rackets anytime during business hours!
A Final Note From Olga
If you’ve read this far, thank you. It means you care about your tennis as much as I do. 💚
I started offering racket restringing not because I wanted another business, but because I wanted to help my students play their best tennis. Equipment matters. String setup matters. And having someone who understands YOUR game making those decisions? That matters most of all.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a competitive player, whether you bring me one racket or five, I promise you this: I’ll treat your equipment with the same care and attention I give to my own.
Because at the end of the day, we’re not just stringing rackets — we’re preparing you for success on the court. And that’s what coaching is all about.
Book Your Restringing with Olga
Let’s get you back on court with freshly strung racket! 🚀