You're Probably Playing on Dead Strings (Here's How to Tell)
Quick answer
Tennis strings, especially polyester, lose their playability long before they snap. They go stiff and lifeless in as little as 10 hours of play, costing you control, spin, and comfort while feeling boardy on your arm. A simple rule: restring as many times per year as you play per week, and sooner with poly.
Dead does not mean broken
Most players wait for a string to break before restringing. But strings lose tension and elasticity from the first hit, and polyester in particular goes dead fast. A dead string bed feels harsh, gives you less control and spin, and transmits more shock to your arm. The string can look perfectly fine and still be done.
How to tell your strings are dead
- The ball flies on you and you have lost control, even though your swing has not changed.
- You feel less bite and spin than you used to get.
- The string bed feels boardy and stiff, and your arm is more sore after playing.
- The strings have moved a lot and stay out of place when you straighten them.
The simple restring rule
A widely used guide is to restring as many times per year as you play per week. Play three times a week, restring about three times a year, and more often if you use poly, which dies faster. If your arm is getting sore, restring sooner and consider a softer string, which ties into the poly versus multi versus hybrid choice.
Fresh strings are the cheapest performance upgrade in tennis, far cheaper than a new racquet. If your game feels off, new strings are the first thing to try.
The short version
Strings die before they break, especially poly. Watch for lost control, less spin, a boardy feel, and a sore arm. Restring as often per year as you play per week.
Frequently asked
How do I know if my tennis strings are dead?
Look for lost control with the same swing, less spin and bite, a stiff boardy feel, and more arm soreness. Strings, especially poly, go dead from tension and elasticity loss long before they break.
How often should I restring if my strings have not broken?
A common rule is to restring as many times per year as you play per week, and more often with polyester. Strings lose playability with use, so do not wait for a break.
Do dead strings cause tennis elbow?
Stiff, dead poly transmits more shock and can contribute to arm discomfort. Restringing more often, lowering tension, or moving to a softer string can reduce the load on your arm.
Sources and further reading
Written by
Bolor Enkhbayar
Tennis coach and founder of CoachesNote
Bolor coaches serious juniors and adult competitors. She builds every weekly plan, reviews the video and match notes, and decides the next job, in person and remotely through CoachesNote.
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