A typical evening in the junior batch
Ninety minutes, six players to a coach: what our juniors actually do on court.
How string tension changes your game
Why higher is not always better, and how to pick a number for your level.
String tension is the pull on each string when your racket is strung, measured in pounds. Most of our members play between 20 and 26 lbs. Many beginners ask us for 28 or 30 because they have heard that professionals use high tension. It usually makes their game worse.
Lower tension makes the string bed bounce more. The shuttle comes off faster with less effort, and off-centre hits still travel. This suits beginners and players still building their swing. Higher tension gives more control and a sharper feel, but only if you hit the centre and swing fast. Otherwise the shuttle falls short and your arm works harder.
As a rough guide, beginners do well at 20 to 22 lbs, regular club players at 22 to 25, and strong juniors and advanced players at 24 to 27. Check the maximum tension printed on your frame; going above it can crack it.
Strings also lose tension over time, even if they do not break. If you play three or four times a week, restring every six to eight weeks. We keep a card for every racket we string with the date and tension, so your next restring feels the same.
