There are string tensions to suit all playing styles, arm conditions and air temperatures.
Which one is best for YOU?

Think of the racket stringbed as a trampoline. If the bed is old and soft, you can rise very high but have little control of where you are heading! If the bed is tighter and newer, you rise less but have more control.

The general rule is “TIGHT for Control, LOOSE for POWER”

Children have bodies that are still developing. Likewise, veteran players who have graced the courts for many years may have tired arm and shoulder issues. Choosing LOW tensions will absorb more shock and vibration, give more power and prolong their playing years.

In tennis, tensions of around 50lbs will work well. In squash, around 24lbs is a great starting point. Finally Badminton tensions in the low 20s is good for a lot of players.

The courts can vary enormously with the seasons, particularly outside sports. The ball bounces higher and faster in warm summer weather, but will bounce less as the temperature drops in Winter.

Most professional tennis players will choose a string tension to suit the rise/drop of air temperature. For example, average July temperature in Wimbledon is 22 degrees. if the player has been using 55 lbs through the matches but the temperature drops to 19 degrees, the coach may drop the string tensions accordingly to around 52 lbs tension, to get the ball moving as fast as before.
Likewise, if the temperatures soar, then good players will raise their string tensions to maintain control of the ball.

In squash, no outside weather conditions, but there may be some away matches where the courts are known to be hot or cold. Cold courts are problematic as the rubber ball loses heat quickly and bounces less. So your devastating low drop shot an inch over the tin can become a disaster when it just clips the tin! You can aim higher of course but best not to HAVE to change your strokes. Home players will be used to the courts and for instance may want the ball “dead” at the start of each game. So insist on getting another warm-up minute or two to get the ball back up to playing speed. The rules state that the ball must be left untouched on court in the 90 seconds interval between games. Most matches use the double dot ball, but a referee may choose a single dot if its just too cold. A single dot ball can be much better to use for friendlies  as it remains more lively without too much hard hitting.

Experiment – When asking for your next restring, chat with the stringer who may know your style of play. A subtle change of string tension can work wonders!

Tensions are always dropping, even if you are not playing. The tensioned string fibres are gradually lengthening and letting go of the tensions. Its called “String Creep” and means that you should ideally have a fresh restring at least every 3 months, for better performance and also arm/shoulder comfort.

Good luck on court!