Effect of string tension on the impact between a tennis ball and racket

The aim of this work was to further the understanding of the relationship between string tension and player's perception of 'control'. In this study tennis balls were projected obliquely at a freely supported racket to replicate a top spin stroke. Two difference string tensions (40 and 70lbs) were tested. It was found that the rebound velocity and spin were not dependent on string tension, for a given shot. However, it was found that the distance travelled by the ball, during impact, was 30% smaller on the racket strung at 70lbs. It has been illustrated that this increases the ability of the player to apply spin to the ball.