• The player

Players who use a lot of spin or hit particularly hard are tough on string. Thicker string gauges (15, 15L), polyester, Kevlar hybrids, and string savers my help. It is usual to expect a set of strings to last according to the number of games played per week. i.e. if a racket is used three times a week - expect to replace the strings every 4 months (3 times a year).

• Inadequate String Protection

Worn bumper guards and grommets and crossovers are the main culprits. Install new bumper guards and grommets when necessary. If a replacement is not readily available, use racket head protection tape or individual grommets and/or ask for tubing to be installed. Any strings that protrude above the frame of the racket, when viewed in line with the head, are susceptible to being worn through if the racket touches the ground and should, therefore, be protected.

• Friction burn

Friction burn happens when strings in one direction move against strings in the other direction. The usual culprits are the main strings which frequently move from side to side and become notched leading to string breakage.

• Defective string

Defective string is extremely rare and a good stringer will check the coil for consistency in both quality and measurement before putting it into the racket. Defects are usually visible. Look for a nick, a fibre unravelling or impurities in the string.

A good stringer will always replace the strings in a racket that has broken a string prematurely.