Home » RSI magazine » Ask the Experts » High-altitude tennis

High-altitude tennis

Q: Does altitude (I’m at 3,000 feet) have any effect on string tensions or does the different high altitude ball compensate for the difference in altitude?

A: Altitude doesn’t seem to effect the strings, but it does effect how the ball travels. The thinner air offers less resistance to the ball, so it will tend to “fly” given the same tension and stroke as at a lower altitude. According to the Rules of Tennis, section 3.d, high-altitude tennis balls are to be used over 4,000 feet, and even though you are not quite that high, you may find they provide the compensation you seek. For those below that altitude (as you are) or well above, you can further mitigate altitude-related differences by adjusting your tension, using high tensions for more control, and lower tensions for more zip.

From the June 2004 issue
Permalink