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Stringing 'one ahead'

Q: Is stringing the crosses one-ahead a mandatory procedure for stringers who string at professional tournaments? If a stringer decides not to string one ahead, what are the potential risks of this practice? What is the USRSA position regarding stringing one-ahead?

A: No, stringing one-ahead is not a mandatory procedure for tournament or — for that matter — other stringers. However, stringing the crosses one-ahead, as shown on page 48 of Racquet Service Techniques, can save stringing time. Also, because the previously tensioned crosses produce an offset in the mains, there can be less string-to-string friction when pulling the crosses through the mains. Therefore, if you’re not stringing the crosses one ahead, you are increasing the potential for longer stringing times and more damage to the string during installation. The USRSA leaves the decision to the individual stringer whether or not to weave one-ahead.

From the June 2007 issue
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