The International Tennis Federation, or ITF, is considered the world governing body of tennis. The United States Tennis Association, or USTA, is a member of this prestigious sporting organization and plays by ITF's Rules of Tennis, with some exceptions. The ITF sets the official string specifications used in professional tennis matches, including permitted patterns and the use of vibration-dampening devices.
Frame Dimensions
Strings are woven into the frame of the racket, which, according to the ITF, shall not exceed 29 inches in length, including the handle. The overall width of the racket cannot be greater than 12.5 inches. The strings, strung to create the hitting surface of the racket, must not cover an area larger than 15.5 inches by 11.5 inches.
Stringing Pattern
The stringing pattern on a professional player's tennis racket must be generally uniform. This pattern must appear the same on both faces of the racket and must produce the same playing characteristics on both sides. The string crossings are not permitted to be denser in some areas than others, particularly in the center of the hitting surface.
Only One Set
The ITF rule for stringing speaks of only one pattern of crossed strings -- not multiple patterns. As explained by the ITF, only one set of strings is permitted.
Only One Plane
There can be only one plane, or flat surface, of strings. As the ITF explains, if the strings are not on the same plane they cannot be considered generally uniform and flat, as required by the regulations.
Vibration Dampening Devices
Players can place vibration-dampening devices on the strings of a racket, according to ITF rules. These devices are permitted only on the outside of the crossed-string pattern.
Broken Strings
During a game, a tennis player's strings may break. He can continue playing with this racket unless the event organizers have a specific regulation against playing with broken strings.
Materials
Neither the USTA nor the ITF makes any mention of the requirements for the materials used to make the strings. Common materials for strings include animal gut, polyester and Kevlar composites.
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