String Maintenance & Restringing for Squash
Squash is hard on strings – here's how to care for them!
When to Restring
The Squash Formula
Play 2x/week → Restring every 3-4 months
Play 3x/week → Restring every 2 months
Play daily → Restring monthly
Tournament player → Every 15-20 hours of play
Squash wears strings FASTER than tennis due to:
- More rallies per match
- Constant play (less rest)
- Wall hits add stress
Warning Signs
🔴 Restring immediately:
- Strings feel "dead" or lifeless
- Notching visible on strings
- Strings moved out of pattern
- Loss of control/feel
- Ball doesn't "stick" to strings
🟡 Plan restring soon:
- 2-3 months since last restring
- 15+ hours of play
- Strings look dull/discolored
- Slight feel/power loss
Don't wait for breaks! Squash strings lose performance before breaking.
String Care DO's ✅
- Store at room temperature
- Use racket cover
- Avoid moisture/humidity
- Wipe strings after each session
- Check for wall impact damage
- Let racket air out after playing
String Care DON'Ts ❌
- ❌ Hot cars
- ❌ Direct sunlight
- ❌ High humidity (strings absorb moisture)
- ❌ Hitting walls hard
- ❌ Leaving in closed bag wet with sweat
Squash-Specific Issues
The "Wall Shot" Problem
Issue: Hitting walls wears strings from outside
Solution:
- Use proper technique
- Avoid wall shots when possible
- Expect faster wear on outer strings
- Consider thicker gauge
Humidity Effects
Problem: Squash courts can be humid
Impact:
- Strings absorb moisture
- Lose tension faster
- Feel changes
Solution:
- Wipe down after each session
- Don't store in court bag overnight
- Restring more frequently in humid climates
String Life Expectations
| String Type | Recreational | Regular (3x/week) | Competitive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multifilament | 2-3 months | 6-8 weeks | 15-20 hours |
| Monofilament | 3-4 months | 8-10 weeks | 20-25 hours |
| Thin Multi | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 10-15 hours |
