How to Put a Damper on a Tennis Racket

While many people believe a tennis racket vibration dampener absorbs ball/racket impact shock and helps decrease the effects of tennis elbow, physics reveal this isn't true. Vibration dampeners absorb string vibration, reducing the high-pitched noise that occurs when you hit a tennis ball, and giving some people a better feeling when they hit. They have no effect on racket vibration or elbow or wrist pain. If you use one, put it on in such a way that your racket is legal for play.

Prep

Read the dampener box, if you have it, for any instructions or tips.

Examine your racket to note the string pattern. You may only place a vibration dampener below the lowest string or above the highest string before the cross strings begin.

Check the dampener to see how it attaches. Some have a slit in them and rest between two strings, while others have hooks that attach to strings and you must weave them in and out.

Small Dampeners

Find the two center main strings between which you will place the dampener. Gently move them apart to see how much pressure you'll need to use. Some dampeners are soft foam, while others are harder rubber and may take two hands to apply, especially if your strings are tight.

Place the dampener in one hand and press it against one of the two strings between which you will place the dampener. Move one string aside with your other hand and insert the dampener.

Slide the dampener up or down on the strings to get it to the middle of the area between the throat or head and the first string.

Long Dampeners

Place the dampener against the strings where you want to put it without inserting it to see where you'll need to start weaving. This will help you make sure you center it.

Hook the dampener to the first string to which you will attach it and begin weaving it in an under-over pattern. Examine the dampener when you are done to make sure you did not miss a weave. Hook the other end of the dampener to the end string.

Slide the dampener up or down on the strings to get it to the middle of the area between the throat or head and the first string.

Tips

In a pinch you can use a rubber band. Wrap it around the two center middle strings and below the bottom cross string. Tie a secure knot to keep it in place.

Warnings

If you are playing an official tennis event and your dampener has been installed in the wrong place, an official will ask you to remove it or install it properly.