There are a lot of tennis misconceptions out there. Coaches and players have different opinions on things like how heavy a tennis racquet should be and whether or not serving with a new ball has an advantage. Most players can agree that personal preference is essential in tennis, but there are a few well-known tennis facts that might not be true after all.

We're debunking (and confirming) common tennis myths to help you perfect your game.

This is false. In tennis, size matters. Using the wrong grip size for too long can contribute to tennis elbow problems and affect your muscle strength. Incorrect grip size can also hinder your overall performance on the court.

Plus, if your grip is too big or small, you won't feel comfortable on the court. It's important to choose a tennis racquet with the right grip size for you. Narrow down your tennis racquet selection by grip size. The handle should be large enough, so there's space between the tips of your fingers and your hand. If your fingers touch the palm of your hand, you may need to size up.

Tip: If you have arm issues, play with the largest handle you can comfortably hold.

This isn't always the case. Light tennis racquets are easier to maneuver when you're up against an agile opponent and help prevent you from getting tired. That said, they're also not as powerful. Lighter rackets generate less of their own power, meaning you'll need a harder swing to return shots with a lot of force. Also, your body will absorb more impact from the ball with a light racquet, whereas a heavier racquet will absorb more of the impact shock.

Choosing a lighter or heavier tennis racquet eventually comes down to personal preference. New players tend to use lighter racquets until they get used to the game, while experienced players lean toward heavier ones for more stability and control.

This one actually has some truth to it!

Have you ever seen tennis players check the ball before serving? They're looking at the hair. New tennis balls tend to go faster because the hairs are flat, making them harder to return. Used tennis balls will be more fluffy. That said, speed comes at a cost. When you have more speed, you have less accuracy. If the first serve doesn't go as planned with the new ball, they'll often use the fluffier ball for their second serve. A tennis ball can last as little as 1-3 hours during a professional game because the pros hit the ball harder than recreational players.

If you’re not playing in a competitive tennis league, you can use a tennis ball for around 1 to 4 weeks of moderate play. After that, it’s probably best to save it for a game of fetch.

Even if you're a recreational player, your tennis strings need to be restrung eventually. This is because tennis strings lose tension with every game. If you don't restring your tennis racquet, the strings will eventually go dead and lose their performance ability.

Not sure how often you need to restring your tennis racquet? We like the following rule. Tennis racquet strings should be replaced as many times a year as you play tennis per week. In other words, if you play tennis 3 times a week, you should restring your racquet 3 times per year.

Check out our collection of tennis strings. If you're unsure how to restring your tennis racquet on your own, be sure to bring your racquet to your local sports goods shop to avoid any damage.

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