Skipping Every Third Cross (16x12)

While the second attempt of the Lendl pattern (link) offered a lot more comfort, power and control over the first, it was still not enough to placate this syn gut lover.

My set of old and lazy bones needed just a little more comfort, a little more pocketing and a LOT more power. Extra spin would be nice too!

However hard I try, my footwork was no longer fast enough. That meant insufficient time for those old school long loopy swings that I have been accustomed to.

Many previous attempts skipping crosses compromised control in return for comfort, power and spin. (link1)(link2)(link3)

Now, by skipping every third instead of alternate cross, maybe I could tone down some power and add back control? In addition, I was also hoping for a little more pocketing to deal with the harsh feel when the stiff poly stringbed stops giving.

Not sure how to interpret the ITF tennis rules regarding this string pattern (link):

"The hitting surface, defined as the main area of the stringing pattern bordered by the points of entry of the strings into the head or points of contact of the strings with the head, whichever is the smaller, shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings, which shall be alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross. The stringing pattern must be generally uniform and, in particular, not less dense in the centre than in any other area. The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces."

Probably best left to the professional umpires and judges while I have fun trodding down unconventional paths!

Another variation could be skipping every fourth cross instead... I'll let the playtest dictate where this goes...

Playtest:
- The stringbed softened significantly and became as comfortable as any soft syn gut or multi.
- Directional control were good for medium hits, but when I cranked up the power, the control dipped terribly. The crosses were just not enough to support the heavy impact.
- By control dipping, what I meant was the ball depressing very deep into the stringbed and an exceptionally high rebound angle. So heavy topspin shots became topspin lobs which was fun to see, especially towards the end when it dived down steeply.
- Strangely, other aspects of control remained intact, even for serves.
- Spin was good as the mains could really slide and snap-back.
- Volleys were good too and effortless to execute. Just get the racket in the way of the ball and voila! Perfect dropshot!
- Since the rules dictate that the stringing pattern cannot be less dense in the centre, I think it will be good for anyone intending to try this, to string an extra one or two crosses in the centre of the stringbed. That might stiffen up the sweetspot a little to bring ball trajectory nearing to earth.
- Another option could be to string the same but using poly in the crosses instead of syn gut.
- Not much string movement after play, but some ball fur stuck on the strings.