Following my previous attempt to increase spin by increasing ball-to-string friction (link), I thought I should try reducing string-to-string friction as a comparison too.
Roughing up the strings severely reduced durability. In some instances, I did not even get to play before it snapped! So it was not very viable.
Reducing inter-string friction would mean using lubricants like grease, silicone and hand lotions.
Almost equal amounts of each of the three different lubricants were applied directly onto the strings of three different rackets. Then rubbed into the intersections between mains and crosses. Excess amounts were lightly wiped off using tissue paper.
Knowing upfront that the tennis balls would be gunked up with oily residue, old tennis balls were used. They were playtested, then checked for bounce height and weight to ensure equality. 3 balls were set aside to test each lubricant independently.
Unfortunately, it was a total disaster.
Despite wiping off the excess lubes, the balls turned greasy very quickly. Once that happened, the entire stringbed became so slippery. Any attempts to swipe the ball for more spin ended up having the ball skid off the strings instead. There was no grip at all.
The few times that the strings managed to grab the ball did not end up well too. Directional control was lost. The ball zipped off sideways before the stroke was completed.
The hand lotion posed the least problems and the oils were all equally bad. Not only were all the balls ruined in less than 15 minutes, but my hitting partner's stringbed turned oily and lost grip as well. Our overgrips, pockets and shirts were also stained.
Some faint ball marks could also be seen on the dry hard court. Out of safety and consideration for other users, we stepped over the ball marks to ensure they were not slippery. We looped a rag under one shoe and cleaned up as many ball marks as we could find.
After cleaning up, we resumed playing our normal games with normal rackets and balls.
If you do attempt this, please ensure to:
(1) bring lots of rag to clean up the mess,
(2) change new overgrips as my racket almost flew, and
(3) check that the courts are not slippery for the next user.
But seriously, this is not worth trying.
I used WD40 silicone on my poly strings which helps the snap back, you need to apply it a few hours before hitting and sparingly. you might have applied too much and did not let it dry.
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