Grommet
A small tube-shaped insert set into the holes of a racket frame that the strings pass through, protecting them from the frame's edges.
Definition
A grommet is a small plastic or synthetic tube fitted into each string hole around a racket's frame. The strings thread through these grommets rather than touching the frame directly, so the grommet cushions the string and shields it from the sharp edges of the drilled holes.
Grommets are usually supplied as moulded strips that follow the curve of the frame, sometimes combined with a protective bumper along the head. They wear down over time and can crack or flatten, so worn grommets are commonly replaced during a restring to help prevent premature string breakage.
Where you’ll hear “grommet”
Sports that use this term:
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
Badminton
A fast indoor racquet sport played with a shuttlecock that rewards agility and touch.
Squash
A fast, high-intensity indoor racquet sport played inside an enclosed court where the walls stay in play.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Grommet to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Equipment
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Table tennis batA small wooden blade covered with rubber used to hit the ball in table tennis.
- Padel racketA solid, stringless perforated racket used to play padel.
- Badminton racketA lightweight strung racket used to hit the shuttlecock in badminton.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
Scoring systems
- Tiebreak scoringA tiebreak is a short deciding game used in racket sports to settle a set that has reached an even number of games, scored in simple numbers to a fixed target.
- Tennis scoringTennis is scored in points, games and sets, using the distinctive 15–30–40 point sequence and a win-by-two margin at every level.
Skills
- Net playThe skill of controlling points close to the net with volleys and touch shots.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- RallyingThe skill of exchanging shots back and forth to build and win a point.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
- SettingThe volleyball skill of accurately placing the ball for a teammate to attack.
Skills Academy
- Racket-sport skillsThe core skills of racket sports — serving, returning, rallying and controlling the net.
- Precision skillsSkills where accuracy is everything — placing a serve, a shot, a pass or a set exactly where you want it.
- Team-play skillsThe skills that make a team work — combining, covering and communicating through the ball.
Knowledge Atlas
- Explore by SkillThe learnable actions of a sport — grouped into families and linked to the techniques and sports that use them.
- Explore by RuleHow sports are governed — the rules, and the officiating and scoring that enforce them.
- Explore by GoalStart from the outcome you care about — each goal opens into the sports, qualities and habits that serve it.
- Explore by TechniqueThe specific, named ways skills are executed in each sport — linked to the skills, movements and sports behind them.