A method for reducing the strip tension of a rolling stock, may include: transporting the rolling stock using a roller table between two successive rolling units, wherein a rolling stock loop is formed in a depression in a section of the roller table between the two rolling units, the rolling stock loop being supported by the roller table at least in one off-center portion of the section, wherein the supporting line of the roller table in this portion corresponds to the catenary curve of the free span; measuring a loop depth of the rolling stock loop; calculating a desired value of the loop depth that corresponds substantially to the free span, e.g., depending on the material, thickness and temperature of the rolling stock; controlling the main drives and/or the gap adjustment of the rolling units based on the desired value and the measured loop depth, such that the loop depth substantially corresponds to the desired value.