Backhand and Shoulder Pain

[schrodingerskoalabear]

Hello all!

I am having trouble with my shoulder moving forward whenever I hit my BH (and it subsequently causes pain)

My BH technique was lacking so I have tried to transition to "use elbow as a pivot" technique. Whenever, I am able to stabilize my elbow, the shoulder is much better. Problem is despite shadow drills and regular practice, the technique falls apart once the game gets intense.

Any idea how I can try to improve and ingrain this elbow as a pivot technique? Additionally, are there any TT-specific exercises you can recommend, to strengthen the shoulder?

Thanks!

 

[Yuomay]

Work with a coach to find the correct form. Definitely do not continue if it hurts unless you have to.

You can exercise with elastic bands but again, form needs to be right.

 

[vvk1]

This what my physio recommended when I had shoulder pain:

Best to see one yourself and go from there.

 

[Dr Evil]

Recurrent shoulder pain merits a doctor visit. Preventing development of a chronic condition is much easier (and faster and cheaper) than trying to fix it.

For ingraining the elbow pivot technique, multiball. Start slow and easy. Increase difficulty step by step, gradually adding placement, speed and spin variation and then randomness. Don't speed up until you can do it perfectly. It can take a while to become stable in competition even after you're doing well in random drills.

 

[blahness]

Imho If your elbow remains high after a BH powerloop followthrough, imo it is quite bad for the rotator cuff. Much better to use the lats to drag the elbow clockwise during the stroke so that it goes to a stable low position close to your right hip, that is where it feels the nicest.

 

[Hurricane AON]

Move your upper body forward and down (Lean forward) can help to fix shoulder pain from backhand movement

 

[Hongxiang Lin]

For me it started small, just a dull ache after playing, but over time it got to where I couldn't finish a session without pain. I kept blaming my technique and trying to train around it, but nothing stuck. Finally saw this Dallas shoulder specialist and that was the first time I understood what was going on. It wasn't just my swing, it was wear-and-tear I couldn't fix on my own. Having someone break it down and give me a plan made all the difference.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

1. you need a coach and make corrections. Incorrect strokes could lead to injuries
2. get a physio and make sure to not just seek recovery, but also strengthening (ie getting a band and doing certain movements for strengthening)

I would believe your foot placement adjustment would make your body more "correct" and in a position to hit better without pain. The rest would be your upper body movement

so for the sake of further damage preventation, you better spend money and seek assistance