Technique for old folks

[ajtatosmano2]

Hi!
My father recently grabbed a racket and started to play on our outdoor table. He was a fairly good player in his youth years, but he was always an extremely aggressive player. He is almost 70 now and has some spine issues, but his old reflexes kick in and while didn't get injured yet, I am afraid he will (a few years ago it happened after a loop with full body rotation). We started to practice a more modern FH because he has the classic hooking full swing forehand (similar to what Jonyer Istvan and Jorgen Persson did) and I think that won't be any good for his spine.
Any tips or reference players on how to be still aggressive without straining your back?

 

[lightspin]

One thing to be very mindful of is when playing after taking a few years off is to come back slowly so that you don't destroy or tear your muscles. Your nervous system will say "swing fast" when your muscles aren't ready for it. So just do simple drills for a few weeks or months until your body gets a bit stronger.

With respect to back issues, when he does a backswing for his forehand, tell him not to think of turning his back to the right (if he is right handed), tell him to think of turning into his right hip. That way his hips help with the rotation rather than all the work being done with the back. Another option is to wear a back brace. I have known a few pro players who wear them.

 

[Lula]

I think it is very hard for adults to change technique, even so older people. Maybe try mukch faster racket. Then he will be forced to not use the body as much if the ball is going on the table.
Maybe practice close to a wall so he is forced to make a shorter stroke and take the ball earlier, then he still get opponent under pressure. Also very evident if he do big swings since he will hit the wall.
Maybe physiotherapy?