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?

 

[der Stift]

For 70+ people like me, I look like the fish belly (魚腩) of the club....
Plus young people don't look good losing to me, so they are extra motivated...
try to move old people around from side to side ...

The most important issue for me is not to get hurt.
I use a heat belt to warm up my back ~ 1 hr before playtime.

 

[Takkyu_wa_inochi]

There is a series of videos from WRM for older players

 

[ToH]

I have struggled with back pain for 8 months. Many Fysio appointment appointments. Now finally its more or less gone. What helped me is stretching before and after playing, changing the Chair i was sitting in and buying a new bed. The most important is to do excercise regularly for the back and stomach.

 

[SrSTT]

I have struggled with back pain for 8 months. Many Fysio appointment appointments. Now finally its more or less gone. What helped me is stretching before and after playing, changing the Chair i was sitting in and buying a new bed. The most important is to do excercise regularly for the back and stomach.

Especially exercise the back muscles. Strong back muscles can do a great deal to protect the spine.

 

[ajtatosmano2]

Thanks for the tips from everyone!
He is doing physio btw.

 

[Zezima]

How is chopping in terms of injury? Is it any safer? I do secretly want to become a chopper but maybe in my later years lol.

 

[der Stift]

Especially exercise the back muscles. Strong back muscles can do a great deal to protect the spine.

Red Light Therapy really helps to relax my back muscles.
It is my daily routine to put on a red light therapy belt (a belt full of LED)
to get a good dose of celluar stimulation/repair.

 

[ajtatosmano2]

How is chopping in terms of injury? Is it any safer? I do secretly want to become a chopper but maybe in my later years lol.

I am not sure, maybe we can try. First keeping the movements short and light will be the way together with conditioning.

 

[blahness]

Nope, put LP on his racket and he will be forced to play less aggressive and safer. Lol