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Re-engineering a backhand?

hairsprayhon
hairsprayhon Posts: 334 Member
in Social Groups
I have been playing tennis so long that I have an old fashioned one handed backhand. I also have developed tennis elbow that only hurts on my backhand. It is also always my weakness. Have any of you re-engineered a long time stroke completely? Janet

Replies

  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    Sounds hard. But, probably not impossible.
    Pete Sampras learned a one-handed backhand after years of playing with a two-hander, and Tiger Woods relearned golf shots.
    On the other hand, have you tried one of the forearm braces? I had tennis elbow for a while and the brace was great and cured it! (Knock on wood.)
  • hairsprayhon
    hairsprayhon Posts: 334 Member
    A brace worked for years until this recent flare up. So it might just be a temp flare up (fingers crossed) I did notice that it flared up after a long singles match in high humidity when I should have been drinking more than plain water. For those days now I make sure I have something with potassium.
  • dougstevens
    dougstevens Posts: 208 Member
    First, re-learning the backhand sounds like a good start. Preferably under the guidance of a pro or coach.

    There are different ways to get tennis elbow. However, the most common is hitting the ball improperly. We all have our own strokes and style. Sometimes its good, and sometimes not so good. A pro or coach can help ensure that you are hitting the ball properly.

    Second, see your doctor about the tennis elbow. They can determine if there is any damage and to what extent.

    For me, it was my shoulder. The doctor wanted me to quit tennis for 6 months or so. Or else learn to play with my other arms. After explaining that would not happen, she referred me to a physical therapist. He taught me how to ice my shoulder, take anti-inflammatories, and gave me exercises to improve my shoulder. It worked!!! I am happy to report that I'm good as new. I have learned to stretch before my matches and, when necessary, ice afterwards (rarely).

    Hope it works out! Tennis is the greatest weight loss tool that I have.
  • Geyser_Mountain_Dreamer
    Geyser_Mountain_Dreamer Posts: 304 Member
    4........or was it 5 years ago? I switched from the two handed to the one handed backhand and I've never looked back. The one hander gives you so many options and is such a natural stroke. Wish I would have started with it, but Mr. Agassi inspired me to to otherwise.

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