Double bend + semi-western = elbow soreness?

[stirallyracer]

Hi all.

I used to hit with an extreme eastern straight armed forehand. It wasn't consistent enough for great match play, although it was what felt natural.

Now I've switched to a semi-western double bend forehand. I am consistently hitting harder and with more spin, but it seems like the double bend structure puts stress on my elbow? I don't really arm the swing either, I make sure I lead with my legs then torso then shoulders.

Is this a technique problem, or am I just not fit to use this technique? Thanks!

 

[NamRanger]

Hi all.

I used to hit with an extreme eastern straight armed forehand. It wasn't consistent enough for great match play, although it was what felt natural.

Now I've switched to a semi-western double bend forehand. I am consistently hitting harder and with more spin, but it seems like the double bend structure puts stress on my elbow? I don't really arm the swing either, I make sure I lead with my legs then torso then shoulders.

Is this a technique problem, or am I just not fit to use this technique? Thanks!

It could be alot of factors, but I would say look at your technique first. Not many people can really pinpoint what exactly is your problem, but one problem could be that you are using too much arm (but usually that leads to shoulder problems with the double bend forehand). Another possibly could be that your racquet possibly is not stable enough for you, but I wouldn't know as it depends on your physical abilities and what type of racquet you are using.

 

[stirallyracer]

i use an mfil 200 97". It's slightly weighted in the handle. I'm a small guy, but athletic for my size. I will try to record a video later today. thanks

 

[Kevo]

The double bend does put more stress on the elbow. It could be soreness simply due to the change in technique. How long has it been bothering you. You may need some time to adjust. If you've been playing that way for a while and it's still bothering you, besides mechanics, you may need to look at softer strings, less tension, softer frame even.

My elbow gets sore occasionally as well, but typically not from match play. It's more from too much practice. I just back off a bit when it stays sore for more than a couple hours after a practice session.

 

[stirallyracer]

i tried it for one day for about 2.5 hours. next day it was sore, but by the end of the next day it went away. i think i'l try again today. if it's just an adjusting thing, i'm not worried.

 

[quicken]

Yea, I think its just getting adjusted to your new swing.

 

[NamRanger]

The double bend does put more stress on the elbow. It could be soreness simply due to the change in technique. How long has it been bothering you. You may need some time to adjust. If you've been playing that way for a while and it's still bothering you, besides mechanics, you may need to look at softer strings, less tension, softer frame even.

My elbow gets sore occasionally as well, but typically not from match play. It's more from too much practice. I just back off a bit when it stays sore for more than a couple hours after a practice session.

That's true, I didn't look at the part where he said he's adjusting still to the double bend. The double bend does put slightly more stress on the elbow (since you are aligned behind the ball instead of to the side). Just take it slow and don't go too hard and you should be fine.