Injured Shoulder & Service

[HappyMilk]

Can anyone recommend any serves they have tried? My friend is in need of some help. He has a long-term injury in the shoulder and cannot serve without pain. Knowing his extremely competitive attitude, he won't settle for his current dinks into the opponent's side of the net. I guess the Michael Chang Underhand works from time to time, but any other suggestions in mind?

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

He could learn to serve with the other arm. I switched from a lefty serve to a half-way decent righty serve. The toughest part right now is tossing the ball with my limited-function left arm.
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[HappyMilk]

He could learn to serve with the other arm. I switched from a lefty serve to a half-way decent righty serve. The toughest part right now is tossing the ball with my limited-function left arm.
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That's true.. I've only known one person able to pull off something like that. I'll suggest that to him!

Still open to more suggestions~

 

[Bergboy123]

I have dislocated my shoulder pretty seriously twice. All I can recommend is an attempt to restrengthen his shoulder, and lots of stretching.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

That's true.. I've only known one person able to pull off something like that. I'll suggest that to him!

Still open to more suggestions~

It might help if he can work on his throwing motion with his non-dominant arm. Once he figures out the mechanics of throwing a ball over the net, he can then work on some steep trajectory throws -- throwing a ball upward at a 60 degree angle and then a 75+ degree angle. Next try racket throwing at the park. Best to use an old racket. Steep throws for this as well. The steeper throws should promote a better racket (head) drop. Try to simulate different types of serves with the racket throws.

For underhand serves, it might be a good idea to develop some variety -- both topspin serves and underspin serves. He might try different heights and spin rates for topspin serves. A dropshot version of the underspin serve could come in handy if used judiciously. This might be the best type of underhand serve that one can develop:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRjcO06wsKQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN8XxFiojp4

 

[Nolefan]

He is goona f..k up and the other shoulder ( bad tennis school ) and what then?
Tell your friend to forget the tennis and go to swimming.

 

[Chas Tennis]

I guess that his shoulder injury is known and that you are beyond the normal solutions?

If the injury was caused by playing tennis he should be aware of the information in the Ellenbecker video. If he has an unusual serving technique this video may not apply. ?

Here is the Ellenbecker video that describes a well known injury risk for the normal shoulder.

I believe that serving with ISR is never forced and could cause injury if practiced incorrectly. Here are some known issues. With forceful and rapid ISR the small external shoulder rotator cuff muscles have to be conditioned to keep the ball of the humerus in place and to stop the arm rotation in the follow through. See recommended shoulder conditioning exercises. Easy, light exercises.

There are also the important safety issues related to technique such as the shoulder high orientation for the serve to minimize impingement risk. Just one very bad motion can cause injury.

1) Jim McLennan short video on the rotator cuff, impingement and serving
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTRvxaBMh8s

2) Todd Ellenbecker video on shoulder anatomy, impingement, and serving. At about minute 8 he describes the same issue as McLennan but in more detail.
http://www.tennisresources.com/index.cfm?area=video_detail&vidid=3712&ATT=&reso=lo

If you are concerned because you are having pain, how can you determine that the technique that you use is OK? You have to study and know the proper technique and verify that you are doing it with high speed video or find a well qualified instructor. Keep in mind that the more rapid motions during the serve cannot be seen by eye or even 60 fps video so an instructor who uses HSV is a plus.