Poor wrist flexibility, what to do?

[Clay lover]

As we all know the modern forehand is very reliant upon a laid back and relaxed wrist, but I was bron with a rather stiff wrist and is often unable to lay back my wrist unless I make a conscious effort to do it. However I think this is bad for me because this makes me less relaxed therefore I get less power and is also more prone to wrist injuries. The lack of flexibility in my wrist doesn't help my serves either.

Anyway I can get a more relaxed wrist through training or are there any effective methods to deal with a stiff wrist when playing tennis?

 

[LeeD]

I mentioned I"m in your boat.
My right wrist can lay back just past 90 degrees, and I have a better right handed forehand than my lefty forehand.
My left wrist can make it past 45, but pain develops immediately (right now, I just tested it) and doesn't go away for easily in hour or so later.
I play lefty. Maybe consider going to a shorter backswing, more body, more legs, earlier prep, and forget about the "modern" forehand. In my twisted case, I tend to use the "buggywhip" quite often, alternated with a SW gripped pure flat forehand (a little sidespin) to move the ball along. Everyone who knows me pick on my forehand. Sometimes, you gotta live with your limitations, or at least know them.

 

[esgee48]

Place your hands together in a 'prayer' position. Bring the hands towards your chest until the thumbs can touch the chest. If your wrists/hands are not 90 degrees to the forearms, push gently together. Stop if there is pain. This is one exercise I use to maintain flexibility.

 

[LeeD]

Yeah, both hands point off the right about 60 degrees.
And yes, flexibility can be increased with exercise and work.
But my feet are still 5" from my fingertips, and that flex test, one arm over, one under the shoulder has my fingertips in two different time zones, about 15" apart...:twisted:

 

[dozu]

the laid back position is not a forced position.

if you swing the relaxed human racket, the racket head automatically lags, and the wrist automagically lay back.

doesn't have to be 90 degrees.

 

[LeeD]

90 is better than 45...

 

[dozu]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNW_2A_itFo&feature=related

guy is #7 in the world golf ranking (was as high as #2 at one time), with his signature 'no wrist hinge' swing.

 

[LeeD]

Good stuff.
Chipping, long irons, putting, and playing the fairways can overcome some physical disabilities.