Playing better with a bad back!

Matthias Boos Asked 10 years ago

Hi Alois,

as usual i played in my club with my coach today. I have quite some back pain these days so I was not sure whether I can play at all. So I started slow and tried to avoid any abrupt motions and I had no pain while playing (don't ask how it is now ;-)). I noticed that my counter hits and even topspins were very consistent and as fast as normal but without putting to much force. I reckon I normally use my muscles too much or not very efficient. Any comments?

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Matthias,

This is brilliant and a good realisation.

I think a few things happen in this situation.  One, is as you mention, you probably move less and more efficiently, keeping your head still.  The second is that you focus more due to the injury.  And thirdly you let go of expectations and the worry about success and are happy with each shot that goes on.  Often we focus on each shot that misses.