Tension in non-playing side of body

Strokes

Mandy Sutter Asked 14 years ago

Hi guys

If I play strenuously (e.g. in multi-ball coaching session or difficult match) I often end up with tension and pain on my non-playing side, i.e. left shoulder, arm and neck.

I think I tense up in these situations whereas in practice, I stay calmer and the problem (though still there at a low level) doesn't arise.

Any advice/exercises?

Mandy

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Mandy,

Not my area of specialty but it does sound like you are tightening up. See if you cna focus on relaxing through that side of the body during training and see if that makes a difference. Then you can give it a go during matches as well.

When you are playing do you feel like you are using that side of the body?

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Thoughts on this question (4)

Mandy Sutter Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04

Hello Alois, I have a training sesh tomorrow and I will try that, haven't had a go at consciously relaxing on that side before.

And I suppose I don't feel I'm actively using that side when playing. My focus tends to be all on what my right hand and arm are doing.

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04
Let us know how the training session works.

Mandy Sutter Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04

Hi again Alois

I did manage to consciously relax my left shoulder about half a dozen times during practice today and it made quite a difference. My right side now feels more tense than usual, which is interesting - as though the tension had to migrate somewhere. I have a match tomorrow night and will make an effort to relax both sides a few times during the evening, even if it is only when I am scoring.

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04
Sounds like you have made a little progress. I think awareness of tension is a really big first step. During the match you may be distracted by the tension but if you are not too worried about the result of the match give it a go.

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Tension in non-playing side of body

Mandy Sutter Asked 14 years ago

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Recommended Video

Short Push

Thoughts on this question (4)

Mandy Sutter Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04 Let us know how the training session works.

Mandy Sutter Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04 Sounds like you have made a little progress. I think awareness of tension is a really big first step. During the match you may be distracted by the tension but if you are not too worried about the result of the match give it a go.

© PingSkills

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04
Let us know how the training session works.

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 2012-08-10 08:58:04
Sounds like you have made a little progress. I think awareness of tension is a really big first step. During the match you may be distracted by the tension but if you are not too worried about the result of the match give it a go.