In the last 5-6 games I have been playing, my elbow has started to hurt. I can no longer hit hard shots as hard as I Would want to, or even play any shot purely because my elbow is hurting that much. I have to wait at least 3-4 days before it stops hurting again, and then when I do play 1-2 games, it starts to hurt again. Is it something I am doing with my shots? Over strecthing? Can someone please help me out on how i can prevent this?
Hi there I've experience this as well altho not to that extent of having to wait 3-4 days to recover.. just yesterday i was playing and i think it's the way you return your shots.. at least that's the way it is with me.. not so much smashing wise but with overhead returns, it stresses my elbow somewhat, esp the backhand returns if i'm trying to force a return in awkward positions.. by no means am i an expert in the workings for an arm during badminton, but just thought i'd share my opinion and experiences .. cheers!
Have you changed anything in technique recently? It could possibly be due to gripping the racquet handle too tightly before and after hitting the shuttle. Try holding the racquet more loosely and having a relaxed body when not actually hitting the shuttle. Easy to say but difficult in practice.
I think you have tennis elbow. see link below for more info. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tenniselbow-jax/
the only long-term solution is to strengthen your tendons. Heavy wrist work would do wonders. But let it heal first.
There is a good test of whether you have tennis elbow. Let your arm hang losely by your side, plam facing behind you. Raise your hand so that the plam is facing the floor, but keep your upper arm next to your side. Now, keeping your forearm where it is hinge your hand up at the wrist until it will go no further. Here come the interesting bit - get someone to hold your forearm in place and try to push your hand back down. You should attempt to resist their efforts - if it hurts you have tennis elbow. Cure: Rest. Bigger grip on the racquet. And, whatever it is you are gripping that tightly, be more gentle.
see this link http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0030.htm particularly 1. Work with a knowledgeable coach to improve your technique 2. Make sure that the grip on your racket is the right size for you (a grip that is too large or too small increases wrist-muscle fatigue, making the wrist unstable and leading to too-large forces at the elbow) 4. Use less-stiff rackets 5. String your racket less tightly
