Folks, Im a newbie here - age 32. Been playing the game for more than 7 years now. About 10 months ago I changed from a Nanospeed 8000 to a Armotec 900 Power. I was forced to change as the frame develped a micro crack as a result from a racquet clash - and eventually broke during a game. I had the NS for 4 years, and thought it was an ok racquet. I am an average player (play twice a week, a couple of friendlies a year). I used to string the Nanospeed 24 x 23 lbs. I used to smash quite a lot (sigh!). Initially when I changed to the AT 900P, I played really well. About 30-40% improvement in game - can easily clear defensive shots, and very strong smashes. After 2-3 weeks of play the shoulder pain developed. The pain last for several days, and it returns quite soon after warm up. I have rested the shoulder, had it massaged, accupuncture etc. But the pain always comes back when I use the racquet. I have reduced the tension to 22 lbs now. And warmup with my backup Carb 21. I have lost the ability to smash now, and tend to fear smashing as I know it will be followed by the stinging sension, and my next few shots will be crap. I still like how easily I can clear shots, but some times find I cant swing the racquest fast enought for a defensive shot. Appreciate some advice, should I be looking at another racquet (any suggestions -Yonex pls) or is it a tecnhique issue. My game has been going down since, and Im really demoralized. Im afraid I will have to live with this pain (Have taken long rests - but the pain comes back). Im really sad about this. :crying: Thanks you all.
Your problems is similar to my friend's. He is using a NS9000S and also have issues with his shoulder. He went to see a specialist and was told that he has muscle tear in his shoulder. I think he didn't use the right technique and also the racquet being stiff contribute to his problem. He switch to a flexy racquet and that helps minimize the pain during a game. Now he is laying off badminton for 1 month so as to let the shoulder recover. I advise you to see a doctor and get a expert's opinion. Also look at your technique, you shouldn't just use shoulder muscle to execute your strokes.
Sounds like a rotator cuff problem. Rest will help it feel better, but unless you strengthen those little muscles, the pain will continue to reoccur. Do a google search for exercises. I've had rotator cuff issues in the past as well. Combination of over playing, trying to swing too hard and a heavy racket.
It seems that since your racquet is head heavy, you feel more confident in using your shoulder for power, and aren' focusing on using forearm rotation to effectively channel power into your strokes. Instead, your shoulder is being worn out because the shoulder is being overused. The best way is to fix your technique; take your racquet and swing with only your forearm muscles. After, slowly include your shoulder in, but only in moderation; your shoulder should not be a main power generator!
If the pain persists, maybe you should switch to a racquet that relies on your wrist for power since the AT900P's head heaviness makes you generate power from your shoulder to compensate for the lack in wrist strength. Just theories, some would make more sense than others if we could see all the details of your technique, but they're general enough for you to decide on your own.
Thank you all for your kind words of support. I'm practising my technique now and a lot of the comments above (about using too much shoulder for power) make sense. Will feedback after a few weeks to see if the situaiton improves. One more question - should I be working on strengthening my shoulder at the gym or is it my wrists ? What is it about this sport that is so addicitive... Thanks again.
Hi, I have the same problem with AT900P. Smash too much and shoulders become sore. Technique is basic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDTEc8rWWMo&feature=related Basically, try to work on the shoulders using freeweights. The stronger your muscles, the better you will resist injury. Try 2kilos gradually up to 10kilos per shoulder. Btw, after turning 35, you will experience some form of sarcopenia(muscle loss) and mild osteoporosis (bone loss). Better build up your muscles now, and keep exercising to slow down the effects of time. Plus you will look better with toned muscles.
Hey thanks for the link and advice. I've improved on my technique and now conscious of my shots. I found as suggested, the greatest pain when striking the shuttle behind my head as there little wrist involement. But in a fast game, it's hard to be accurate on technique and shots - need to have good stamina too. Lots of scope to improve on my part. Im switching racquets between games too, but this seems to affect my timing slightly...
For shots that goes behind you, you need to change your grip (google for badminton bible). In fact, I use mainly wrist for shots like these and can pull off attacking clears.
I've got this problem waaayyy time before. There are 2 solution here. 1. Train wrist. Training shoulder is only a matter of time. Focusing fire power on the wrist and staying with current shoulder is enough. In other words, fixing you technique sir xD. 2. Use visible hollow technologies racket. It's been developed a long time ago (some member in this forum said this). One of them is apacs visible hollow series. This is said to be an excelent shock dampering technologies.
I don't think it's the shock hurting his shoulder as it is him overthrowing it. So I think suggestion 2 isn't much help.
