Tension in non-playing side of body
Strokes
Mandy Sutter Asked 13 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 13 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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Mandy Sutter Posted 13 years ago
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.
Mandy Sutter Posted 13 years ago
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.