Warm-up up exercises on your own

Unfortunately, I don't have many other players in my club with whom I can warm up properly. This is important for my forehand, especially at tournaments, as I suffer from an ‘iron arm’. Are there any exercises that I can do on my own in preparation for the match to loosen up my arm? Thanks

Hi Manfred,

It's definitely important to get a proper warm-up in, especially when you're about to compete. Here are a few exercises you can do on your own to help loosen up your arm and get ready for your matches:

Shadow Playing - Mimic table tennis strokes without the ball. Focus on your forehand, as well as your backhand to ensure full arm movement. This not only helps in warming up your muscles but also gets your footwork activated. 

Next take a look at our Tutorial in Physical Warm Ups.

Dynamic stretches involve movement and help improve your flexibility and range of motion. Incorporating these exercises into your pre-match routine should help alleviate the 'iron arm' feeling and get you in top shape to play.

Remember, the key is to get the blood flowing and muscles adequately warmed up without wearing yourself out before the match even starts. All the best at your tournaments.