Hey all, I’m a new player with around 12 hours played and I’m really enjoying the sport so far, it’s a beautiful game, and I’m really happy with how much I’ve improved in the little time I’ve played.
However, I’ve noticed, particularly in my last 2/3 sessions, everytime I’ve used my backhand, I get sharp pain in my shoulder that radiates to my upper lat. It got so bad that in my most recent session I couldn’t even use my backhand without a lot of pain, it’s almost debilitating. I got through the session by using my left hand to support it a little, but it still bothered me a little. I have absolutely no problems with my forehand.
I suspect it may be a technique problem, and I’ll try to get some video, moreover I’m taking a week off to rest my shoulder since I played 3 times in the past week alone.
Has anyone experienced similar and if so how did you fix it? What did you change?
You suddenly started using muscles you don't normally use. Your body is saying stop. So stop. Take a break one week.. upon return play very easy at first
Your muscle will be grateful and will adapt quickly
"sharp pain", "radiates", "debilitating", "a lot of pain".
These sound alarming to me and not something to be fixed by correct posture or technique, but a doctor visit.
I strongly recommend that you check your technique and how you hold the racket.
My cousin had a very bad technique when he first started playing padel. Unfortunately, he got a bad arm injury near his elbow, and he used to say that the backhand was the shot that caused him the most pain.
Since you are a beginner, it is the best time to learn the correct technique for holding the racket, as well as the right movements for the forehand and backhand.
Doing this now is very important for two reasons:
First, to avoid building bad habits that will be hard to change later.
Second, and most importantly, to avoid serious injuries. A wrong grip or technique can cause an injury that stops you from playing for months.
Please take a rest and if you like the game you may consider taking a lesson with a coach just to learn the basics
I have been there, the important thing is your grip, how you hold your racket. Where do you meet the balls. In general any shot shouldn’t cause pain. Secondly your position, work on recovering back to your position so you are best placed to execute the shot. And other common mistake at the beginning is to use more arm and strength rather technique. Its best to generate power from your body rather just hands, that comes with more playing and practice.
If you are injured its best to take proper rest and consult rather satisfying the current urge to play more, mostly it worsens the situation. One of my friend pushed too far and he had to rest for 6 months!
You need a dr to check this out. Playing a shot in padel should never hurt (not physically at least... :D). But without a scan you probably won't get a good answer.
* see a physical therapist when possible
* your non playing hand should always be supporting the racket at all times
* there is a chance the racket you're using is definitely not suited for you
* exercises that target the shoulder etc
"your non playing hand should always be supporting the racket at all times" - sorry what? It should be supporting the racket at all times in between shots, but unless you play a double handed backhand, it should never be supporting the racket when contacting the ball.
