Yes, get overgrip tape and perhaps the Hesacore grip to put under that, get a paddle with a swing weight under 115, do not get a heavy paddle, get a paddle that’s plush and not too stiff, and learn how to generate topspin with your shoulder legs and torso instead of your wrist. My pickleball elbow will probably last 6 months. As I rehab I’m playing left-handed (non dominant) and having a lot of fun doing so!
Great advice. I spent almost two months in physio therapy for pretty severe, pickleball elbow. My grip pressure, weak wrist, using too much wrist and a cheap paddle were probably all factors. The paddle handle of my crummy paddle, vibrated, when I hit the ball! I now have a Selkirk paddle. No more vibration! I wear an elbow and wrist brace, and I’m working to get rid of my bad habits. I’ve gone from barely being able to lift a pot off the stove, to playing a lot of pickleball, and I rarely have pain.
For what it's worth, I came into pickleball with severe "scaring" of the tendon that causes "tennis elbow" from 30 yrs of twisting wrenches. X=rays, and MRIs showed surgery was needed with no solid guaranty of 100% fix. I decided to pass. Using a brace (Bandit) gave me enough relief from the pain to continue to play. Also made the switch to a "ping pong" grip that helped more than all the other things mentioned. For early stage "tennis elbow" inflammation, there is hope of full recovery from the pain. No one wants to hear "STOP PLAYING" until fully healed, so we find work arounds. Big "BANDIT" fan.
Tony - I watched a few of your videos where the persons returning the serve would very quickly go to the non volley line. I live in The Villages and get instruction here - obviously for older people. One of my instructors is a former college tennis coach. He breaks down the return of serve differently. His objective is not to get to the non volley line. He teaches us the objective is to be in the best possible position to make the fourth shot. In general he has us return the serve and get to a point about 2 - 3 feet from the non volley zone. While we are getting to this point in the court our objective is to determine what possible 3rd shots the serving team has available to them. If we have made a deep return of serve and they are hitting off their back foot or are struggling to get to the return of serve (we're old after all), then as soon as we decide they are not likely to lob or drive the ball, we take the final step to get to the non volley zone. If it is obvious (hard to teach reading your opponents) that they are going to lob, we remain 3 feet behind the non volley zone. If they make a poor lob we are in position to make them pay. If they make a good lob, we have a 3 foot head start to get back to the ball. If we have made a 'short' return and the serving team decides to drive the ball, we're 3 feet back and have more reaction time. If they make a good 3rd shot drop - we're only 1 step away from the non volley one. Note - one of my friends is 6' 6" tall - his goal is to get to the non volley zone - only fools try to lob over him. But even he struggles with a short return and then a good hard return from the serving team. If I was 20 years old I would challenge them to lob or drive the ball past me. My reaction times were much better at that age. So, as you're talking strategies - take into account the differences in athleticism - especially between youngsters and older people. Anna Lee Waters is extremely fast, but i think I could take her grandmother or grandfather! And at 73 I may be older than tem.
Great comment Don. Thanks for sharing it. If you are playing a lobber then hanging off the line some makes sense. If a short return then you would stop when they are getting ready to hit (gonna be tough sledding from there though). A modified split step if you will. Here’s the potential limitation I see with always stopping 3 feet back from the NVZ. If I’m a savvy player I will start hitting mid range drives hoping to dip the ball about 10 feet from the net - at your feet. That would be trouble imo. At the end of the day you are correct that different ages and opponents may require different approaches. That is one of the beauties of our sport. Glad you’re still out there playing and looking to grow. Take care.
I find that the main amateur technique across all of these sports is using the elbow as a major lever in their swings (esp backhands in the racket sports) when it really should be a join with bigger muscles for power generation (legs, core, shoulder). Doing so results in repeated hyperextension of the elbow joint which irritates everything in the area. Same overall issue applies to the wrist.
Great video! I played 2 years with a Selkirk Epic paddle and never had any issues with my elbow. I switched to a Paddletek Sabre Pro paddle in mid December. Both paddles weighed the same , grip size the same but the swing weight clearly was different. I started experiencing pain in my forearm, issues with lifting things and ultimately was diagnosed with tennis elbow.
The comment about the grip is so true. I bought my paddle and was playing with it for a couple of weeks when I started playing pickleball and started experiencing elbow pain. One day I played with someone's else paddle for one game and I realized that my paddle grip was too thin. I added an overgrip and immediately felt the difference.
great rehab for pb elbow is taking an elastic band around your fingers and opening and closing the band. Then taking a towel on a flat surface and with your hand down and crunching it up, and releasing it. Do this every day to strengthen the tiny muscles
This is the best and most concise video on elbow pain and pickleball I’ve seen. You could probably do another one on rehab, even though you’re not a doctor. When injured, I highly advise getting some flex bars. Using more shoulder and less wrist is going to be a big challenge for me, but it’s absolutely correct.
Thanks Tony. My elbow has been hurting for about 4 months. I even took a moth or so off. I’ve been playing since 2006…I think the same way. However, my elbow didn’t begin hurting until earlier this year.
Do you have any other tips for loosening a death grip? I twist my paddle in my hand in between points and switch hands. When i start a game and am really focused on the grip, i do well. When it gets intense at the kitchen line, you couldn’t pry that paddle out of my grip. My grip is the right size but i am still throttling it. Any other advice? Someone should make an overgeip with little tacks on it going outwards to train yourself to grip lightly!!’
You might try a Hesacore on your paddle. It changes the texture of the grip and may help. You can find it at our website betterpickleball.com under resources. Breathing between rallies may help too. Relax your whole body :)
Thank you for the question. You are correct that Icon is no longer around - which is unfortunate. We are currently reviewing different paddles and have not settled on one yet. Two options you might try. If there is a local store or a Canadian online retailer that has a demo program I would do that. Otherwise, I would see if friends let me hit with their paddle and see if I like it. Hope to have more paddle information out in the future. Take care.
thnx for the informative vid. I'm a 5'3" 125lb 56yr.old male beginner/intermediate player who's experiencing elbow pain after playing the sport for only 3 weeks, using the 8.1oz elongated Vatic Pro v7 16mm paddle. I'm guessing the paddle is too heavy for me with a top-heavy swing. i'm sure other factors such as my technique is a culprit as well. what paddle would you recommend I use in the $100 range? lighter static / swing weight with a shorter grip length? I average 6-8 hrs. of weekly play time currently, and intend to play more in the future.. thnx, David
Hello David. Sorry you are in pain. I would recommend hitting with some other paddles from your friends. You may also be able to find a local store with a demo program. The lightest paddle I have hit with recently is the Selkirk power air but i think of it more as a tennis player paddle. If you visit tennis warehouse university they have a pickleball link where you can find paddle swingweight. That should be a good guide to find a lighter swingweight paddle. Don’t forget paddle shape is an important part of it. Feel better.
It would seem that vibration would be an issue but our experience is that most reasonably well made paddles are in the same rough range. The Pro Kennex paddles are well made but the test figures put them in the middle of the pack in terms of vibration frequency. The PK Pro Flight comes in at 329 versus a Joola Hyperion 13.5 mm at 291 (lower vibration). In any event, glad your pain is resolved.
Hi Jon. Again not medical advice but what I have found is great for knee pain is actually to work on your glutes (stretch them) and hips. Most often knee pain isn’t really originating because of a problem with the knee. Hope this helps.
Yes, get overgrip tape and perhaps the Hesacore grip to put under that, get a paddle with a swing weight under 115, do not get a heavy paddle, get a paddle that’s plush and not too stiff, and learn how to generate topspin with your shoulder legs and torso instead of your wrist.
My pickleball elbow will probably last 6 months. As I rehab I’m playing left-handed (non dominant) and having a lot of fun doing so!
Thanks for sharing. Good stuff.
Great advice. I spent almost two months in physio therapy for pretty severe, pickleball elbow. My grip pressure, weak wrist, using too much wrist and a cheap paddle were probably all factors. The paddle handle of my crummy paddle, vibrated, when I hit the ball!
I now have a Selkirk paddle. No more vibration! I wear an elbow and wrist brace, and I’m working to get rid of my bad habits. I’ve gone from barely being able to lift a pot off the stove, to playing a lot of pickleball, and I rarely have pain.
Great news Lori - vibrating paddle handle no bueno.
I use the Pro Kennex. It’s helped alleviate my tennis elbow greatly. Love this light paddle too!
For what it's worth, I came into pickleball with severe "scaring" of the tendon that causes "tennis elbow" from 30 yrs of twisting wrenches. X=rays, and MRIs showed surgery was needed with no solid guaranty of 100% fix. I decided to pass. Using a brace (Bandit) gave me enough relief from the pain to continue to play. Also made the switch to a "ping pong" grip that helped more than all the other things mentioned. For early stage "tennis elbow" inflammation, there is hope of full recovery from the pain. No one wants to hear "STOP PLAYING" until fully healed, so we find work arounds. Big "BANDIT" fan.
Thanks for sharing this kimbo. Glad you’re able to play.
Thanks Tony. The pickleball system is helping me be a better player in the first week. You and CJ have a great thing going there.
Ty Nate. Glad to have you with us. Keep at it.
Tony - I watched a few of your videos where the persons returning the serve would very quickly go to the non volley line. I live in The Villages and get instruction here - obviously for older people. One of my instructors is a former college tennis coach. He breaks down the return of serve differently. His objective is not to get to the non volley line. He teaches us the objective is to be in the best possible position to make the fourth shot. In general he has us return the serve and get to a point about 2 - 3 feet from the non volley zone. While we are getting to this point in the court our objective is to determine what possible 3rd shots the serving team has available to them. If we have made a deep return of serve and they are hitting off their back foot or are struggling to get to the return of serve (we're old after all), then as soon as we decide they are not likely to lob or drive the ball, we take the final step to get to the non volley zone. If it is obvious (hard to teach reading your opponents) that they are going to lob, we remain 3 feet behind the non volley zone. If they make a poor lob we are in position to make them pay. If they make a good lob, we have a 3 foot head start to get back to the ball. If we have made a 'short' return and the serving team decides to drive the ball, we're 3 feet back and have more reaction time. If they make a good 3rd shot drop - we're only 1 step away from the non volley one. Note - one of my friends is 6' 6" tall - his goal is to get to the non volley zone - only fools try to lob over him. But even he struggles with a short return and then a good hard return from the serving team. If I was 20 years old I would challenge them to lob or drive the ball past me. My reaction times were much better at that age. So, as you're talking strategies - take into account the differences in athleticism - especially between youngsters and older people. Anna Lee Waters is extremely fast, but i think I could take her grandmother or grandfather! And at 73 I may be older than tem.
Great comment Don. Thanks for sharing it. If you are playing a lobber then hanging off the line some makes sense. If a short return then you would stop when they are getting ready to hit (gonna be tough sledding from there though). A modified split step if you will. Here’s the potential limitation I see with always stopping 3 feet back from the NVZ. If I’m a savvy player I will start hitting mid range drives hoping to dip the ball about 10 feet from the net - at your feet. That would be trouble imo. At the end of the day you are correct that different ages and opponents may require different approaches. That is one of the beauties of our sport. Glad you’re still out there playing and looking to grow. Take care.
I find that the main amateur technique across all of these sports is using the elbow as a major lever in their swings (esp backhands in the racket sports) when it really should be a join with bigger muscles for power generation (legs, core, shoulder). Doing so results in repeated hyperextension of the elbow joint which irritates everything in the area. Same overall issue applies to the wrist.
Ty Mike. Agreed
Great video! I played 2 years with a Selkirk Epic paddle and never had any issues with my elbow. I switched to a Paddletek Sabre Pro paddle in mid December. Both paddles weighed the same , grip size the same but the swing weight clearly was different. I started experiencing pain in my forearm, issues with lifting things and ultimately was diagnosed with tennis elbow.
Thanks for sharing Linda. Arm pain no bueno.
The comment about the grip is so true. I bought my paddle and was playing with it for a couple of weeks when I started playing pickleball and started experiencing elbow pain. One day I played with someone's else paddle for one game and I realized that my paddle grip was too thin. I added an overgrip and immediately felt the difference.
It is interesting how a "small" change can make all the difference.
great rehab for pb elbow is taking an elastic band around your fingers and opening and closing the band. Then taking a towel on a flat surface and with your hand down and crunching it up, and releasing it. Do this every day to strengthen the tiny muscles
Ty for sharing
This is the best and most concise video on elbow pain and pickleball I’ve seen. You could probably do another one on rehab, even though you’re not a doctor. When injured, I highly advise getting some flex bars. Using more shoulder and less wrist is going to be a big challenge for me, but it’s absolutely correct.
Solid advice. I had not really thought much about how players may over-rely on their smaller forearm muscles when hitting. Appreciate it.
I also have the Selkirk power air and it seems to have made my elbow better. I think the swing weight and arrow dynamics helps
Big fan of the paddle. Glad you’re enjoying it.
Great video! Very clear and helpful. Love the recommended exercises!
Ty Steve.
Thanks Tony. My elbow has been hurting for about 4 months. I even took a moth or so off. I’ve been playing since 2006…I think the same way. However, my elbow didn’t begin hurting until earlier this year.
Hi Mary - sorry to hear about your pain. Has anything changed in the last year?
Thank-you for posting this helpful video!
Pleasure. Glad it helped
Which paddle do you use, I am suffering from tennis elbow.
I would love if CJ would do a review of the new Icon V2. Great Chanel!
Ty Darrell. We are still exploring the paddle. Jury is still out on the V2.
@@BestPickleballCoach Just got one myself. Liking it so far.
Have you heard of hesacore? Apparently those grips are supposed to lower the vibrations from the ball which helps with the pain
I have used the Hesacore and like it. It may very well help but I am not sure.
Tony what about wrist pain / fatigue?
Hi. Wrote a long response in the comments for thumb and wrist…
It can stem from the same things. Think of the wrist to forearm working together.
Thanks Tony u da man
We recognize our own :). Take care Tony
Do you have any other tips for loosening a death grip? I twist my paddle in my hand in between points and switch hands. When i start a game and am really focused on the grip, i do well. When it gets intense at the kitchen line, you couldn’t pry that paddle out of my grip. My grip is the right size but i am still throttling it. Any other advice? Someone should make an overgeip with little tacks on it going outwards to train yourself to grip lightly!!’
You might try a Hesacore on your paddle. It changes the texture of the grip and may help. You can find it at our website betterpickleball.com under resources. Breathing between rallies may help too. Relax your whole body :)
The paddle that CJ uses is not a available any longer. I’m in Canada. Is there another you can suggest. Thx so much.
Thank you for the question. You are correct that Icon is no longer around - which is unfortunate. We are currently reviewing different paddles and have not settled on one yet. Two options you might try. If there is a local store or a Canadian online retailer that has a demo program I would do that. Otherwise, I would see if friends let me hit with their paddle and see if I like it. Hope to have more paddle information out in the future. Take care.
thnx for the informative vid. I'm a 5'3" 125lb 56yr.old male beginner/intermediate player who's experiencing elbow pain after playing the sport for only 3 weeks, using the 8.1oz elongated Vatic Pro v7 16mm paddle. I'm guessing the paddle is too heavy for me with a top-heavy swing. i'm sure other factors such as my technique is a culprit as well. what paddle would you recommend I use in the $100 range? lighter static / swing weight with a shorter grip length? I average 6-8 hrs. of weekly play time currently, and intend to play more in the future.. thnx, David
Hello David. Sorry you are in pain. I would recommend hitting with some other paddles from your friends. You may also be able to find a local store with a demo program. The lightest paddle I have hit with recently is the Selkirk power air but i think of it more as a tennis player paddle. If you visit tennis warehouse university they have a pickleball link where you can find paddle swingweight. That should be a good guide to find a lighter swingweight paddle. Don’t forget paddle shape is an important part of it. Feel better.
What is the purpose of the hole in Selkirk paddles?
I am not 100% sure what they were intending with it, but I can tell you it makes the paddle easier to move around.
Thanks!
Pleasure
He forgot to mention paddle vibration, this is the number 1 cause for my pain, I have switched to a Prokennex now, and pain is gone
It would seem that vibration would be an issue but our experience is that most reasonably well made paddles are in the same rough range. The Pro Kennex paddles are well made but the test figures put them in the middle of the pack in terms of vibration frequency. The PK Pro Flight comes in at 329 versus a Joola Hyperion 13.5 mm at 291 (lower vibration). In any event, glad your pain is resolved.
i clicked on the link to get the paddle names and it just popped up a general info page??
I double checked the video links and did not see anything missing - what was the title of the link you were trying to access? Thanks
@@BestPickleballCoach "Camps" was highlighted and below that "play your best pickleball"
Perhaps you could have shown exactly WHERE the pain is: top side, below, inside, end of your elbow...?
I think I pointed to it - at least I see myself pointing to it in the photo :).
Have any suggestions for knee pain caused by pickleball?
Hi Jon. Again not medical advice but what I have found is great for knee pain is actually to work on your glutes (stretch them) and hips. Most often knee pain isn’t really originating because of a problem with the knee. Hope this helps.
great advise. thank you
Pleasure