1 in 2 older players will have shoulder pain at some point in their tennis career. This is commonly due to decreased flexibility and weakness of the muscles that stabilize the shoulder. Strengthen your back and shoulder muscles and increase your range of motion to reduce the risk of shoulder injury.
Elbow injuries such as “tennis elbow” can gradually develop when muscles in the arm are weak or overused from poor technique (e.g. leading with the elbow or bending the wrist forward (flexing) during a backhand, early trunk rotation). Strengthen your biceps, triceps, and forearm muscles to reduce the risk of elbow injury.
Ankle sprains are the most common acute injury in tennis and knee injuries are also common. These joint injuries can happen due to overuse or during change of direction. Fast stops require leg muscles to contract quickly. If your leg muscles are not strong enough, the stress of the rapid movements transfers to the knee, foot, and ankle and causes injuries such as sprained ankles, Achilles tendon injuries, and knee ligament tears. Build mobility in hips and ankles and strength in leg muscles to reduce your risk of injury.
Muscle tears and pulls are common. Build balanced strength and flexibility of leg muscles to avoid injury.
Hyperextension and over-rotation, such as during a serve, can cause back and trunk injury. Work on your core strength and trunk mobility to reduce your risk of injury.