Racquet sports of all kinds place a large demand on the shoulder. Part of the reason for this is that these sports involve repetitive stress on your shoulders. Racquet sports require a strong, stable shoulder with a well-developed range of motion for optimal performance. The purpose of this article is first to discuss the importance of the shoulder joint in these activities and then describe how to build the necessary physical qualities to limit the opportunity for injury in the shoulder joint while also improving performance.
The Importance of the Shoulder Joint in Racquet Sports
Whatever racquet sport you play, the importance of strong and stable shoulders cannot be overstated. Simply put, building strong and stable shoulders is crucial to optimize performance while reducing the opportunity for injury. The need to protect the shoulder through training is increased because the shoulder joint is highly susceptible to injury because it moves through such a wide range of motion. As a result, for racquet sport athletes, the shoulder is at the top of the list in order of importance. Unfortunately, shoulder injuries are common in racquet sport athletes because the muscles surrounding the shoulder are relatively small and exposed to tremendous repetitive forces. As anyone who plays a racquet sport knows, it is important to have healthy shoulders because soreness at the shoulder joint can take the enjoyment out of playing. Your shoulders play an important role in generating power, maintaining control, and executing shots.
It is important to note that as we age, the body becomes more susceptible to injury. This occurs, in part, because during the aging process, typically beginning in the thirties, the body begins to lose muscle and function. This loss is often accompanied by a decrease in physical activity. This decrease in activity increases the rate of loss in muscle mass and strength. As a result, it is essential to establish and/or maintain a fitness program that includes both strength training and range of motion activities throughout your lifetime.
