Hi all,

The hamer exercise (see Paul’s video’s) is something I usualy do before I go on court, but with my racket. I have an AT, so a bit head heavy, and thus excellent for this. Besides, this is an excersise drummers do if they warm up before practice or a gig, good for the wrists, and good for the lower arm muscles. Very effective ! Never used a power ball, so I can’t tell if it’s better or worse.

Cheers

Ed

Peter Warman said:

Well, I brought a powerball before they got popular, its an old one that doesn't have a counter on it and is actually called a Blue Ball or something. Anyway, when I did use it for a period of time (like many things, other things get in the way and it's always on your to-do list!), I have to say I did notice improvements on my shots, such as slightly more power (as badminton is a wrist game more than an arm game). So I would recommend on buying one and giving it a go, doesn't need to be a top of the range one, they all do the same job. One of the reasons why I stopped using it so much is because it does hum and it may not be that loud but if someone else is in the room, they might get annoyed by the noise and it's not something you can do when watching TV. If you do get one, get one with a counter, makes it more fun to use and more interesting.

 

Haven't seen the video but if you are thinking of using a heavier racket for warming up with, or even to strengthen the muscles, you could use a squash racket OR a training racket. Training rackets are hard to come by, but I have got one and used it quite a bit. But, and this is a big but, please do be careful with the training racket as it is aimed at pro's as they would use it on court like a normal racket but should you do this then be very careful as could result in an injury (Paul would never forgive me should someone injure themselves!). That said, they are not really expensive (though may seem to be at first glance) and you could just use it for warming up exercises, figure of eights and all that, it would still be worth its money in the long run Click HERE for an example.

 

Pete

 

I agree with you Pete – I have a Powerball and it is addictive and you do see results after you get the knack of it. I've had mine since about 2005 and have probably dropped it around a few times and used it in fits and starts, but now I use it all the time. I've noticed the humming noise as well though and mine does have the counter you mentioned. I think I'll get another one now because I think there are some quieter and smoother ones plus they're pretty cheap. Either way, it's a good form of forearm and wrist training that seemingly a lot of people use. There is plenty of videos and exercise plans for them on youtube and the power ball forums etc. I got a general plan from a former national squash player and it seems pretty good. Just need to stick to it I guess like all things to get the best results. Paul's videos are great too and if you mix everything in I'm sure there'd be great results long-term