|
|
An arm brace you can make yourself ! |
Post Reply |
Author | |
mike1250
Super Member Joined: 08/07/2017 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 163 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: 09/17/2017 at 3:42pm |
As I have mentioned in a previous thread (See: http://mytabletennis.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=80221&PN=2#995461), I tend to flip the paddle up when hitting the ball. I received numerous tips and advices to correct this unfortunate technical flaw . In face of having no coach around and unavailable commercial technical apparatus, the generous feedbacks from members of this forum inspired me come up with a device to keep the paddle angle constant during the forehand stroke . Here is my design of an arm brace device . Basically , it is a very simple apparatus which consists of 2 pieces of flatbars strapped to the arm by velcro strip ties and elastic flat band ( see Pic_ 01 ) . All the essential components to construct the arm brace are listed in Pic_02 . Pic_03 & Pic_04 show its frontview and backview . Pic_05 provides a close-up of the joint linking 2 pieces of flat bars of the device . Pic_06 to Pic_12 illustrate how the device is strapped to the arm for a practice session . Keep in mind that the arm brace can be locked or unlocked at the joint by using the wing nut . An important element in the design is the set of velcro trip ties which are not readily available in the market at the required lengths . Pic_13 to Pic _18 show the procedure to make your own velcro ties . The great thing is it cost me less than 20. $ US ! If you use wood, it might cost you much less than this ( i.e. around 10 bucks US or less ) A short video clip demonstating the arm brace in action can be viewed here: **************************************************
(Acknowledgement: Several members deserve my deepest gratitude for their generous tips, expert advices and kindness which motivate me to come up with the design and bring to life this arm brace . Thanks : Baal, qpskfec, Fulanodetal , man_iii , henningf , BRS )
Pic_01 Pic_02 Pic_03: Front view Pic_04 : Back view Pic_05: Close-up of the joint Pic_06 Pic_07 Pic_08 Pic_09 Pic_11 Pic_12 Pic_13 Pic_14 Pic_15 Pic_16 (Using electrical tape to cover the sticky side of the loop velcro ) Pic_17 : ( Press the sticky side of the 2" long hook velcro onto the last 2 " end of the non-stick side of the loop velcro ) Pic_18 Edited by mike1250 - 09/17/2017 at 11:33pm |
|
Sponsored Links | |
mike1250
Super Member Joined: 08/07/2017 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 163 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I just made anothe arm brace similar to the previous one but use wood rather than steel flat bar . It is much lighter and wearing it felt more comfortable . Note that there are slots along the edge of the wood bars to keep the velcro strip ties in place . The complete assemblage Front view Back view Edited by mike1250 - 09/18/2017 at 3:21pm |
|
Fulanodetal
Gold Member Joined: 06/28/2013 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1226 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Im still not sure why you are trying to lock the elbow. But since you can unlock it I guess it serves your purposes.
I think it actually might be helpful to fix your wrist issue. Who knows. It does look like your blood circulation might be severely restricted on your arm. Does it feel tingly? FdT |
|
BRS
Gold Member Joined: 05/08/2013 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 1587 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Impressive design/build skills!
What is your plan to transition from the device with locked arm back to normal play without it? I assume you don't intend to use it permanently, since you won't be able to serve well. Although I think it would be legal if you wanted to wear it in competition. It would also be interesting to see before and after video of your forehand. If this thing fixes your problem you may end uo with a side business in custom-fitted table tennis technique correctors. |
|
mike1250
Super Member Joined: 08/07/2017 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 163 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks for your kind concern as the blood circulation in my arm is O.K. It took a few trials to adjust the right tightness of these velcro straps.BTW, I just returned from a one-hour test run using the wood brace with a friend. What a surprise to hear my friend's comments ! He told me I had a 90% success rate returning the ball . All the rallies lasted at least 15 seconds or more ( compared to less than an average of 6 seconds per rally before ) ! It seemed that I played much better with the joint locked . But of course, I had to twist my waist a lot more ! My conclusion is that this arm brace has certainly solved my wrist problem ! I'll practice with this device on for a few more weeks , hoping to completely correct my ingrained flaw of flipping up the wrist each time I hit the ball. Edited by mike1250 - 09/18/2017 at 11:09pm |
|
mike1250
Super Member Joined: 08/07/2017 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 163 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks for your kind words... I design this device to solve my personal wrist problem . As you can see that I used a wing nut and locked washer at the joint . So you can unlock it easily any time during play if you so desire. I consider it similar to a float for beginning swimmers . You use it for training to get the form right then stop using it . I just tried it locked in the test run and just served the ball topspin only . It worked out O.K. I have not thought of using it during competitions , though . I suspect it is ITTF complied as the rules really concern the bat & rubbers for the most parts, not the arm . I love to hear your comments, dear members, on this ITTF compliance issue . I am really curious to hear Baal's comment on this point . |
|
shinshiro
Super Member Joined: 09/21/2016 Location: Brazil Status: Offline Points: 243 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
That is a nice device mike1250!
Some weeks ago I have noticed that I also have the same wrist issues. I have started to look more carefully to it last week and I plan to correct this issue on next weeks. Good luck to us!
|
|
mike1250
Super Member Joined: 08/07/2017 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 163 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
This device wiil definitely be helpful to you if you have a similar wrist issue as mine . I am very encouraged after the test run today . I felt so great having been able to maintain several rallies up to 30 seconds, not just returning the ball but attacking successfully numerous times ! It's an exhilarating experience, believe me ! Best of luck to you shinshiro ! Edited by mike1250 - 09/18/2017 at 8:43pm |
|
yogi_bear
Forum Moderator Joined: 11/25/2004 Location: Philippines Status: Offline Points: 7219 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
i hope it will not give you a restricted arm movement the moment you removed those straps when playing just because you got used to the device.
|
|
Independent online TT Product reviewer of XIOM, STIGA, JOOLA, SANWEI, GEWO, AIR, ITC, APEX, YASAKA and ABROS
ITTF Level 1 Coaching Course Conductor, ITTF Level 1 Coach |
|
mike1250
Super Member Joined: 08/07/2017 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 163 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
It seems to work well so far . After training with the i-pong and having the arm brace on for 2 days, I took it off and played this afternoon with much improvement ! My paddle stayed at a fixed angle most of the time . Edited by mike1250 - 09/20/2017 at 8:53am |
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
Forum Home | Go to the Forums | Forum Help | Disclaimer
MyTableTennis.NET is the trading name of Alex Table Tennis Ltd. |