Why Does My Elbow Hurt When I Hit Slice Shots In Tennis?

Your elbow may ache or grab when you hit slice shots because the repeated wrist and forearm action used to create backspin can overload the tendons that attach around the elbow.

You might notice that your regular groundstrokes feel fine, but the moment you hit a slice backhand or defensive slice, your elbow suddenly reminds you that something is not happy. The stroke can create a sharp twinge, a dull ache, or a pulling feeling that lingers between points and gets worse as the match goes on.

Slice shots require a different wrist and forearm action than topspin strokes. If your elbow is already tired or irritated, repeatedly carving under the ball can keep stressing the same area, making it harder for the elbow to settle down and recover before your next session.

The Cutting Motion Of The Slice Keeps Pulling On The Same Spot

You may feel pain the instant your racket moves under the ball.

The muscles that help create backspin attach near the outside of your elbow, and slice shots ask those muscles to work over and over again. If the area is already sensitive, every slice can feel like it pulls on the same painful spot. You might notice that a few slices are manageable, but a long rally full of defensive shots quickly makes the elbow ache.

The Elbow Starts Feeling Worse Late In The Match

You may notice the pain builds as your arm gets tired.

When your forearm muscles fatigue, your elbow has to absorb more of the work during slice shots. The stroke can start feeling less smooth, and the elbow may feel stiff or tender between games. By the end of the session, even simple movements like gripping a water bottle or shaking hands might remind you that the area has been overworked.

Managing Tissue Stress, Circulation, and Recovery

Pain that keeps returning during movement, after activity, or once the body cools down often means the injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, or nearby connective tissues are still recovering from repeated strain. When an area stays tight, restricted, or painful with normal movement, the tissues may not be moving or recovering as smoothly as they should.

Repeated stress can also leave circulation slower around the injured area, making it harder for oxygen, nutrients, and excess tissue fluids to move normally through the tissues. Over time, this can leave the area feeling stiff, weak, tight, or easier to aggravate during repeated movement and activity.

Topical Recovery Support

For acute injuries with pain, swelling and inflammation, some people apply Acute Sinew Liniment to help relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and increase blood flow to injured tissues to support faster recovery and a quicker return to activity. Some also use it alongside Sinew Herbal Ice to help speed up the recovery process and restore normal circulation and range of motion.

For ongoing pain, stiffness, or slow-healing areas after swelling and inflammation have subsided, some people apply Chronic Sinew Liniment to help relieve pain, stimulate circulation, and support recovery in overstretched tendons and ligaments. Some also pair it with Sinew Injury Poultice to further stimulate circulation and support deeper tissue recovery in areas with persistent pain and stiffness.

To warm up muscles, reduce tightness, and improve flexibility before or after activity, some people apply Sinew Sports Massage Oil to help increase circulation, prepare muscles for movement, relieve tightness, and support flexibility after activity.

Safety Notes

This article provides general educational information about the topic described above.

Persistent, severe, or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is elbow pain during slice shots a sign of tennis elbow?

It can be. Repeated slice shots often stress the same tendons involved in tennis elbow, especially on the outside of the joint.

Why do slice backhands hurt more than topspin shots?

Slice backhands use a different wrist and forearm motion that can place more strain on tired or irritated elbow structures.

Should I stop hitting slice shots if my elbow hurts?

If the pain keeps getting worse or lingers after playing, reducing slice volume for a while can help the area recover.

Can racket setup contribute to elbow pain on slices?

Yes. String tension, racket weight, and grip size can all affect how much stress reaches your elbow during contact.

Why does my elbow still ache after the match is over?

Repeated strain from hitting slices can leave the forearm muscles and tendons sore, making everyday movements uncomfortable for a day or two.