Aug 29, 2017Dynamic Stretches for Sports
Achieving dynamic stability of your core muscles is a prerequisite for efficient and effective athletic mobility. If there is insufficient or imbalanced core mobility, then stability, strength, power, speed, and other elements of optimal performance suffer. The dynamic stretch movement patterns in Chapter 7 of Stretch to Win, Second Edition, work from the center of your core out to the rest of your torso and limbs.
What is Dynamic Stretching?
Dynamic stretching uses faster tempos and shorter durations to help you achieve dynamic mobility for vigorous and explosive movement in fitness and sports. Dynamic stretching is usually done as part of the warm-up before training, competition, or other activities. The ground stretches in Chapter 7 focus on dynamic flexibility preparation of the core muscles and the fascia of your lower body and progress to your upper body. The initial focus is dynamic core mobility, and the progression integrates motor control and core stability
Take a look at the Hip Flexors-Torso-Shoulder Stretch
Because this stretch is performed while kneeling, it requires more active core motor control and core stabilization and simultaneous mobilization of your upper and lower core. If you have any anterior knee pain, cushion the knee with a pad or article of clothing to dampen the pressure and prevent pain. Do not perform this if it is painful.
Instructions
- Kneel on one leg with the other leg in front of you and the foot on the floor. Raise one arm overhead and lunge forward over the front leg. Press both hips forward and keep the chest lifted until you feel a stretch in front of the rear hip and in one or both groins (see figure 7.2a).
- Gently move the raised arm opposite the hip being stretched to increase the stretch into the torso, shoulder, and arm (see figure 7.2b).
- Come out of the lunge by lowering your arm and slightly relaxing your spine as you do a little StretchWave back to the starting position. Finish with a straight spine.
Expand the Net
Make bigger circles with the hips and torso and bigger movements with the arms (see figure 7.2c).
Click here to learn another stretch: the Hip-Spine-Shoulder Stretch.
If it’s time to increase mobility, speed, power, agility, range of motion, and overall performance of your athletes, it’s time for Stretch to Win! Learn more about the complete flexibility training system that’s designed for today’s athlete and is made up of dynamic stretches that mirror sport-specific movement:
Visit HumanKinetics.com to read some excerpts from Stretch to Win and to sign up for our free HK Rewards program to save money on this book and other great resources.
