Stretching Pros & Cons? [Merged]

[Slicendicer]

Stretch your muscles after you accumulate some heat. Cold stretching is no good. A pre-exercise warm-up is essential to an injury free tennis career, as is slow, controlled proper stretching post-exercise.

See yoga.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

SystemicAnomaly-this thread has nothing to do with static vs. dynamic stretching, but the erroneous premise posed that overall stretching of any kind does not prevent injuries. Care to share some thoughts regarding this or are you going to continue to push your agenda of the merits of dynamic stretching.

Real simple SystemicAnomaly, do you believe that stretching of any kind whether before or after playing tennis does not prevent injuries?

You really like to blur the lines by over-simplifying, don't you? You create too much confusion by failing to clearly indicate what types of stretching is appropriate & when they are appropiate.

The OP should have made the distinction between types of stretching. TonyB and you were already talking about dynamic stretching in this thread before I jumped in. I do not believe it is a good idea to make a blanked statement about stretching without talking about what types of stretching we are talking about -- it is that simple.

 

[Japanese Maple]

You really like to blur the lines by over-simplifying, don't you? You create too much confusion by failing to clearly indicate what types of stretching is appropriate & when they are appropiate.

The OP should have made the distinction between types of stretching. TonyB and you were already talking about dynamic stretching in this thread before I jumped in. I do not believe it is a good idea to make a blanked statement about stretching without talking about what types of stretching we are talking about -- it is that simple.

SystemicAnomaly-you still haven't answered the question! Regardless of what type of stretching, based on your experience and research, do you agree with netman that any kind of stretching-your choice-does not help prevent injuries? Pretty simple question-what are your thoughts?

 

[FastFreddy]

Rehab

Well stretching is a big waste of time. I would not stretch an injuried muscle or tendon or ligament. Just rest stay off your feet ice and some advil. When it feels better than do a walk run walk program and if you still would like to stretch do it after workouts. I would go to roadrunnersports and get pro fitted for orthotics plus they can check your running style and pick the right shoe based on your frame, weight and shape of arch.

 

[Japanese Maple]

Stretch your muscles after you accumulate some heat. Cold stretching is no good. A pre-exercise warm-up is essential to an injury free tennis career, as is slow, controlled proper stretching post-exercise.

See yoga.

Good advice-very important to warm up your body before stretching or don't bother to stretch at all-could do more harm stretching a cold muscle/tendon. Interestly, professional rehab specialist make stretching an integral part of healing an injury, along with ice, heat, strengthening exercises and pulse ultrasound. These same principles can be applied to tennis players for home treatment too-extremely beneficial-just be sure to use only ice the first 48 hours, before applying heat.

 

[netman]

Good advice-very important to warm up your body before stretching or don't bother to stretch at all-could do more harm stretching a cold muscle/tendon. Interestly, professional rehab specialist make stretching an integral part of healing an injury, along with ice, heat, strengthening exercises and pulse ultrasound. These same principles can be applied to tennis players for home treatment too-extremely beneficial-just be sure to use only ice the first 48 hours, before applying heat.

JM, if you think that because someone is a "professional rehab specialist" they are an expert on injury rehab, you may be mislead. I'll say it again, the majority of instruction that passes as rehab training is based on circumstantial evidence at best and in many cases simply word of mouth experience passed on with no quantitative basis.

 

[Japanese Maple]

JM, if you think that because someone is a "professional rehab specialist" they are an expert on injury rehab, you may be mislead. I'll say it again, the majority of instruction that passes as rehab training is based on circumstantial evidence at best and in many cases simply word of mouth experience passed on with no quantitative basis.

netman-lets put it this way, going to a trained rehab specialist is much more beneficial than ignoring a prolong injury, doing nothing and hoping things get better. Years ago I had a bad case of patella tendinitis that would not go away and getting into rehab knocked out my injury in 3 weeks. Most tennis players tend to ignore and play through injuries which eventually gets much worse and more difficult to treat resulting in possible surgery. Sports medicine trained rehab specialist are excellent and extremely helpful if an injury warrants their expert advice!

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

SystemicAnomaly-you still haven't answered the question! Regardless of what type of stretching, based on your experience and research, do you agree with netman that any kind of stretching-your choice-does not help prevent injuries? Pretty simple question-what are your thoughts?

You just don't get it do you? I have answered the question -- by saying that the distinction must be made. I will not answer it without making that very important distinction, no matter how much you insist.

Perhaps you are asking the wrong questions.

.

 

[stormholloway]

Static stretching is a good thing if you want to increase your range of motion, but it's something you do after a match or any kind of athletic event. Think of it this way; you can't improve your flexibility in 10 minutes. You can improve your range of motion over time, but to hurt your muscular performance for the psychological effect of being more flexible is ridiculous. Save the static stretching for after the match.

I second this.

 

[jessey]

There is definitely a place for stretching in the prevention of injuries. This may not be as apparent in tennis as in some other more extreme sports such as taekwondo. Though what constitute a good stretching is up for debate and further research.

 

[Slicendicer]

JM, if you think that because someone is a "professional rehab specialist" they are an expert on injury rehab, you may be mislead. I'll say it again, the majority of instruction that passes as rehab training is based on circumstantial evidence at best and in many cases simply word of mouth experience passed on with no quantitative basis.

I am basing my statements not on "word of mouth" experience, but the science of physiology and body mechanics. I attained a physiology degree and have a good understanding of "how the body works". Stretching not only prevents injury, but is often part of the recovery process... if done properly.

Whatever ideas you posted are false and misinformed to say the least.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

^ For the most part, the research has not shown the injury prevention that you speak of. I am speaking specifically of static stretching performed just prior to exercise or competition. Researchers such as Robert Herbert (Ph.D.) and Marcos de Noronha, (Ph.D) have concluded that stretching before exercise doesn't prevent post-exercise muscle soreness. They also found little support for the theory that stretching immediately before exercise can prevent either overuse or acute sports injuries. It appears that an extended dynamic warmup is probably the best bet for injury prevention.

...

BTW, the term "dynamic stretching" seems to be a bit of misnomer since most dynamic stretches are really just low intensity, repetitive muscle movements no different than jogging in place, hopping around, etc. Why would you do a movement that has no direct relation to what you will be doing at full speed? If you are going to warm up muscles, it has again been proven that replicating at a low intensity the movements you will be executing at full speed is the most effective way to prime the body to perform...

Interesting perspective, netman. Dynamic stretching does appear to be something of a misnomer in that it is very different than the conventional types of stretching that most people know. However, it is still considered a form of stretching muscles -- using momentum & speed of movement to achieve a moderate stretch. Dynamic stretches will often gradually increase reach &/or speed of movement. These stretches should gently take you to the limits of your range of motion.

Altho' some generic dynamic stretches may be employed, a good dynamic warmup should include sport-specific movements as well. Examples of generic dynamic stretches would be arm swings, arm circles, and walking lunges. These should be followed by movements that are more sport-specific. For the generic movements as well as the tennis-specific movments, I start off with low speed or low-intensity and the gradually increase speed/intensity.

.

 

[Slicendicer]

After warming the muscles and accumulating some heat, you can then safely stretch. The increase in flexibility, ROM, muscular resistance, and strength will reduce the chance of injury by stabilizing the joint. This is a basic premise.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

^ Are you refuting or ignoring what the current research has been saying? The 2 researchers that I mentioned above are representative of many others who have been saying pretty much the same things for more than a decade now.

 

[Slicendicer]

^ Are you refuting or ignoring what the current research has been saying? The 2 researchers that I mentioned above are representative of many others who have been saying pretty much the same things for more than a decade now.

If you are asserting that "current research" states stretching/flexibility does not lower the risk of sports injury... then yes... I refute.

Maybe if you read my post you'd understand we are basically saying the same thing. Pre-exercise static stretching is no good. Again... after the muscles are warm, proper stretching will increase flexibility, ROM, strength, and stability of the joints... which will reduce the risk of injury. This is the end. There is no other answer, glad to tell you.

 

[Japanese Maple]

If you are asserting that "current research" states stretching/flexibility does not lower the risk of sports injury... then yes... I refute.

Maybe if you read my post you'd understand we are basically saying the same thing. Pre-exercise static stretching is no good. Again... after the muscles are warm, proper stretching will increase flexibility, ROM, strength, and stability of the joints... which will reduce the risk of injury. This is the end. There is no other answer, glad to tell you.

Slicedicer-well said. Stretching before competition definitely aids in performance and injury prevention . Netman, is hardly one to look for advice on injury prevention due to his extensive list of major injuries! It is quite comical that he would start a thread that refutes the benefits of stretching.

Before competition, I like to warm my body up with light cardio and then do a combination of both static and dynamic stretches and static stretches after playing. Fortunately, my approach has kept me injury free for over twenty years. Presently, I lift weights 3-4/wk, cardio 5/wk., speed/plyometric 2/wk, and tennis 4-5/wk. I get the occasional aches and pains of being middle age, but nothing major. In the summer I cut back on the weight lifting, and add track work at local high school running sprints, and stairs 1-2/wk and increase speed/plyometric to 3/wk. I stretch every day and during tournaments I often stretch 3/day and this stretching is a major factor in my avoiding injuries. I also know many tennis players who do not stretch correctly or at all and they are constantly injured-I wonder why?

 

[Sleepstream]

JM, which plyometric exercises do you perform?

 

[Rickson]

Systemic is correct. Static stretching before exercise (and that includes after warmup) does nothing to prevent injury. Improved ROM is a good thing, but improving one's ROM should be done after exercise. Like I said before, you won't become more flexible in 10 minutes. Not only will pre-exercise static stretching not prevent injury, it can hamper muscular performance. I'm not against stretching in general, I'm against stretching before exercise.

 

[Slicendicer]

Systemic is correct. Static stretching before exercise (and that includes after warmup) does nothing to prevent injury. Improved ROM is a good thing, but improving one's ROM should be done after exercise. Like I said before, you won't become more flexible in 10 minutes. Not only will pre-exercise static stretching not prevent injury, it can hamper muscular performance. I'm not against stretching in general, I'm against stretching before exercise.

Ok.. so I jog for 15 minutes before I play a match. At that point, you think proper stretching routine will not prevent injury? I'm sorry to say, but that is incorrect. Obviously, a 5 minute stretch after a warm-up is not going to "improve" flexibility greatly... but it is a low-impact form to promote the elasticity of the soft tissue and fluids in the joints, which will reduce injury. I don't know why you would argue this....

You won't improve flexibility in 10 minutes... but a succession of 10 minute routines IS how flexibility improves.

 

[Rickson]

Dicer, you're being old school on this. You don't need to static stretch before exercise. You warm up and dynamic stretch if you like, but not static stretch. Static stretching can help you improve your ROM after exercise.

 

[Japanese Maple]

Ok.. so I jog for 15 minutes before I play a match. At that point, you think proper stretching routine will not prevent injury? I'm sorry to say, but that is incorrect. Obviously, a 5 minute stretch after a warm-up is not going to "improve" flexibility greatly... but it is a low-impact form to promote the elasticity of the soft tissue and fluids in the joints, which will reduce injury. I don't know why you would argue this....

You won't improve flexibility in 10 minutes... but a succession of 10 minute routines IS how flexibility improves.

Slicendicer-Let me give you a word of advice, don't bother debating with Rickson, he is not an expert in fitness/sports medicine/nutrition/injury prevention/rehab, ect and he is only a beginning tennis player with no clue on how to get your body ready and recover from vigorous exercise. Further, his experience is limited to body building, drinking protein and creatine shakes, and the latest styles of sleeveless tank top apparel-in this area he might be of help.

As you and I both know, to best prepare for performance in competition and to prevent injuries, it is imperative to adequately warm your body up and do various stretches. This thread is not a debate over what stretches are best to do, only that pre match stretching does get your body ready for exercise and indeed aids you in preventing injuries-that is an indisputable fact!

 

[Japanese Maple]

JM, which plyometric exercises do you perform?

Sleepstream-my speed/plyometric work out is the best thing I do for tennis and burning major calories, plus its a lot of fun! I do a variety of plyometrics-any kind of quick jumps over cones,up on aerobic platforms, ladders, ect. I do a lot of jump roping too during my routine, always mixing exercises up to prevent boredom. Of all the things I do for tennis and staying in shape, my speed/plyometric work outs are the best and give me a distinct competitive edge because very few people do this work out , nor even realize how beneficial it is-except for junior players trying to get a tennis scholarship, but not adults.

 

[netman]

I will state this again - there are no irrefutable, quantitative studies that prove that static stretching prevents injury. All the ones that I have found used limited, controlled groups that are usually surveyed as to how they "feel". If someone can show me a real study where there is hard proof stretching helps, I'll listen.

On the other hand, here is some food for thought:

A researcher at the University of Minnesota conducted a review of all available scientific literature on the association between stretching and running injuries. This researcher found that “Overall, the evidence suggests that increasing range of motion beyond function through stretching is not beneficial and can actually cause injury and decrease performance. These findings should be used to challenge common warm up practices in athletics.” (BTW, this is what I have been doing, reviewing everything I can find).

The role of flexibility in injury prevention and athletic performance: have we stretched the truth?, Ingraham SJ, Minn Med. 2003 May:86(5):58-61

Another recent study seems to back up these claims that stretching beyond functional range of motion can cause injuries. DY Park and L Chou looked at recent studies on Achilles tendon injuries, a very common problem for distance runners. Park and Chou said “Recent prospective studies have contended that reductions in plantar flexor strength and increases in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion from stretching the Achilles tendon may increase the risk of injury.”

Stretching for prevention of Achilles tendon injuries: a review of the literature. Park DY, Chou L, Foot Ankle Int. 2006 Dec:27(12):1086-95

BTW stormholloday, I am not questioning the credentials of anyone here who has trained as a physiologist or rehab specialist. I am questioning some of what you were taught. I have found that too many medical professionals like to wield their credentials as a stick to beat down anyone that questions their statements or pronunciations. I have a brother who is an orthopedic surgeon and I constantly have to take him to task on this behavior.

JM, who better to understand the relationship between injuries and their rehab and prevention? Someone who has had to recover from them and who has put in the time reading the research or someone offering speculative, unproven advice such as yourself? Instead of shooting the messenger, maybe its time to broaden your knowledge base.

Rickson and Systemic, thanks for your insight.

-k-

 

[netman]

Maybe this will put it to rest:

http://www.bestbets.org/bets/bet.php?id=644

 

[Slicendicer]

I will state this again - there are no irrefutable, quantitative studies that prove that static stretching prevents injury. All the ones that I have found used limited, controlled groups that are usually surveyed as to how they "feel". If someone can show me a real study where there is hard proof stretching helps, I'll listen.

On the other hand, here is some food for thought:

A researcher at the University of Minnesota conducted a review of all available scientific literature on the association between stretching and running injuries. This researcher found that “Overall, the evidence suggests that increasing range of motion beyond function through stretching is not beneficial and can actually cause injury and decrease performance. These findings should be used to challenge common warm up practices in athletics.” (BTW, this is what I have been doing, reviewing everything I can find).

The role of flexibility in injury prevention and athletic performance: have we stretched the truth?, Ingraham SJ, Minn Med. 2003 May:86(5):58-61

Another recent study seems to back up these claims that stretching beyond functional range of motion can cause injuries. DY Park and L Chou looked at recent studies on Achilles tendon injuries, a very common problem for distance runners. Park and Chou said “Recent prospective studies have contended that reductions in plantar flexor strength and increases in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion from stretching the Achilles tendon may increase the risk of injury.”

Stretching for prevention of Achilles tendon injuries: a review of the literature. Park DY, Chou L, Foot Ankle Int. 2006 Dec:27(12):1086-95

BTW stormholloday, I am not questioning the credentials of anyone here who has trained as a physiologist or rehab specialist. I am questioning some of what you were taught. I have found that too many medical professionals like to wield their credentials as a stick to beat down anyone that questions their statements or pronunciations. I have a brother who is an orthopedic surgeon and I constantly have to take him to task on this behavior.

JM, who better to understand the relationship between injuries and their rehab and prevention? Someone who has had to recover from them and who has put in the time reading the research or someone offering speculative, unproven advice such as yourself? Instead of shooting the messenger, maybe its time to broaden your knowledge base.

Rickson and Systemic, thanks for your insight.

-k-

Dude.. you are cherry picking and you aren't even reading what you are posting... or you just don't comprehend.

You are wrong... bye-bye.

This just in... lead poisoning in the form of .44 cal bullets can be deadly... :shock:

 

[Japanese Maple]

I will state this again - there are no irrefutable, quantitative studies that prove that static stretching prevents injury. All the ones that I have found used limited, controlled groups that are usually surveyed as to how they "feel". If someone can show me a real study where there is hard proof stretching helps, I'll listen.

On the other hand, here is some food for thought:

A researcher at the University of Minnesota conducted a review of all available scientific literature on the association between stretching and running injuries. This researcher found that “Overall, the evidence suggests that increasing range of motion beyond function through stretching is not beneficial and can actually cause injury and decrease performance. These findings should be used to challenge common warm up practices in athletics.” (BTW, this is what I have been doing, reviewing everything I can find).

The role of flexibility in injury prevention and athletic performance: have we stretched the truth?, Ingraham SJ, Minn Med. 2003 May:86(5):58-61

Another recent study seems to back up these claims that stretching beyond functional range of motion can cause injuries. DY Park and L Chou looked at recent studies on Achilles tendon injuries, a very common problem for distance runners. Park and Chou said “Recent prospective studies have contended that reductions in plantar flexor strength and increases in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion from stretching the Achilles tendon may increase the risk of injury.”

Stretching for prevention of Achilles tendon injuries: a review of the literature. Park DY, Chou L, Foot Ankle Int. 2006 Dec:27(12):1086-95

BTW stormholloday, I am not questioning the credentials of anyone here who has trained as a physiologist or rehab specialist. I am questioning some of what you were taught. I have found that too many medical professionals like to wield their credentials as a stick to beat down anyone that questions their statements or pronunciations. I have a brother who is an orthopedic surgeon and I constantly have to take him to task on this behavior.

JM, who better to understand the relationship between injuries and their rehab and prevention? Someone who has had to recover from them and who has put in the time reading the research or someone offering speculative, unproven advice such as yourself? Instead of shooting the messenger, maybe its time to broaden your knowledge base.

Rickson and Systemic, thanks for your insight.

-k-

Netman-who ever said anything about only doing just static stretches before exercise to prevent injuries? Also, my advice and experiences as an athlete and what I have read or been taught over the years(30 plus) is hardly speculative or unproven! Also, based upon my ongoing knowledge and experiences I have been relatively injury free(a few strains, pulls), with no injuries requiring surgery.

Netman, as I had asked earlier, what did you do or not do to contribute to such a inordinate amount of injuries over the years and what are you doing now to prevent further injuries.

A proper warm up and stretching routine before exercise and proper stretching after exercise are critical in preventing injuries, along with weight training, diet,maintaining ideal weight and periodic rest days. Also, whirlpools, sport massages, ice, heat, and advil are helpful too to keep you playing and staying injury free! You got to do it all to stay on the court!

 

[netman]

This just in... lead poisoning in the form of .44 cal bullets can be deadly... :shock:

So can misinformed health care "professionals"

 

[Slicendicer]

So can misinformed health care "professionals"

Brilliant... now you are a healthcare "professional".

 

[Rickson]

As a kid, I took shotokan and did full splits. With that background, I should be a pre-match stretching advocate, but I'm not. Research doesn't back up that old school pre-exercise stretching. Stretching should be done post match, post exercise, and post martial arts training and that's only if you want to increase your ROM. Stretching is not a cure all for injuries. If anything, it contributes to injuries.

 

[Slicendicer]

As a kid, I took shotokan and did full splits. With that background, I should be a pre-match stretching advocate, but I'm not. Research doesn't back up that old school pre-exercise stretching. Stretching should be done post match, post exercise, and post martial arts training and that's only if you want to increase your ROM. Stretching is not a cure all for injuries. If anything, it contributes to injuries.

Ok... shotokan... :-? but you are wrong... a pre-match warm-up and stretch is the recommended scenario to prevent sports injury... believe what you want, and continue with the martial arts fantasy.

 

[Rickson]

Fantasy? What's there to fantasize about Shotokan? You really are as dense as Maple, aren't you? I'm going after you and Maple because you're attempting to hurt the TW posters with your anecdotal advice. You clearly don't know what you're doing.

 

[Japanese Maple]

Ok... shotokan... :-? but you are wrong... a pre-match warm-up and stretch is the recommended scenario to prevent sports injury... believe what you want, and continue with the martial arts fantasy.

Slicendicer-LOL, remember the warning I gave about Rickson-proceed at your own risk but your not going to win because your dealing with ignorance and insanity,LOL!

 

[Rickson]

Found a new friend, Maple? That's rare because only the ignorant posters agree with you. Have fun, you happy couple!

 

[Rickson]

It looks like I made a mistake. Dicer doesn't even like you, Maple. He's been ignoring you the whole thread while you made 2 posts courting him. It's funny how even posters who agree with your stretching stance don't like you either.

 

[Japanese Maple]

It looks like I made a mistake. Dicer doesn't even like you, Maple. He's been ignoring you the whole thread while you made 2 posts courting him. It's funny how even posters who agree with your stretching stance don't like you either.

Rickson-LOL, I could care less if a poster likes me or not, I am just happy to share my experiences as a tournament level player who has competing at a high level in many sports, and has learned what to do and not do over the years to stay healthy and active without any prolong down time.

Your ignorance is beyond comprehension on many fronts and I still scratch my head on you posting over 800 hours on TW with nonsensical babble. You have a little knowledge and that is what makes you dangerous. I keep things civil, but when people make dogmatic statements that I don't agree with and they attack me then I will defend myself, especially against people like you who clearly don't know what they are talking about-make sense!

 

[netman]

"A fanatic is one who is unwilling to consider evidence that his or her beliefs might be wrong."

Folks, accept that JM and slicendicer are stretching fanatics. We all know fanatics cause more harm than good. But give them credit for their unwavering belief in unproven ideas. Hopefully they won't find out the hard way their stretching beliefs are harmful.

Once a thread is hijacked by fanatics, I'm done. Signing off.

 

[Japanese Maple]

"A fanatic is one who is unwilling to consider evidence that his or her beliefs might be wrong."

Folks, accept that JM and slicendicer are stretching fanatics. We all know fanatics cause more harm than good. But give them credit for their unwavering belief in unproven ideas. Hopefully they won't find out the hard way their stretching beliefs are harmful.

Once a thread is hijacked by fanatics, I'm done. Signing off.

Netman-your thread was asinine. Thankfully, I have not had any surgeries or prolong injuries that have kept me out of action and I am extremely active. I contribute my injury free state in large part to stretching every day, stretching before and after exercising, along with lifting weights, speed/plyometric workouts, and doing other things like whirlpools, foam stretching, deep tissue massages, ect.

 

[Slicendicer]

"A fanatic is one who is unwilling to consider evidence that his or her beliefs might be wrong."

Folks, accept that JM and slicendicer are stretching fanatics. We all know fanatics cause more harm than good. But give them credit for their unwavering belief in unproven ideas. Hopefully they won't find out the hard way their stretching beliefs are harmful.

Once a thread is hijacked by fanatics, I'm done. Signing off.

Netman...
If you truly understood the mechanics of motion and the structure of joints or any number of physiologic concepts... you would be quiet...

Again... for the record. Pre-exercise static stretching does not prevent injury, it may promote injury or cause injury. Post warm-up stretching prior to exercise does prevent injury.

 

[Japanese Maple]

Stretching might be overrated, but improving range of motion can prevent certain injuries. If you try to throw a roundhouse kick to the head and you've never stretched in your life, you'd probably strain a muscle before someone who can do a full split. Stretching is not really necessary for everyday life, but for sports that demand flexibility, stretching is very important and absolutely does prevent injuries.

Rickson-I am glad you finally realize that stretching does indeed prevent injuries! LOL

 

[Rickson]

Improved range of motion can prevent certain injuries, fool. You can't improve your ROM in 10 minutes so just kick around at your range and after you're done, static stretch. Over time, the ROM will improve and head kicks that were difficult at one time will get easier. Why are you so dense, Maple?

 

[Japanese Maple]

Improved range of motion can prevent certain injuries, fool. You can't improve your ROM in 10 minutes so just kick around at your range and after you're done, static stretch. Over time, the ROM will improve and head kicks that were difficult at one time will get easier. Why are you so dense, Maple?

Rickson, LOL, I know its hard for you to use tennis examples since you are a beginning tennis player, but what does "throwing head kicks" have to do with a tennis message board. My advice would be to use tennis examples that us tennis players can relate to-make sense?

 

[Slicendicer]

Rickson, LOL, I know its hard for you to use tennis examples since you are a beginning tennis player, but what does "throwing head kicks" have to do with a tennis message board. My advice would be to use tennis examples that us tennis players can relate to-make sense?

A head kick is useful in tennis... I once head kicked my mixed doubles partner for missing a poach volley... ***** didn't miss another volley all season...

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

Chalk up another vote for no stretching before a match. I've never tweaked anything serious and I feel great when I step on the court.

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

Rickson, LOL, I know its hard for you to use tennis examples since you are a beginning tennis player, but what does "throwing head kicks" have to do with a tennis message board. My advice would be to use tennis examples that us tennis players can relate to-make sense?

He doesn't have to use tennis specific examples because these concepts apply to all sports.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

Rickson, I think I stumbled across a problem with your tennis game. If you avoid head kicking your opponents and work on your tennis strokes, I predict rapid gains for your game.

(I competed in martial arts for over 15 years. I've never used karate on the court.)

No charge ... this time.

- KK

 

[Japanese Maple]

Chalk up another vote for no stretching before a match. I've never tweaked anything serious and I feel great when I step on the court.

How old are you just out of curiosity? If you are in high school, your muscles have not developed to the point that stretching would be critical before playing-as you get older , you will realize the benefits of pre match stretching!

 

[Djokovicfan4life]

Sophomore in college.

 

[Japanese Maple]

Chalk up another vote for no stretching before a match. I've never tweaked anything serious and I feel great when I step on the court.

I wonder why professional athletes do a dynamic warm up and various stretches before competition. Perhaps, because they are trying to perform at their best and protect their million dollar bodies utilizing the advice and knowledge from the best trainers money can buy?

As you get older, you will eventually see the benefits of pre match stretching.

 

[Rickson]

Now that's some sound advice, KK.

 

[FastFreddy]

Stretching Dogma

Six reasons not to stretch
1) Prevention of muscle sorness studies shown you will still have sorness
2) prevention of injuries has never been proven
3) Increased flexibility unless you are a mma guy and need to kick someone in the head you only need a normal rom.
4) increased performance has never been proven to increase if anything stretching has been shown to hurt perfromance.
5) as a warmup stretching a muscle you are more like to get injuried.

You can just do a active warmup 60% of your hr and as a cool down if you like. Warmups are all mental once you believe you don't need them you will be ready to play at the drop of a hat.
I have used warmups and cool downs, stretch before and after and never could prove it improved my performance or lowered my injury rate.