Stretching

[smithxi]

Wow, it really seems stretching is huge for sports. I can't emphasize it enough after hurting myself running because i didn't stretch.

http://k2.kirtland.cc.mi.us/~balbachl/stretch.htm

on a different website it said the stretcher should warm up 15-20 minutes before stretching. My only question, is warm up how?

[Dizzee Wahil]

Good topic.

Yeah new studies are showing that stretching as a warm-up (ie. b4 the game) is actually pointless. In fact the best way to warm-up is simply to ease yourself into going through the motions of the game and slowly build up to an intense routine.

How? Really you're just trying to replicate movements u'd make on the field and warm ALL the muscles. A pretty standard routine in most teams I've played in is jog back n forth (10m). Start with light jog (for a couple of lengths), then lift your knees, then kick your heels up, side to side (switching every 4), dancing, running backwards, skipping (side to side aswell), running at 80% and then finally a few sprints (you should b breaking a sweat).
-- Sorry, I'm not sure this stuff is the obvious or not -- There's so many different methods I cant even begin to write.

However, DO NOT quote me on the stuff above. Because I think stretching is awesome. And I still do it before a game, in fact I have an argument every week with a friend who studies this stuff about its importance. But really, the best time to stretch is AFTER the game and througout the week. Really good for improving flexibility and strength.

[smithxi]

i'd like to see a link stating that stretching is pointless. then explain how a player is supposed to prevent injury, like what happened to me yesterday. pulled hamstring.

[Rema]

i'd like to see a link stating that stretching is pointless. then explain how a player is supposed to prevent injury, like what happened to me yesterday. pulled hamstring.

No no, he said stretching before warmup is pointless, which I actually believe is true. If you stretch when your muscles are cold, your risk pulling a muscle.

I should also add, if you do any stretches at halftime, try to keep the stretches less than 10seconds (i've heard its about 6 seconds) because it keeps some neuron/nerve? in your muscles active. I'd have to go look for where I read this though.

[smithxi]

wild, i never knew that.

does anyone have any links?

[Dizzee Wahil]

i'd like to see a link stating that stretching is pointless. then explain how a player is supposed to prevent injury, like what happened to me yesterday. pulled hamstring.

'pointless' as a warmup. I still believe in it b4 the match.

Dude, to prevent injuries, u do what I just wrote above. All of those exercises will ready you for a match. Okay, so you pulled your hamstring? Running back and forth, trying to get your heels to go as high as possible (kick the butt, if possible) will really warm your hammys up (try it!). Then running with your knees trying to touch your hands will help to do the quads as well as hammys.
Star jumps side to side - groin. Dancing - that whole general groin area.

BUT still, streching is really great try doing a streching program thru the week and you'll realise how much you can improve

[smithxi]

that was really good advice, thank you.

[SaberWolf]

This year is the first time we've stretched before AND after a game (because this is the first year we had a coach that acually KNEW what he was doing) and I've noticed that since I stretch out after a game, it helps me GREATLY after the game with the cramps that I USE to have when I didn't stretch.

[smithxi]

:D

[Dizzee Wahil]

Yeah Saber, you definitely dont feel as sore the next day if you stretch and do a little warm down after the game ay?

I really recommend getting into a streching program 2 everyone. You can feel the good it does

[smithxi]

what is that toxic fluid that is released from the muscles when someone works out or gets a massage, or stretches? my dad tried to say it was lactos. lol. i know it's some other chemical or chemicals. anyone know?

[Dizzee Wahil]

I'm not a scientist, but I know that when your muscles fatigue, lactic acid builds up (ur dad was close!). When your run at an easy pace or stretch etc, you get rid of the build up

[smithxi]

cool, i just finished a game. i'll try stretching. :)

[SaberWolf]

Hey SmithXi, what club are you playing for, like a summer league?

[smithxi]

i'm on 4 teams. none you would know of.

[SaberWolf]

4 teams? Geez bo...I wish I could have something like that.

But anyways, I didn't want to know like the clubs names (but it would still be cool) but like what KIND they are? School, City, Camps, Clubs?

[chivasu.s.a]

what kind of strechs do goalkeers have to do

[Dizzee Wahil]

Goalkeepers should do exactly the same as the rest, but they should also try and use move their arms a lot in the warm-up

General shoulder and arm stretches I guess

[soccerates]

goal keepers should move their shoulders in full circular movements as much as possible. Get a good trainer to explain how, or try to move them through their full range with light weights.

[smithxi]

here is a good link on stretching.

be sure to look at the bad stretches, i see so many people, so often doing bad stretches.

http://k2.kirtland.cc.mi.us/~balbachl/stretch.htm