stretching

Question
Hi. which is more beneficial, static or dynamic stretching prior to practice or games? Also,what are good stretches to do before throwing drills?

Answer
Most experts will tell you to do dynamic stretches (final stretch position is not held) prior to competition and static or active stretching afterward (when muscles are still warm).  The reasoning is that after the blood flow has warmed up the muscles, their is less chance for injury when stretching warm muscles and will increase range of motion.  I don't think there is any harm in static stretches for our sport as long as the girls don't overdo it.  I tell my girls to stretch to the point that they feel it, but not until it is painful.  I did find a website with some good information on both and some exercises that you may want to incorporate into your practice warmups.  Here is the link:

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/dynamic-stretches.html

Coach Mike