Static stretching warm ups are being overused by athletes even though they can be counter-productive, according to a Melbourne study. Too many athletes were using static stretching such as calf, quad and hip flex stretches just before competing even though it has been shown to reduce power, according to the researchers.
“It’s an epidemic: I see it at almost every AFL club, tennis match or international soccer event where athletes are stretching on the sidelines just prior to playing. People just aren’t getting the message.” The research shows static stretching decreased jumping performance by almost 8 per cent, while a more dynamic warm-up increased participants’ vertical jump by 3 per cent.
James Zois, School of Sport & Exercise Science, Victoria University
http://www.vu.edu.au/media/media-releases/athletes-warming-up-wrong