Stretching for Darts? - Continued

Types of Stretching

1. Relaxed Stretching - This is the most commonly known and practiced type of stretching. It consists of slowly relaxing your body into a stretch, slighty past the point of tension, and then holding the stretch for a time. This type of stretching is relaxing and does not fatigue the muscle. Perfect for those early morning aches and pains.

2. Isometric Stretching - This is performed by stretching the muscle, applying resistance, and then holding for a short time (5seconds) before releasing. The stretch is repeated several times until maximum range of motion is achieved. Think of a ballerina stretching her leg against a bar. The major benefit to this type of exercise is it builds strength throughout the entire range of motion. For dart players this means firmer dart strokes and a more aggressive follow-through.

1. Ballistic Stretching - This is a movement created by a muscular contraction but completed by momentum. A golfer taking a warm up swing is a perfect example of ballistic stretching. This is the type of stretch that reduces your warm-up period because it increases elasticity in the muscle. Think air darts. As tension is decreased, increase the range of motion until you've reached your maximum range. Take care to not fatigue the muscles as when muscles tire they lose their ability to stretch