Do you do the hip flexor stretch? Probably not, most athletes perform a small number of tried and trusted flexibility movements, without any real regard for the effect on their athletic performance.
The truth is, the hip flexor stretch is important for anyone whose sport involves reaching, lunging or stretching their legs. That would certainly include all racket sports, football, rugby, basketball - just about all sports!
The hip flexor stretch is easy to perform:
- The start position is essentially a lunge - one leg out behind you, the other bent to 90 degrees.
- Gently move your weight forwards onto the bent leg, feeling the tightness in the hip area of the back leg.
- Hold for 20 seconds, relax and repeat.
- Switch legs and repeat for the opposite leg.
Be sure to keep your back straight. If your balance is good, you can do it with your hands on your hips - if you find the balance difficult, try performing this in a doorway, which will allow you to reach out and balance against the door frame.
