Fitness
Stretch-Shortening Cycle
Elastic rebound in rapid lengthen-then-shorten movements—core to jumps and sprints; trained with plyometrics and stiffness work.
The stretch-shortening cycle is the elastic rebound when a muscle lengthens then rapidly shortens—jumping, sprinting, and plyometrics depend on storing and releasing elastic energy. Stiffness and timing training improve reuse of that energy; excessive static stretching immediately before power work may blunt it for some athletes.
Progress plyometrics after strength baselines.
Common questions
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Does static stretching hurt plyometrics?
Long static stretching right before explosive work can reduce power for some people. Use dynamic prep and save long holds for separate mobility sessions.
Related terms
Put Stretch-Shortening Cycle into practice
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