Hamstring tightness affecting performance?
Question
Hi there, I'm 15 years old, I'm 6ft 4" and weigh 95kg. Despite this I play
winger for my school and club - I am supposedly very fast. I have never been
able to touch my toes from standing or sitting, and my physiotherapist
noticed that i had very tight hamstrings when helping me with my knee after
my knee operation (arthroscopy, cartiladge and bone damage - all healed
now though).
I was wondering how big an effect my tight hamstrings have on my overall
speed, which is obviously key for a winger. I want to know, could I be faster if
I improved the suppleness of my hamstrings, and are there any ways i can
become faster? Also, how do you "cure" tight hamstrings?
Thank you, Ollie
Answer
The answer to all is "yes".
To "cure" tight hamstrings adopt a Pilates or yoga routine as part of your works outs. Daily stretches and a good warm up prior to stretching is needed.
Go to the library and you can get good books on yoga, Pilates and stretching. On the net too.
Before you laugh off yoga and Pilates as for the ladies keep in mind that most professional players incorporate yoga and Pilates in some way, even if they don't know it (their trainer calls it "dynamic stretching")
It takes time but you must be consistent and make sure to never stretch a cold or sore muscle. Drink plenty of water too.
Hamstring
flanker tips