Why Baseball Pitchers Should Stretch -- And The Two Most Common Stretching Techniques

This isn't a trick question: What do all big league baseball players do prior to taking the field?

They stretch. And you should, too. It's important.

The best pitchers in the big leagues are extremely flexible. For some, of course, this comes naturally. For others it's something that has to be worked on just like strength, coordination, agility, or anything else in baseball pitching. How about you? Does it come naturally or do you have to work at it?

Stretching helps your muscles (both big and small) prep for the pitching- specific movements that will be performed on the mound. If you're properly stretched you'll get the most out of your body -- and as safely as possible, which is key.

The most common stretching is static stretching (or stationary stretching). You've probably performed this type of stretching. It's a slow, constant stretch that's held for 8 to 30 seconds and performed one to three times alternating sides.

A better type of stretching for pre-pitching performance activity, however, is active stretching. Active stretching is sport-specific flexibility movements performed in a stationary position where the baseball player stretches to maximum tolerance and releases, repeating 8 to 12 times. (The St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies, shown above, perform this type of stretching throughout their entire organization.)

The best rule of thumb is never throw a baseball unless you have done some sort of stretching to increase your core temperature. It will help you prevent injury, and, even more, you may even reap the benefit of throwing harder over time if stretching's a consistent part of your daily routine.