Which statement about ballistic stretching is true?

• A. It involves holding a stretch for a period
• B. It involves bouncing movements to move through a stretch
• C. It is performed only after weight training
• D. It is always safer than static stretching

Answer: (B)

Ballistic stretching uses bouncing or jerky movements to move through a stretch. This approach relies on momentum to push the joint into deeper ranges, but the quick, repeated lengthening can trigger the stretch reflex, causing the muscle to tighten rather than relax. That reflex makes ballistic stretching riskier—more prone to strains or pulls—so it’s not generally recommended for improving flexibility. In contrast, static stretching involves holding a stretch without bouncing, which lengthens the muscle with less reflexive contraction and is considered safer for most people. The idea that it’s performed only after weight training or that it’s always safer than static stretching isn’t accurate, since ballistic stretches carry higher injury risk and aren’t universally preferred. The key trait here is the bouncing movement that characterizes ballistic stretching.