This article is a review of the literature on the effects of stretching on sports injuries and performance. It is critical to understand that this is a review of the findings and not a new study on the effects of stretching in relation to injuries and sports performance. The methods used to determine whether stretching made a difference in reducing the prevalence of injuries and sports performance, was a systematic review to examine the viscoelastic and neural effects of stretching. Viscoelastic effects result in changes in range of motion and stretching resistance after an acute period of stretching. (McHugh & Cosgrave, 2010) Neural effects during stretching influence stretching-induced strength loss. (McHugh & Cosgrave, 2010) Depending on the type, timing, and duration of stretching, results may vary. The methods used in this article were to look at numerous muscle studies to see if range of motion increased or decreased with certain types of stretches. Ballistic stretching, dynamic stretching, and static stretching were performed to see which, if any, would have an effect on performance or injury. Static stretching is when you hold the stretch for a certain period of time, with varying degrees of difficulty. (Delavier & Gundill, 2011) Static stretches are usually performed while sitting or standing still. Ballistic stretching focuses on stretching the muscles further than they would naturally by pulling the muscles and using small, sharp movements that are repeated. (Delavier & Gundill, 2011) Last but not least, dynamic stretching is stretching that can be performed while in motion. The summary of the article's findings focuses on the effects of stretching on performance... middle of paper......y. However, I believe that static stretches should still be performed; I would suggest doing these types of stretches after activity as an added cool down for your muscles. I emphasize to all my students that a proper warm-up is important to circulate blood throughout the body, loosen muscles, and prepare the body for work. The same can be said for a cool-down stretching activity, which could help with muscle cramps and soreness. Stretching is a great activity to increase flexibility and muscle strength and is something I will recommend to all of my students. While there is no concrete evidence that stretching improves performance or prevents injuries, studies have shown small increases in performance and slight decreases in injuries, which shows that stretching is more beneficial than not stretching at all..