Preventing Hamstring and Calf Strains

1. Ensure adequate muscle length for your chosen sport. Complete long hold stretches after exercise.

2. Complete hamstring strengthening exercises. Eccentric hamstring strengthening has been shown to reduce the risk.

3. Slowly build the dynamic strength and power. Don't start the season too hard, too quickly.

4. Acceleration and deceleration phases are the most common causes of injury - practice rapid changes in speed and direction during the preseason.

5. Complete a full sports specific warm up. Include all different types of movement.

6. Stay warm when on the bench or complete mini warm up before returning to the field.