Flexibility is a basic motoric attribute, as are endurance, strength, and speed.
The flexibility of a joint describes the ability for extensive or optimum range of movement. We further differentiate between general flexibility and specific flexibility, or mobility, that is specific to a certain type of sport.
Excellent flexibility depends on a number of parameters:
– Interaction of the elastic properties of muscles, tendons, and
ligaments
– Available strength to fully utilise the given anatomic
range of movement of the joint
– Intermuscular and intramuscular coordination
We furthermore differentiate between active and passive flexibility.
Active flexibility describes the amplitude or range of movement an athlete can reach simply with muscle tension. Passive flexibility describes the range of movement available to an athlete by adding body weight to the movement, by the application of external forces, or by acceleration.
Passive flexibility will always be greater than active flexibility.
Some sports disciplines require and also foster good or even exceptional overall flexibility. These disciplines include ballet, gymnastics, acrobatics, but also yoga.
