Static stretching has long been a part of the pre-match or pre-practice ritual. However, a study by Kieran O'Sullivan, Sean McAulliffe, and Gregory Lehman published in the Aspetar Sports Medicine Journal in 2014 suggests that should no longer be the case.

Their study showed that static stretching may diminish short term performance and has little effect on injury prevention. Static stretching does help increase flexibility but a proper strength training program will also help in that area.

Many soccer teams have already embraced this change and now rely solely on dynamic warm-ups to prepare for practice or games. Check out the infographic by Yann Le Meur below to learn more about this study and think about whether or not you are relying too heavily on static stretches.

Check out more of Yann Le Meur's work on his blog and follow him on twitter at @YLMSportScience.