What characterizes a ballistic stretch?

A ballistic stretch is characterized by the use of momentum to force a part of the body beyond its normal range of motion. This approach to stretching often involves bouncing movements which can lead to a greater range of motion than static or dynamic stretches alone. The idea behind running or swinging through the stretch is to push the muscles and joints to their limits quickly and with force, resulting in temporarily increased elasticity. However, while this method can enhance flexibility, it also carries a greater risk of injury due to the abrupt, uncontrolled movements, which is a significant distinguishing factor of ballistic stretching compared to more controlled forms of stretching.