What is a key characteristic of ballistic stretching?

Ballistic stretching is characterized by fast, bouncing movements that attempt to push the body beyond its normal range of motion. This technique often involves quick, jerky motions to stretch the muscles, which can lead to momentum-based stretches rather than controlled, sustained lengthsening of the muscle fibers. Due to the rapid nature of these movements and the reliance on bounce, there is an increased risk of overstretching or injury if proper form and precautions are not followed.

In contrast, the other options describe different methods of stretching. Slow, controlled movements are typical of static stretching, which focuses on gradually lengthening the muscle without bouncing. Gradual increases in intensity are indicative of dynamic stretching, which allows muscles to stretch through controlled, active motions. The option regarding partner assistance is not a defining characteristic of ballistic stretching as it can be performed independently without a partner. Each of these contrasting methods emphasizes safety and effectiveness in flexibility training, diverging from the more risky approach of ballistic stretching.