dynamic stretches for calf muscles?

[AlbertN]

One of my problem areas are my calf muscles.
They often cramp up after exercise (even if I replace
the electrolytes) and I sometimes strain the muscles when
playing basketball.

In the Scientific Stretching book, I found some isometric,
and static passive stretches, but I did not find any
dynamic stretches.

Would the static stretches be sufficient to solve my problems,
or should I do dynamic stretches and/or strength training?

Thanks
Albert

[wynnema]

Dynamic stretches don't focus on one particular muscle group but many muscles. For example a front leg raise (dynamically) stresses the hamstrings, quads, adductors, muscles of the groin, glutes and calfs

I would find a good static calf stretch and just try and do it every night. On the synerstretch video they suggest that due to its size the calf need only be stretched for a few seconds to see benefits.

You can turn any static stretch into an isometric simply by applying the isometric technique. Tense, increase the stretch and hold then repeat.

[dragon]

I'd say the same.It would be difficult to perform a dynamic stretch in a muscle with such a limited range of motion.Leg raises should still target the calves the same as arm swings still target the forearms.
Is the problem actually the calf or is it shin splints?
If your calf cramps as soon as you start playing basketball then maybe you aren't warm enough.Or possibly because you are "staying on your toes" as you move around(the same as a boxer) then perhaps the tension in your calf is more than you can manage at this point in time.In which case strengthening them would probably be beneficial.

I'm not too clued up on the mechanics of basketball though so my apologies if my theory on the way you play is wrong.

Dragon