Roping Stretch: 4. Tricep Stretch

Finally stretch deeper into your shoulder by letting one hand fall down your back by bending the elbow. Then add gentle traction either with the opposite hand on the elbow or by using a rope to pull the forearm down. Repeat with the opposite arm. This opens the shoulder even further by stretching the triceps and latissimus dorsi muscles.

Stretch only as far as you can feel slight discomfort but no pain. Don’t force it and don’t bounce. Hold each stretch for 3 – 5 slow breaths. Repeat 3 times every day and you’ll see fast improvements. With looser muscles and greater range of motion, you’ll notice easier swings and longer throws. You’ll be able to rope more often with less soreness.

SHOULDER STRETCHES FOR BETTER ROPING

If you rope, chances are you’ve suffered from ‘Roping Shoulder’ at one time or another. Easily recognized as sore, aching muscles resulting from days of roping and usually ignored until scratching your head becomes an impossible feat.

Roping is a dynamic movement requiring incredible fitness and flexibility from your entire arm from your finger tips to your shoulder. A clean catch depends on so many subtleties from your palm direction to your arm height. Therefore the fitness of your arm and shoulder tremendously impacts roping success.

Your typical week probably includes enough grunt work to tighten up your back and arms enough to limit your mobility. In order to perform in the arena, add some stretches to your routine and give yourself the advantage of loose, flexible muscles. A stretched muscle is stronger and reacts faster than a tight muscle, plus has the added advantage of not aching or cramping.