Ballistic stretching is best described as which of the following?

Ballistic stretching is characterized by fast, uncontrolled bouncing motions that involve jerky movements to push a body part beyond its normal range of motion. This method utilizes momentum to force a muscle into an extended position, which can lead to increased flexibility in the short term. However, it also carries a higher risk of injury due to the lack of control and the potential to overstretch muscles and tendons.

In contrast, the other options emphasize different styles of stretching. Gentle and careful stretching refers to static or slow stretching that minimizes the risk of injury and promotes relaxation. Controlled movements without bouncing are indicative of dynamic stretching, which prepares the muscles for activity without the rapid, uncontrolled motions seen in ballistic stretching. Lastly, targeting specific areas of the body is not a defining feature of ballistic stretching; rather, it is a general term that can apply to various body parts. Therefore, the definition emphasizing fast, uncontrolled bouncing motions accurately captures the essence of ballistic stretching.