Final answer:
Athletes should stretch after their warm up and before their main exercise to decrease their chance of injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
Athletes can decrease their chance of injury by stretching. For optimal benefits, they should stretch after their warm up and before their main exercise. Stretching before the warm-up can be counterproductive as it may actually decrease athletic performance. However, stretching after the warm-up and before the main exercise helps to gradually increase flexibility and prepare the muscles for the intense activity. Stretching after the main exercise can also be beneficial in promoting muscle recovery and reducing post-exercise soreness.
Learn more about Stretching before exercise for injury prevention