The Seated Piriformis Stretch is a static stretching exercise focusing on achieving flexibility improvements of the external hip rotators.
Implementing the piriformis stretch into your regular static stretching routine is important.
Because the external hip rotators are being activated during lateral movements, such as moving along the baseline during ground strokes.
The piriformis stretch in seated position allows for better spinal alignment due to ground contact.
That can positively impact range of motion capabilities of other muscles along the movement chain.
This is also a great time to relax mentally. Either close your eyes and focus on your breathing or you can also listen to relaxing music.
Take a look at 15 Minutes relaxation after tennis training.
Seated Piriformis Stretch Description Summary

- Place floor mat on the ground.
- Lay down in supine position (face up) and flex the knees.
- Flex the right hip thereby bringing the right knee closer to the body. Position the right ankle just below the flexed left knee.
- Move the upper body off the ground and towards the knees until stretch can be felt in the buttocks. Place arms behind the body on the ground to hold position.
- Hold stretch for 45 seconds.
- Switch legs.
Seated Piriformis Stretch Targeted Musculature
- Piriformis
By Dr. Johannes Sobotta [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Other Stretches For You
Apart from the piriformis stretch we have some other stretches for you that target the muscles acting on the hip.
Simply click on them to learn more or watch the videos:
Training Zone
We provide you with some more workouts and training tips you may be interested in to optimize your training.
Also, make sure that you warm up properly before and stretch out after your training session.
Have fun and happy training!