What does it mean to hyperextend a joint?

Hyperextending a joint refers to the process of extending it beyond its normal range of motion. This typically occurs when a joint—such as the knee, elbow, or wrist—is pushed to an angle that exceeds what is considered safe or healthy for that particular joint. When a joint is hyperextended, it can lead to various injuries, including sprains, strains, or even more severe damage to ligaments and surrounding tissues.

Understanding hyperextension is crucial in activities like archery, where proper joint mechanics are essential for both performance and injury prevention. Maintaining a safe range of motion while shooting is important for ensuring that the shoulder and elbow joints, for instance, are not put under unnecessary stress. Therefore, recognizing what hyperextension means helps instructors guide students toward safe practices when learning and practicing archery techniques.