Basketball is an intense sport that involves rapid changes of direction, jumps and contact with other players and often leads to sports injuries. Because it involves sudden and rapid changes of direction, muscle flexibility is extremely important for safe and efficient execution of all movements. Although the greatest focus in basketball is on stretching and flexibility of the lower extremities due to the nature of the sport, other parts of the body should not be neglected in order to prevent possible injuries. Quick changes of direction, jumps and sudden stops are the causes of the most frequent injuries in basketball, namely ankle sprains. A proper warm-up before training or a match is also important to reduce the chance of injury. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to a quick recovery and return of the player to the field. Various types of stretching have been considered in injury prevention, including static, dynamic, ballistic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Dynamic stretching is the most optimal type of stretching before a match or training, while static and PNF stretching is recommended after training or a match. Also, it is important to emphasize the importance of breathing, where it is essential to focus on deep and rhythmic breathing during stretching, which helps relax the muscles. Understanding the impact of stretching as a preventative measure is not only important for sports professionals, but also for anyone who engages in physical activity in their free time. A better understanding of the role of stretching in sports can help in the development of preventive strategies that can reduce the risk of injury, improve sports performance and allow athletes to engage in sports activities for longer without injury.