Overview
The hamstrings sit at the back of the thigh. Biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus cross the hip and knee, so they both bend the knee and help extend the hip.
Key Role
- Produce hip-extension force for hinging, running and jumping
- Bend the knee and help slow the lower leg during running
- Control long muscle lengths during sprinting and deceleration
Build This Muscle
- Romanian deadlift — loaded hip hinge with a long hamstring position
- Hamstring bridge — controlled entry point for posterior-thigh strength
- Single-leg deadlift — hamstring loading plus hip control
- Standing hamstring curl — direct knee-bending work
Watch Out For
A sudden pop, bruising or marked loss of force after a sprint needs assessment. Do not force an aggressive stretch into a recent hamstring injury.
Related Guides
This information is for education only and is not a medical diagnosis.