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Explain the stretch-shortening cycle as you would to a capable student, in 3-4 sentences.

The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) is a powerful muscle action where a muscle is first rapidly stretched (eccentric phase), then immediately contracts forcefully (concentric phase). When you stretch a muscle quickly, you store elastic energy in the tendons and connective tissue—like stretching a rubber band—while also triggering a reflex that primes the muscle for a stronger contraction. This stored energy is then released during the shortening phase, allowing you to produce more force than you could from a muscle contraction alone. You experience this every time you jump: you quickly bend your knees (stretch your leg muscles), then explode upward with greater power than if you had tried to jump from a static squat position.