My calves tend to get extremely tight. I have found that, especially after any activity, this stretch (or even a similar version on a curb or small step) really helps. I found this information on-line. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of all of the information, but it seems to work for me. The author is Jon-Erik Kawamoto.
Of course, my calves are much sexier than these (at least my wife tries to convince me that is true!)
“Contrary to popular belief, static stretching should not be performed in the warm-up. Static means not moving; therefore, a static stretch is a pose held to improve flexibility. Static stretching actually cools the body down and does not reduce muscle stiffness; that’s why it shouldn’t be done before activity. Recent studies have shown that static stretches actually reduces force production and decreases power output. This method of stretching is still important to promote flexibility; however, people just have the timing wrong. These types of stretches should be performed during the cool down. The cool down follows the practice or competition and should consist of 5-10 min of jogging and static stretches. The cool down prevents the pooling of blood in the veins, reduces the amount of metabolic waste left in the muscles and reduces the amount of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It is recommended that static stretches should be held for 20-30 seconds and performed twice per side.
Jon-Erik Kawamoto”