Be realistic. Rome wasn't built in a day, so don't expect too much, too fast. Set small goals for yourself and give each step your full concentration before moving on to the next one.
Know your limitations. Performing high extensions on pointe takes years of dedicated daily practice, so be prepared to put in the time and effort.
Warm up with some simple leg stretches at the barre before attempting any serious muscle work. You are more likely to sustain an injury if your muscles aren't warmed up properly. Place your leg on the barre or elevated surface. Stretch gently with your leg out in front, concentrating on your alignment. Repeat with your leg to the side, then switch legs.
Perform barre lifts to increase your endurance. Point your foot, turn out and place it on the barre, keeping your hips level and body straightened. Raise your leg at least one inch off the barre and hold for a count of eight. Slowly lower your leg, repeat four times and switch legs.
Increase your hamstring flexibility to help improve your extensions. Practice 180-degree splits on the floor in the forward lunge and straddle, or spread-leg, positions to improve your in-air extensions.
Improve your strength. Add stretch bands to your flexibility exercises. Loop the stretch band around the foot of the leg that you're working on to increase resistance.
Stretch the psoas muscle in your back to stabilize hip flexion over 90 degrees. Extend one leg behind you and place the other knee on the floor. Place your palms on the floor on each side of the bent leg and gently push up.
Lengthen your muscles with stretches featuring reciprocal inhibition by alternating stretching and contraction of your leg muscles. Lie on the floor on your back and extend your straightened leg upwards towards your face until you feel a gentle pull on your hamstring, then hold until you feel the hamstring release. Keep your leg in place while pushing against your hands for five to eight seconds, then reverse the pull towards your face, which will lengthen your stretch a few degrees, according to Dance Magazine.