Split-Squat Jump

A jump from a split stance, switching legs in the air. Builds unilateral hip and quad power in a lunge position and demands a balanced, quiet landing each rep.

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
EQUIPMENT
Bodyweight
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Quads · Glutes
ALSO WORKS
Hamstrings · Hip Flexors · Calves
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Set up in a split stance, front shin near vertical, back knee bent and heel raised.
  2. 02Drop the back knee toward the floor to about a hand's width away.
  3. 03Jump vertically off both legs, driving through the front foot.
  4. 04Switch the legs in the air and land in the mirrored split stance on the forefeet.
  5. 05Absorb into the next rep for 6 to 10 total contacts, then rest a full minute.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Straight up, not forward.
  2. 02Land in the split, not in a squat.
  3. 03Front knee over the front foot on every landing.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Landing with the front foot far ahead of the knee — the braking force goes into the knee joint instead of the hip.
  2. 02Torso pitching forward on landing — you lose the front hip's contribution and the low back takes it.
  3. 03Doing them at the end of a leg session — the legs cannot produce speed when pre-fatigued and the drill loses its purpose.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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