HOW: Set-up 2 cones to the side of you in a lateral fashion. The amount of space between each cone will depend on how difficult you want the task to be. The cone also helps to provide feedback as to where to land. Perform this drill with hopping on the same leg, then repeat on the other side. Follow the video instructions to get an idea of how to initiate your hop and good landing mechanics. The goal is to decelerate your speed with good mechanics and alignment throughout the kinetic chain without losing your balance.
FEEL: You should feel every muscle in your leg is helping you to initiate your hop. You should feel like your glutes, quads, and calves are helping to decelerate and maintain optimal balance and alignment. You should feel like you’re landing softly vs. being loud/stomping your feet.
COMPENSATION: Be sure to focus on your knee alignment with starting and finishing your hops! View the video for ideas, however we do not want the knee to collapse in, your upper body leaning side to side, rolling on the outside of your ankle/foot, your heel coming too far off the ground, or losing your balance.
