Hop Matrix

  • Power

    Agility

    Control

    Return-to-Sport

  • Bodyweight

  • Intermediate to Advanced

Overview

The Single Leg Hop Matrix is a multidirectional plyometric drill designed to challenge and strengthen lower-body stability, balance, and force control. It combines anterior-posterior, lateral, and rotational hops into one fluid sequence, training the body to adapt to various angles of movement and deceleration. This drill is excellent for athletic development, ACL-prep or return-to-sport programs, and improving dynamic single-leg control.


Muscles Worked

PRIMARY:

  • Gluteus maximus

  • Gluteus medius

  • Quadriceps

  • Hamstrings

  • Calves

SECONDARY:

  • Core stabilizers

  • Intrinsic foot muscles

  • Hip stabilizers


STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Begin balanced on your right leg with a slight bend in the knee and hip.

  2. Perform a forward hop, land softly and stabilize.

  3. Hop backward to the starting spot, again landing with control.

  4. Next, hop laterally to your right and then back to center.

  5. Follow with a rotational hop to the right, land facing slightly off-axis, then rotate-hop back to the start.

  6. Complete the same sequence on the left leg.


Benefits

  • Builds comprehensive single-leg strength and control

  • Enhances proprioception and balance across multiple planes

  • Trains deceleration and force absorption

  • Improves joint stability and coordination

  • Ideal for return-to-sport, ACL-prevention, and multidirectional readiness


COACHING CUES

  • Land soft, stick the landing, then move

  • Maintain eye focus and a proud chest for balance

  • Drive through your hips, absorb through the glutes

  • Keep your knee tracking in line with your toes

  • Stabilize before transitioning to the next direction

Previous
Previous

Anterior and Posterior Jump

Next
Next

Rotational Hop