LATERAL HOPS

Lateral Hops are performed in a variety of ways. A hop is performed on a single leg, landing on the same leg. Distance traveling either vertically or linear is never really an issue. The Primary Focus of Lateral Hops is to allow the athlete to focus on the Loading Phase of their stride controlling lateral forces. When you land, your hip joint should be slightly above your knee joint. Your chin, hip knee and ankle should all be in line to establish firm support. Lateral hops also help the athlete focus on ability to stabilize using the inside or outside part of your foot. This skill set will then transfer to the efficient use of the inside and outside edges while skating.

LATERAL HOPS – 5 MINI HURDLES (MEDIAL/LATERAL)

Lateral Box w/ 5 Mini Hurdles are part of our Lateral Hop Series and are taught in a specific progression. Perform the sequence with 5 Mini hurdles lined up in a row, approximately three feet apart. This distance may vary with younger players. This is an excellent drill to challenge lateral stability while using proper skating mechanics 

Lateral Hops w/ 5 Mini Hurdles (Medial/Lateral): Continuous

Continuous is simply repetitive jumps. The athlete will also be working on coordination, timing, and control as well as improving lower body power. Focus on a proper knee cycle as you hop over the hurdle, as well as a proper landing to yield, load and explode into the next jump. Emphasis will also be learning to utilize both the inside and outside part of your foot. Both to take off and landing.

• Begin, in single leg stance, on your lead leg, parallel to a mini hurdle
• Drop and load your lead hip with your trail leg bent at 90° and slightly behind you
• Your arms are also bent at 90° with lead hand near your waist and trail hand extended forward
• Hop laterally over the hurdle, landing quietly and softly back in your original starting position
• As you hop, drive your trail knee and lead arm upward to help generate vertical power
• Getting your hands coordinated opposite with your feet is another important focus
• Without pause, repeat hops in the same direction
• Now return down the series of hurdles facing the same direction on the opposite foot. You should now be utilizing your trail leg with focus on use of the inside part of the foot.
• After both trips have been performed with the same leg, turn around facing the opposite direction and repeat the same series of hop using the opposite leg.