Single-Leg Vertical Jump
Test your power & balance! Single-Leg Vertical Jumps build explosive strength and improve coordination. Jump higher and feel the burn.
The Single-Leg Vertical Jump mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hamstrings and calves / shins. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Single-Leg Vertical Jump Muscles Worked
Primary
Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Secondary
Hamstrings; Lower Calf (soleus)
Single-Leg Vertical Jump Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Single-Leg Vertical Jump
Start by standing upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Shift your weight onto one leg.
Bend the knee of the weight-bearing leg slightly to enter a single-leg half-squat position. Keep your other foot off the ground. Swing your arms backward to help generate momentum.
Explosively jump upwards by extending your hip, knee, and ankle of the supporting leg. Swing your arms forward and upward to increase your vertical force.
Aim to jump as high as possible, keeping the non-weight-bearing leg bent at the knee to avoid generating any additional lifting force.
Land softly on the ball of your foot of the same leg you jumped with, returning to a single-leg half-squat position to absorb the impact.
Stabilize your landing, regain your balance if necessary, and prepare for the next repetition.
Perform the desired number of reps on one leg before switching to the other leg.
Rest between sets as needed to maintain proper form and explosive power for each jump.
Ensure you perform a proper warm-up before engaging in plyometric exercises to prepare your muscles and joints.
Practice good form by maintaining balance, keeping your core engaged, and avoiding any twisting or sideways motion during the jump or landing.
Begin with a lower height and gradually increase the intensity as your strength and technique improve.
If you're new to plyometrics or have any existing knee, hip, or ankle issues, consult with a fitness professional before attempting single-leg vertical jumps.
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Single-Leg Vertical Jump FAQs
What muscles does the Single-Leg Vertical Jump work?
The Single-Leg Vertical Jump mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hamstrings and calves / shins. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.
What equipment do you need for the Single-Leg Vertical Jump?
None. The Single-Leg Vertical Jump is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
What workout day should the Single-Leg Vertical Jump go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Single-Leg Vertical Jump variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Single-Leg 4-Way Hop, Astride Jump, Basketball Shot Jump and Box Drop to Single-Leg Land.
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