Exercise Facts
| Movement Pattern | Hinge, Plyometric, Power, Vertical |
|---|---|
| Muscle Group | Calves, Core, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads |
| Equipment | Medicine Ball |
| Environment | Gym, Outdoor |
| Skill Level | Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate |
| Series | Med Ball Power Series |
Overview
The Med Ball Scoop Toss is a full-body power exercise that develops vertical force production through the hips, legs, and core. It trains the ability to generate power from the ground up, making it an ideal movement for improving jump performance, sprint acceleration, and total-body explosiveness.
Unlike the overhead throw, which emphasizes upper-body contribution, the scoop toss focuses on hip and leg drive the foundation of all athletic movement. It teaches efficient sequencing through triple extension: extending the ankles, knees, and hips simultaneously to propel the medicine ball upward.
To perform, stand with your feet hip- to shoulder-width apart while holding a medicine ball in front of your thighs. Hinge slightly at the hips and bend the knees to load tension in your glutes and hamstrings. Brace your core and, in one powerful motion, drive explosively through your legs and hips while extending your body vertically. Use that upward momentum to scoop the medicine ball upward and slightly forward, releasing it just before full extension. Allow the ball to travel vertically or against a wall, then retrieve and repeat with consistent rhythm.
The Med Ball Scoop Toss primarily targets the glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, and core, while improving coordination between the lower and upper body. It’s a safe and effective method for developing explosive power without heavy loading.
Common mistakes include overusing the arms, releasing too early, or leaning back excessively at the top. Cue “drive from the legs,” “extend tall,” and “let the hips lead.”
In Relentless Bravery Fitness, the Med Ball Scoop Toss represents clean, efficient power simplicity in movement, executed with intent.
Program 3–5 sets of 5–8 reps for power development, or use in explosive warm-ups before heavy squats or Olympic lifts.
Setup (Steps)
Stand with feet hip-width apart; hold medicine ball at thigh level; hinge slightly at hips; brace core; prepare to drive upward.
Execution (Steps)
Explosively extend hips, knees, and ankles; drive ball upward in scoop motion; release ball at full extension; reset and repeat.
Coaching Cues
“Drive from the legs.” “Extend tall.” “Let the hips lead.”
Common Faults & Fixes
Using arms too much → focus on hip drive.
Leaning back at release → stay tall and balanced.
Releasing too early → time release at full extension.
Programming Ideas
3–5×5–8 reps for power; use in pre-lift warm-ups; pair with squats or jumps for contrast training.
Variations
Overhead throw, wall scoop toss, double scoop toss, kneeling scoop toss.
Regressions
Lighter ball, partial range of motion, slow tempo practice.
Standards & Competition Notes
Ball released from hip-level load; full triple extension achieved; consistent release angle; smooth rhythm maintained.
Safety Notes
Use non-bouncing medicine ball; maintain stable base; avoid excessive lumbar extension; keep core engaged throughout.
