Exercise Facts
| Movement Pattern | Jump, Lateral, Plyometric, Power, Reactive, Unilateral |
|---|---|
| Muscle Group | Abductors, Adductors, Calves, Core, Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads |
| Equipment | Floor Mat, Open Space |
| Environment | Gym, Outdoor |
| Skill Level | Advanced |
| Series | Plyometric Jump Series, Unilateral Power Series |
Overview
The Single-Leg Continuous Lateral Bounds are an advanced plyometric exercise that builds lateral power, stability, and muscular endurance through repetitive, controlled side-to-side bounds. Each jump demands balance, reactive strength, and coordination developing athleticism that directly transfers to real-world movement and sport.
To perform, start on one leg with a slight bend in the knee and hip. Engage your core and swing your arms to generate momentum. Bound explosively sideways, landing softly on the opposite leg while keeping your hips level and chest tall. Upon landing, absorb the impact and immediately bound back to the starting side, maintaining rhythm and balance throughout. Continue for the prescribed number of bounds or time interval.
This exercise primarily targets the glutes, hamstrings, quads, adductors, abductors, and core, while improving proprioception and force transfer across the body. It enhances coordination between legs and strengthens stabilizers in the hips and knees key to preventing injury and maximizing athletic control.
Common mistakes include overreaching, stiff landings, and losing alignment at the knees or hips. Cue “land soft,” “drive laterally,” and “stay centered.”
At Relentless Bravery Fitness, Single-Leg Continuous Lateral Bounds embody rhythm, precision, and control under pressure — mastering movement one bound at a time.
Program 3–4 sets of 10–20 bounds total (5–10 per leg), resting 60–90 seconds between sets to maintain reactive quality and form.
Setup (Steps)
Stand on one leg with knee and hip slightly bent; brace core; keep chest tall; arms by sides ready to swing.
Execution (Steps)
Explosively bound sideways to the other leg; land softly and absorb force; immediately rebound back; continue rhythmically side to side.
Coaching Cues
“Land soft.” “Drive laterally.” “Stay centered.”
Common Faults & Fixes
Overreaching → shorten jump distance.
Stiff landings → increase knee and hip flexion.
Knee collapse → engage glutes and maintain alignment.
Programming Ideas
3–4×10–20 bounds total; use as part of lateral agility or plyometric conditioning circuits.
Variations
Bound to cone markers, single-leg bounds for distance, or tempo-controlled bounds for endurance.
Regressions
Two-leg lateral jumps, step-side hops, or single-leg bounds with pause between reps.
Standards & Competition Notes
Continuous single-leg takeoff and landing; consistent height and distance; rhythm and control maintained throughout.
Safety Notes
Perform on cushioned flooring; keep hips level; avoid fatigue that compromises control; start small and build amplitude gradually.
