September 14, 2015 By Nick Folker

Building Blocks: The Bilateral Lower-Extremity Jump Progression

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This week we are transitioning from our uni-lateral approach to the squat to introducing a bi-lateral approach to a jump progression. It is important to note that any well-rounded program should combine both bilateral exercises (split the resistance between two limbs) and unilateral exercises (stressing one limb) for maximum gains. I find this particular progression extremely useful, as learning proper jump mechanics and proficiency ensures maximum power-production and decreases the risk of injury and stress on your joints, especially as you move from body weight jumps to weighted jumps.

tuck_Jump

Exercise Introduction:

We like to start the bilateral jump progression with the Box Jump. Being the first step in the progression, we recommend starting with the box at mid-shin height. Ideally, use a soft box, such as a gymnastics box, instead of a metal box. The focus here is teaching the young athlete to land efficiently on a soft platform.

Exercise 1: Box Jump 

 

Tips:

Stand in front of the box with your feet hip-width apart. In a smooth movement, swing your arms back as you squat down to a 1/4 squat. At this point, without a pause, swing your arms forward as you extend from your ankles, through your kness and hips to jump onto the box. Land softly on the box with your feet hip-width apart, a slight bend in your knees and knees in-line - that is, not caving in toward each other. Do not land with your knees locked out. Stand up from this position. Step down slowly from the box. Reset at the start position, then repeat for the prescribed reps. Since this progression is being using for teaching purposes, these reps are not continuous reps, but rather single reps. At a later stage in the jump progression, it may be pertinent to work on continuous reps to enhance power endurance.

 

More Building Blocks:

Check out more from our building Blocks Series.

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Summary:

Thanks for joining us on the first stage of the BW Pullup progression. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BridgeAthletic, Twitter at https://twitter.com/BridgeAthletic or on Instagram using the handle BridgeAthletic in order to see the rest of the progression.
 
Want Feedback? We're here to help. We highly encourage you and your athletes to share videos and pictures performing the exercises. Use #BuildBetterAtheltes in order to receive feedback and guidance from one of our elite coaches on the BridgeAthletic Performance Team. 
 
Be sure to check back tomorrow for more Building Blocks!
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About the Author

Nick Folker

Nick Folker is the Co-Founder and Director of Elite Performance at BridgeAthletic. Nick’s roster of athletes includes 35 Olympians winning 22 Olympic Medals, 7 team NCAA Championships and over 170 individual and relay NCAA championships.

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