How to Do Lateral Ski Jumps?

Lateral ski jumps involve springing side-to-side to build lower body power and agility.

To perform lateral ski jumps based on the reference provided:

1. Position Yourself: Start in a ready stance, perhaps slightly crouched.
2. Spring Sideways: Spring back approximately 2 feet to your left. This movement is considered one repetition.
3. Maintain Arm Position: Throughout the jump and the landing, make sure to keep your arms bent in front of you.
4. Repeat: Repeat the move, presumably springing back to the right to return to the starting area or continue the side-to-side motion, five times to complete a set or sequence as described in the reference.

This exercise simulates the quick, lateral movements often used in sports like skiing.

Steps for Lateral Ski Jumps

Here's a breakdown of the movement:

• Starting Stance: Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent.
• Arm Placement: Bend your arms and hold them in front of you.
• The Jump: Explode off your outside leg to jump laterally (sideways) about two feet.
• Landing: Land softly on the opposite foot, absorbing the impact by bending your knee. Maintain balance.
• Transition: Immediately (or after a brief pause for balance) jump back to the other side.

Key Points:

• Focus on a controlled, athletic landing.
• Use your arms for momentum and balance.
• Keep your core engaged.

Why Do Lateral Ski Jumps?

Lateral ski jumps are excellent for:

• Improving Lateral Power: Enhances the ability to generate force sideways.
• Boosting Agility: Develops quickness and change of direction skills.
• Strengthening Lower Body: Works the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves.
• Enhancing Balance and Stability: Challenges your ability to land and control movement on one leg.

Practical Application

Lateral ski jumps are a common drill in:

• Sports training (especially for sports requiring lateral movement like basketball, soccer, tennis, and, of course, skiing).
• General fitness routines for lower body strength and cardio.

Example:

A typical set might involve jumping 5 times to the left and 5 times to the right, or simply 10 jumps side-to-side, counting each landing as one jump. The reference specifically mentions repeating the move (springing back 2 feet to the left) five times, suggesting a set of five jumps in one direction before potentially switching.

Mastering the controlled landing is crucial to prevent injury and maximize the exercise's effectiveness.