Single-Leg Broad Jump

ExtrasBW

A maximal single-leg horizontal jump for distance, exposing left-right power asymmetries and building unilateral force production critical for sprinting and change of direction.

Demo: Strength & Conditioning coaching channel

Sets

3

Reps

3 per leg

Rest

1:30

Contraindications

Avoid with any knee ligament history, ankle instability, or hip pain. High skill and stability demand — master bilateral broad jump first.

Setup

Stand on one leg at a marked start line, free leg slightly bent and back.

Execution

  1. 1Load into a single-leg quarter squat with a slight forward lean
  2. 2Drive the free leg and arms forward to assist
  3. 3Extend the stance leg fully — hip, knee, ankle
  4. 4Land on the same leg (or transition to two feet if landing stability requires it)
  5. 5Stick the landing and reset fully before switching sides

Key cues

  • Drive the free knee forward hard
  • Extend the stance leg completely
  • Land under control, don't crumple
  • Compare distances left vs. right

Common faults

  • Landing with excessive knee valgus
  • Insufficient hip extension reducing distance
  • Rushing repeated attempts without resetting
  • Ignoring a large left-right asymmetry instead of addressing it

Tweaks

  • Progress to single-leg broad jump to a stick-and-hold for 3 seconds
  • Add a lateral bound variant to test frontal-plane single-leg power
  • Use distance measurements to track asymmetry over time

Regressions

Progressions

Muscles

Primary: Quadriceps, Glutes, Hamstrings

Secondary: Hip Stabilizers, Calves, Core

Notes

Primary energy system: alactic. Excellent diagnostic tool for identifying unilateral power deficits before they become injury risks.

Sources

Attribution: NSCA