How to Do Hurdle Jumps

Hurdle jumps can improve an athlete's speed, acceleration and leaping ability by strengthening the quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves. This exercise can be done with actual hurdles, but they are not entirely necessary. Instead of jumping over tall objects, using smaller ones and visualizing their height can be equally effective. It is more important to establish consecutive jumps than ensuring that the height of each jump is the same. By increasing the number of hurdles or their height, this exercise can be tuned for athletes of all abilities.

Instructions

1. Place three to five objects in a straight line with approximately 3 feet of space between them.

2. Stand in an athletic position at one end of the line with the objects in a straight line in front of you.

3. Spring off both feet, forward and up over the first object, tucking your legs beneath you to clear a maximum amount of space.

4. Land on both feet between the first and second objects and spring instantly back into the air forward and up off both feet to clear the second object.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have reached the end of your line of objects.

Tips & Warnings

• Establish goals and increase the difficulty of the exercise, by hurdle height, distance or number as your ability increases.

• Wear good sneakers and warm up to prevent injury prior to this or any similar exercises.