The lateral hurdle hop can be used to enhance lower body speed and agility. This drill is also a good way to improve lateral movement during sports play. It is advised to practice all drills at half speed at first. Once you are comfortable with the drill, you can increase your foot speed. Ultimately, your aim should be to do the drill as quickly as possible. The following are instructions for performing the lateral hurdle hop:
First, separate each hurdle about 20 inches apart. Once you have the hurdles in place, stand sideways in front of the first hurdle. Next, use both legs to jump sideways over each hurdle. As you jump, try to keep your head straight. Avoid looking down at the hurdles as much as possible. Keep your back straight as you move through the hurdles.
Be sure to stay on your toes at all times. The lateral hurdle hop is a plyometric drill. You are trying to develop muscular power in order to generate maximum force quickly. Thus, a useful visualization tool is to pretend the ground is a fiery hot surface. In order to avoid danger, you must minimize time on the ground and move quickly.