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Medicine Ball Burpee

Intermediate
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A high-intensity, full-body metabolic movement combining a squat, plank, and explosive jump while holding a medicine ball. It targets the quads, chest, and shoulders for power and conditioning.

About Exercise

Equipment

Medicine Ball, Body Weight

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Triceps

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Conditioning
Endurance
Power
Fat Loss

Training Style

HIIT
CrossFit
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis

Chest

7/10

Mid Chest, Lower Chest

Glutes

6/10

Glute Max

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Triceps

4/10

Lateral Head

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand holding a medicine ball at chest height with feet shoulder-width apart. Maintain a neutral spine and brace your core before starting the movement.

  1. Squat down and place the medicine ball on the floor between your feet.
  2. Kick your feet back quickly into a high plank position, keeping the ball planted.
  3. Immediately jump your feet forward back into a deep squat position next to the ball.
  4. Grasp the ball and explosively jump upward, extending hips and knees fully.
  5. Reach the medicine ball high overhead at the peak of the jump.
  6. Land softly and immediately transition into the next repetition.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Explode up quickly.
  • Land soft and quiet.
  • Keep core tight.
  • Full hip extension.
  • Maintain control of the ball.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the squat and plank; exhale forcefully as you jump and reach overhead. Maintain core bracing throughout.

Tempo

X-0-X

Range of Motion

From a standing position with the ball overhead, down to a full plank position with the ball planted, and back up to full extension overhead.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop immediately if sharp pain occurs in the lower back or shoulders.
  • Ensure the ball is stable before kicking back into the plank.
  • Use a non-bouncing medicine ball for safety.

Spotting

Not recommended; this is a high-speed, bodyweight/lightly weighted movement. Focus on proper form and controlled landing.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the lower back when placing the ball down.
  • Letting the hips sag in the plank position.
  • Failing to fully extend the hips during the jump.
  • Slamming the feet down when jumping forward.

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee or shoulder pain
  • Severe lower back issues
  • Wrist pain or instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion for deep squat
  • Sufficient shoulder mobility for overhead reach

Build Up First

  • Competency in standard burpees
  • Ability to maintain a stable plank position

Also known as

Med Ball Burpee, Weighted Burpee Jump, Burpee with Overhead Reach

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