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Skier Jumps

Intermediate
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Lateral plyometric bodyweight jumps mimicking skiing that target quads, glutes, and calves to build agility, power, and conditioning; scaled by jump height and speed.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hip Flexors, Abs, Obliques, Abductors, Adductors

Accessory Muscles

Shoulders

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Conditioning
Power
Endurance

Training Style

HIIT
Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Calves

6/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Hip Flexors

5/10

Iliopsoas

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

3/10

External Obliques

Abductors

3/10

Glute Medius, TFL

Adductors

3/10

Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet together, knees slightly bent, arms at sides, core braced, gaze forward.

  1. Squat slightly and swing arms back to load.
  2. Explode upward and laterally to one side, swinging arms forward.
  3. Land softly on both feet in a quarter squat, absorbing impact.
  4. Immediately explode to the opposite side.
  5. Swing arms back as you prepare for the next jump.
  6. Repeat alternating sides, maintaining fluid motion.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Land softly
  • Brace core
  • Swing arms explosively
  • Eyes forward
  • Push through midfoot

Breathing

Inhale as you land and prepare, exhale forcefully during the jump.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Squat to quarter depth; jump laterally 2-3 feet side to side, knees bending to absorb landing without full lockout.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Warm up joints and muscles first
  • Use clear space to avoid collisions
  • Progress gradually if new to plyometrics
  • Stop if sharp joint pain occurs
  • Maintain neutral spine throughout

Spotting

Not required; solo bodyweight exercise, but perform near a wall for balance if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Landing stiffly on straight legs
  • Leaning torso forward
  • Allowing knees to cave inward
  • Not engaging core
  • Jumping too far without control

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Ankle sprains
  • Lower back pain
  • Recent surgery in lower body

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion for landing
  • Hip abduction range for lateral movement
  • Shoulder mobility for arm swing

Build Up First

  • Master basic squat form
  • Familiarity with jumping rope or basic plyometrics
  • Good balance and coordination

Also known as

Lateral Ski Jumps, Side-to-Side Jumps, Skater Jumps

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