Master the hip turn to lateral pushout, a simple but powerful change of direction drill that trains athletes to reorient their hips, stay low, and explode into an aggressive lateral push. Learn the setup, technique, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming to build faster, more reactive athletes. A perfect addition to any warm-up, hip turn series, or speed and agility training block.
Master the in-place hip turn, a foundational change of direction drill that teaches athletes to dissociate the hips from the upper body for faster, more balanced lateral movement. This no-equipment agility exercise builds the athletic stance, hip control, and lateral push mechanics essential for defense and reactive change of direction. Learn the setup, technique, common mistakes, and programming from THIRST Gym’s Brandon Smitley.
Learn the offset kettlebell drop and catch lateral lunge, a powerful deceleration and change-of-direction exercise that teaches athletes how to plant, brake, and stop efficiently. Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym in Terre Haute, Indiana breaks down the biomechanics, coaching cues, common mistakes, and programming for wrestlers, combat athletes, and anyone looking to move more athletically. A must-know drill for building resilient, injury-resistant change of direction.
The lateral power shuffle is one of the most effective drills for developing explosive side-to-side speed, agility, and change of direction for athletes in nearly every sport. In this exercise breakdown, Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym walks through the mechanics, common coaching mistakes, programming recommendations, and how to progress this drill from closed reps to reactive, sport-specific application. Whether you coach wrestlers, football players, MMA fighters, or general fitness clients, this is a foundational lateral movement drill every athlete should master.
The half kneeling lateral start to sprint is a powerful change of direction drill that develops explosive lateral power production and teaches athletes how to re-accelerate out of a cut. Ideal for soccer, basketball, tennis, and football athletes, this sprint variation builds the lateral propulsion and acceleration mechanics that separate elite competitors from the rest. Learn the proper setup, coaching cues, and programming guidelines from THIRST Gym owner Brandon Smitley.
The sprint to stick exercise is a fundamental deceleration training drill that teaches athletes proper stopping mechanics, enhances change of direction ability, and reduces injury risk. This simple yet effective agility drill develops the eccentric strength and neuromuscular control necessary for superior athletic performance across all sports. Master the art of braking to improve reactive agility, defensive positioning, and explosive reacceleration in competitive environments.
The deficit lateral lunge is an advanced frontal plane exercise that builds explosive lateral movement and change of direction power by incorporating an elevated box to increase range of motion and force production demands. This variation enhances the stretch-shortening cycle in the glutes and hamstrings, making it ideal for athletes in basketball, soccer, tennis, and other sports requiring rapid directional changes. Learn proper technique, programming strategies, and how to progress this powerful lateral movement exercise for maximum athletic development.
Master the double low box lateral shuffle, an advanced agility drill that develops exceptional footwork coordination and lateral movement speed for athletic performance. This challenging plyometric exercise builds upon basic lateral shuffles to create rapid directional changes while maintaining proper athletic positioning. Learn the proper setup, technique, and programming strategies to integrate this powerful lateral agility drill into your training routine.
Master the lateral bound to box jump, a powerful plyometric exercise that combines lateral power development with explosive vertical jumping ability. This multi-planar movement is particularly effective for basketball and volleyball athletes, teaching your body to efficiently transfer horizontal momentum into vertical force for improved athletic performance. Learn proper technique, programming guidelines, and sport-specific applications to maximize your explosive power development.