The split stance cable lift is an underrated rotational core exercise that builds anti-rotation strength, hip stability, and change of direction performance for athletes, powerlifters, and combat sports competitors. Learn how to set up the lift with a cable machine and lift and chop strap, when to choose each foot position variation, and how to program it for serious carryover to sport and the platform.
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 low box lateral shuffle with stick is a lateral deceleration drill designed to teach athletes how to stop, absorb force, and own a mechanically sound position so they can immediately change direction and reapply power. By emphasizing a deliberate two-to-three-second stick on every rep, this exercise builds the movement patterns athletes need to decelerate cleanly without losing position or wasting time turning to change direction. Learn proper setup, technique, and programming recommendations for integrating this drill into your athletic performance training.
Single leg lateral hops are a foundational plyometric exercise that develops lateral power, ankle stiffness, and reactive strength for athletes at all levels. Learn proper technique, avoid common mistakes, and discover how to progress from this beginner-friendly movement to advanced lateral plyometrics that enhance sports performance. Perfect for youth athletes, team sport competitors, and anyone looking to improve lateral movement, change of direction speed, and frontal plane power development.
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.
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The lateral lunge with pushoff is an explosive power exercise that develops change of direction ability and lateral movement mechanics essential for athletic performance. This progression from the standard lateral lunge emphasizes aggressive pushoff and reactive strength to build the neuromuscular patterns athletes need for cutting, decelerating, and reaccelerating in sports. Learn proper execution, programming recommendations, and how to progress this bodyweight or loaded exercise for maximum lateral power development.
The lateral shuffle with medicine ball fake chop teaches athletes proper hip loading and cutting mechanics essential for explosive change of direction. This athletic training drill helps larger, less mobile athletes develop the deceleration and yield patterns necessary for powerful lateral movement and improved agility performance. Learn proper execution, common mistakes, and programming strategies to enhance speed and change of direction training for athletes at all levels.
The sled resisted backpedal is an explosive speed training drill that forces athletes to develop powerful backward acceleration mechanics essential for football, basketball, and field sports. Learn proper technique, equipment setup, and programming strategies to build defensive speed and improve backpedaling performance. This loaded variation transforms passive backward movement into an explosive athletic skill that translates directly to competitive game situations.
The alternating lateral broad jump is a dynamic plyometric exercise that combines lateral bounds with forward propulsion to develop explosive multi-directional power and change of direction ability. This advanced single-leg jumping drill builds hip stability, reactive strength, and cutting performance for basketball players, soccer athletes, and anyone looking to improve their agility and lateral power. Learn proper technique, progression strategies, and programming recommendations to safely incorporate this effective plyometric movement into your athletic training routine.