Bounding Skips, often known simply as "skips," are a dynamic and powerful plyometric exercise designed to improve lower body strength, explosive power, and athletic performance. This exercise mimics a combination of running and jumping and is commonly used in sports training.
Here's how to perform Bounding Skips:
- Starting Position: Begin by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart. Maintain an athletic stance with your chest up, shoulders relaxed, and core engaged.
- Initial Skip: Start with a regular skip as you would while playing or moving forward. Drive off the ground with your right foot while bringing your left knee upward in a high knee position.
- The Bound: As your left knee reaches its peak, extend your left leg forward and push off forcefully from your right foot, propelling your body forward.
- Airborne Moment: During the bound, your body should be in the air for a brief moment, similar to a single-legged jump.
- Alternate Sides: As you land, quickly transition into the next skip by lifting your right knee while extending your left leg forward for the next bound.
- Repeat: Continue this skip-bound-skip sequence, alternating between legs, to maintain forward momentum.
- Arm Action: Coordinate your arm movement with your leg movement. As you skip, swing your arms in a natural running motion.
- Pace: Maintain a brisk and continuous rhythm as you perform bounding skips.
Tips for performing Bounding Skips:
- Focus on explosive power during the bound, propelling yourself forward with each skip.
- Keep your core engaged for balance and stability.
- Practice on a flat, even surface to avoid any tripping hazards.
- As you become more comfortable with the exercise, increase the speed and distance of your skips.
- Bounding skips are a fantastic addition to sports training, helping to enhance your speed, agility, and leg strength.
Bounding skips are a dynamic exercise that can be used to improve athletic performance, enhance lower body strength, and add variety to your workout routine. Whether you're an athlete or simply looking to boost your leg power, bounding skips are an effective choice.
