Power Testing: Anterior Hop Test

The Anterior Hop Test measures single-leg forward hop distance and landing control. It is useful for assessing lower-limb power, side-to-side performance and confidence during a simple horizontal hop task. The result should be interpreted with movement quality, pain, strength and related functional tests.

Introduction

A client may regain strength in controlled exercises but still show difficulty producing and controlling power on one leg. The Anterior Hop Test provides a simple way to assess single-leg horizontal hop performance and compare both limbs.

Although hop tests are widely used in lower-limb assessment and ACL rehabilitation, hop distance alone is not enough to judge readiness or function. Current evidence supports using hop tests as part of a broader test battery, with movement quality and symptoms recorded alongside distance.  

Quick Summary

Test name: Anterior Hop Test
Also known as: Single-leg hop for distance
Purpose: Assess single-leg horizontal hop distance
What it assesses: Hop distance, landing control, limb confidence and side-to-side performance
Equipment: Flat surface, measuring tape or digital distance measurement option, Measurz for recording
Key finding: Best valid hop distance or average distance
Best used with: Triple Hop, Crossover Hop, 6m Timed Hop, strength testing, balance testing and jump testing
Key limitation: Distance alone does not capture full lower-limb function or landing quality

What Is the Anterior Hop Test?

The Anterior Hop Test is a single-leg hop for distance. The client stands on one leg, hops forward as far as possible and lands on the same leg under control.

The distance is typically measured from the start line to the heel of the landing foot. The test is often used as part of a hop test battery.

Why It Is Used

The test is used to assess single-leg horizontal power, landing control, side-to-side performance and confidence during a simple forward hop.

It can help professionals monitor progress, compare limbs and decide whether more complex hop, jump, agility or sport-specific testing is appropriate.

What It Measures

The test measures single-leg forward hop distance and landing control.

It may reflect lower-limb power, dynamic balance, confidence, force production, landing strategy and side-to-side asymmetry.

It does not directly measure isolated strength, tissue healing, pain source, injury risk or sport readiness.

Who It Is Useful For

This test may be useful for athletes, runners, jump-sport clients, field sport athletes, court sport athletes and clients progressing through lower-limb power testing.

It may not be suitable for clients who cannot safely hop, cannot land on one leg, have high pain during take-off or landing, or have not progressed through lower-level strength and control tasks.

Equipment Required

Flat non-slip surface
Measuring tape or digital distance measurement option
Start line marker
Measurz for recording results
Optional video review
Optional standardised arm-use instruction

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. Prepare the surface

Use a flat, non-slip surface with a clear start line.

2. Position the client

The client stands on the test leg with the toes behind the start line.

3. Explain the hop

Ask the client to hop forward as far as possible and land on the same leg.

4. Define a valid landing

The landing must be controlled and held without extra hops, hand support, foot repositioning or loss of balance.

5. Complete practice trials

Allow practice trials so the client understands the task and landing standard.

6. Complete test trials

Complete the agreed number of trials on each side with adequate rest between attempts.

7. Measure distance

Measure from the start line to the heel of the landing foot. Record the best valid distance or the average, but use the same method for retesting.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record distance in centimetres or metres. If comparing sides, calculate Limb Symmetry Index where appropriate.

A larger distance generally indicates better single-leg hop performance under the tested conditions. However, a long hop with poor landing control should not be interpreted as an optimal result.

Interpretation should include distance, landing control, side comparison, pain, confidence, arm-use protocol, footwear, surface and related strength findings.

Normative Data, Benchmarks or Reference Values

Norms vary by age, sex, sport, training level, surface and protocol. Use matched population data only when the testing method is comparable.

Limb Symmetry Index is commonly used, and 90% is often referenced in lower-limb rehabilitation contexts. However, achieving a symmetry threshold does not guarantee readiness, especially if movement quality, strength or symptoms remain limited.  

Reliability and Validity

Single-leg forward hop tests are widely used and have been included in ACL rehabilitation and return-to-sport test batteries. A 2023 systematic review found unilateral lower-limb tests may be prognostic for future knee-related outcomes after ACL injury, but the certainty of evidence was very low.  

Reliability improves when the same surface, footwear, arm-use instruction, trial number, measurement landmark and landing criteria are used.

Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include measuring from the wrong landmark, accepting unstable landings, inconsistent arm use, inadequate warm-up, insufficient rest, comparing different surfaces and recording distance without landing quality.

The main limitation is that forward hop distance does not capture all lower-limb function, movement quality or sport demands.

Practical Applications

Use the Anterior Hop Test to track single-leg horizontal power, compare limbs and monitor progress over time.

It is most useful when paired with triple hop, crossover hop, timed hop, balance testing, strength testing and movement-quality assessment.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record side tested, trial number, distance, best or average score, valid or invalid attempt, pain score, symptom location, landing quality, confidence, arm-use instruction, footwear, surface and retest date.

Useful notes include poor landing control, extra hop, knee valgus, reduced confidence, asymmetrical take-off, pain during take-off or pain during landing.

Related Tests or Internal Linking Suggestions

Triple Hop Test
Crossover Hop Test
6m Timed Hop Test
Medial Hop Test
Lateral Hop Test
Vertical Jump Test
Single-Leg Balance Test
Lower-Limb Strength Testing

FAQs

What does the Anterior Hop Test measure?

It measures single-leg forward hop distance and landing control.

How many trials should be completed?

Use a consistent number of trials per side and record whether the best or average score is used.

Is 90% Limb Symmetry Index enough?

No. It may be useful, but movement quality, strength, pain and sport demands should also be considered.

Should pain be recorded?

Yes. Pain during take-off or landing changes interpretation.

What makes a hop invalid?

Loss of balance, extra hops, hand support or foot repositioning after landing should be recorded as invalid if they fall outside the chosen criteria.

Key Takeaways

The Anterior Hop Test measures single-leg forward hop distance.
Landing control matters as much as distance.
Side-to-side comparison is useful but should not be used alone.
Use consistent measurement and trial methods.
Record distance, pain, confidence and landing quality in Measurz.

References

West, T. J., Bruder, A. M., Crossley, K. M., & Culvenor, A. G. (2023). Unilateral tests of lower-limb function as prognostic indicators of future knee-related outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(13), 855–864.

Welling, W., Benjaminse, A., Lemmink, K., Dingenen, B., & Gokeler, A. (2024). Evaluation of hop test movement quality to enhance return to sport testing after ACL reconstruction. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.

Kotsifaki, A., et al. (2023). Identification and predictors of age-relevant and activity-relevant hop test targets after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. Needs verification.