Power Testing: Crossover Hop Test

The Crossover Hop Test assesses single-leg power, balance and neuromuscular control while hopping repeatedly across a line. It is often used as part of lower-limb functional testing after injury.

Introduction

A client may hop forward well but struggle when asked to cross their body line repeatedly. The Crossover Hop Test adds frontal-plane control and coordination demands to repeated hopping.

Quick Summary

Test name: Crossover Hop Test
Purpose: Assess repeated hop power and medial-lateral control
What it assesses: Three-hop distance, coordination, landing stability and control
Equipment: Hop MAT, MAT or measuring line
Key finding: Distance after three crossover hops
Best used with: Triple Hop, Anterior Hop, 6 m Timed Hop, strength testing
Key limitation: Does not diagnose injury or confirm readiness alone

What Is the Crossover Hop Test?

The Crossover Hop Test requires the client to hop three times on the same foot while crossing over a line or MAT in alternating directions. The MAT article describes hopping medially, laterally and medially across the Hop MAT, then sticking the final landing.  

Why It Is Used

It assesses repeated power while adding lateral control, coordination and balance demands. It may help identify asymmetry or movement-control deficits.

What It Measures

It measures crossover hop distance, landing quality, balance and ability to control repeated lateral direction change.

It does not directly measure isolated strength, ligament status or sport readiness.

Who It Is Useful For

ACL rehabilitation clients, lower-limb injury clients, field and court sport athletes, and clients returning to multidirectional running.

Equipment Required

Hop MAT or marked line
Flat non-slip surface
Tape measure if required
Measurz or MAT
Optional video

Step-by-Step Protocol

Set up the Hop MAT or a straight marked line.

The client stands on one leg beside the line.

Hands may be on hips if that is the chosen protocol.

Cue the client to hop three times on the same leg while crossing over the line each time.

The sequence commonly begins medially, then laterally, then medially.

The client sticks the final landing.

Measure distance from the start point to the heel or agreed landing landmark.

Repeat on both legs.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record distance and landing quality. Compare sides if appropriate. Reduced distance, line contact, loss of balance or poor knee/trunk control may indicate reduced functional control, but interpretation should be combined with other tests.

Normative Data or Reference Values

No universal normative value applies across all populations. Use matched evidence only when available and prioritise individual progress and limb comparison.

Reliability and Validity

Crossover hop tests are commonly used in lower-limb functional batteries. Reliability depends on line width, instructions, trial number, arm position, footwear, surface and scoring method.

Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include failing to cross the line, pausing between hops, touching the opposite foot down, not holding the landing and measuring inconsistently.

Practical Applications

Use the Crossover Hop Test to monitor dynamic lower-limb control, side-to-side differences and readiness for more complex sport-specific tasks.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record side, distance, line setup, trial number, best or average score, pain, confidence, line contacts, landing stability and movement-quality notes.

FAQs

What does the Crossover Hop Test measure?

It measures repeated single-leg hopping distance with medial-lateral control.

How many hops are performed?

Three consecutive hops on the same leg.

Should line contacts be counted?

Record line contacts or invalid trials according to your protocol.

Key Takeaways

The Crossover Hop Test adds lateral control to repeated hop testing.
Distance and accuracy both matter.
Record line contacts and landing quality.
Use as part of a broader functional battery.

References

Reid, A., Birmingham, T. B., Stratford, P. W., Alcock, G. K., & Giffin, J. R. (2007). Hop testing provides a reliable and valid outcome measure during rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. Physical Therapy, 87(3), 337–349.

Gustavsson, A., Neeter, C., Thomeé, P., et al. (2006). A test battery for evaluating hop performance in patients with an ACL injury. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, 14(8), 778–788.