Power Testing: Lateral Hop Test

The Lateral Hop Test assesses single-leg hop performance away from the body’s midline. It is useful for monitoring lateral power, landing control and side-to-side differences.

Introduction

A client may perform well in forward hopping but struggle to control lateral movement. The Lateral Hop Test provides a structured way to assess how well they produce and absorb force while hopping sideways.

Quick Summary

Test name: Lateral Hop Test
Purpose: Assess lateral single-leg hop power
What it assesses: Frontal-plane power, lateral landing control and asymmetry
Equipment: MAT, Hop MAT or measuring surface
Key finding: Lateral hop distance
Best used with: Medial Hop, Anterior Hop, Side Hop and Square Hop
Key limitation: Does not diagnose injury or determine readiness alone

What Is the Lateral Hop Test?

The Lateral Hop Test is a single-leg hop performed sideways away from the body’s midline. The MAT page identifies it as a Power Testing lower-limb hop assessment.  

Why It Is Used

It is used to assess lateral lower-limb power and landing control, especially in clients who need cutting, sidestepping, defensive movement or return-to-sport progression.

What It Measures

It measures lateral hop distance and landing stability. It does not directly measure isolated muscle strength, injury risk or diagnosis.

Who It Is Useful For

Field and court sport athletes, lower-limb injury clients, ACL rehabilitation clients, ankle rehabilitation clients and active clients returning to lateral movement.

Equipment Required

MAT, Hop MAT or tape measure
Flat non-slip surface
Measurz or MAT
Optional video

Step-by-Step Protocol

Warm up with progressive lateral hops.

The client stands on the test leg beside the measuring surface.

The opposite foot is lifted.

Cue the client to hop laterally as far as possible and land on the same foot.

The landing must be held for 1–2 seconds.

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

Complete three trials per side.

Record the best or average score consistently.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record distance, side and landing quality. A greater distance with stable landing usually suggests better lateral hop performance. Poor balance, pain or knee/trunk collapse should reduce confidence in the result.

Normative Data or Reference Values

No universal normative value should be applied. Use baseline, limb comparison and relevant sport demands.

Reliability and Validity

Hop test reliability improves with standardised instructions, footwear, surface, measurement landmark and trial number.

Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include unclear lateral direction, not sticking the landing, measuring inconsistently, allowing extra hops and comparing with different surfaces.

Practical Applications

Use the Lateral Hop Test to monitor lateral power, assess limb asymmetry and guide progression toward multidirectional movement.

How to Record This in Measurz

Record side, distance, direction, trial number, pain, landing quality, confidence, knee/trunk control and related strength or balance findings.

FAQs

What does the Lateral Hop Test measure?

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

Is it different from the Side Hop Test?

Yes. The Lateral Hop Test usually measures distance, while the Side Hop Test often counts repeated hops over time.

Should both legs be tested?

Yes, when safe and relevant.

Key Takeaways

The Lateral Hop Test assesses lateral single-leg power.
Stable landing matters as much as distance.
Record direction and side clearly.
Use it with other hop, strength and balance tests.

References

Bolgla, L. A., & Keskula, D. R. (1997). Reliability of lower extremity functional performance tests. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 26(3), 138–142.

Hegedus, E. J., McDonough, S., Bleakley, C., Cook, C. E., & Baxter, G. D. (2015). Clinician-friendly lower extremity physical performance tests in athletes. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(10), 649–656.