Hopping is a great way to start to build some power in your golf swing. Jumping is really where you can produce even more force from the ground, but hops are a great place to start. This hopping exercise will provide an equal opportunity for each leg to do its own work. You will likely have a side that is not as strong or balanced as the other, which is to be expected. However, be sure to maintain the alignment of your hip, knee, and toes. Avoid allowing your knee to fall inside of your ankle. Make a video of yourself to check your alignment.
In your golf swing you are producing force from the ground to create power. Hopping drills require ground force production. With this exercise you also have lateral force to produce, decelerate, and control. Your golf swing has the same requirements. You have to transfer weight into your backswing and then into your lead hip through impact. This hopping exercise might not look like golf but it can help you start building some more power.
For an even more powerful effect do a strength exercise first and then do the hopping.
This hopping exercise pairs up real nice with Single-leg Hip Reaches, Single-leg deadlifts, or Inline Squats. Use a medium weight.
3-4 sets of 3-4 times around the quadrants.
*Set up some tape on the ground in “cross”.
*Stand on one foot in one of the quadrants.
*Hop clockwise to the next quadrant.
*Land softly and with balance. If you land off balance, reset and hop from a stable stance.
* Hop with control clockwise from quadrant to quadrant. Go around 3-4 times and then switch legs.
*Be sure to keep your hip, knee, and toes lined-up on the hopping leg.
