STANDARD
Purpose
The Power Skip is the first exercise in Military Movement Drill 2.
This exercise develops powerful single-leg vertical jumping and landing skill in preparation for more vigorous testing and combat activities.
The figure above breaks down the exercise as Soldiers conduct it in a formation.
Cadence
Moderate cadence
Starting Position
The starting position is the Straddle Stance position with staggered legs with the right foot forward.
The right heel is even with the toes of the left foot.
The head is up looking straight ahead and the knees are slightly bent.
The left arm is forward.
Count
● From the starting position, step with the left foot then skip powerfully up from the ground with the right leg.
● As the right leg moves up, the left arm swings powerfully forward and up.
The right arm counter-moves to the rear.
● After landing on the left leg, immediately repeat the skip movement, leading with the left leg.
● When the left leg is forward, the right arm drives up and forward to unweight the body as it leaves the ground.
● Repeat this motion down a 25-meter course before stopping.
Repeat once to return to the start line.
● As skill improves, the Soldier may increase height of the skip.
Check Points
● Start slowly and progress the speed and height of the skip throughout each 25-yard interval.
● Soldiers should gradually incorporate larger arm swings as they jump to get higher elevation.
Arm swing is strong and smooth with the forward arm at 90-degrees and the rearward arm relatively straight.
● Arm swing is from front to rear, not side to side, with the upper part of the forward arm reaching parallel to the ground as it swings to the front.
Precautions
N/A
POWER JUMP (MODIFIED)
The modified Power Jump replaces the first exercise in Conditioning Drill 1.
This modification decreases the range of motion and limits the use of the arms and legs, and eliminates impact on the legs.
Figure 5-6 breaks down the movement Soldiers conduct at a moderate cadence:
Cadence
Moderate cadence
Starting Position
The starting position for the modified Power Jump is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips.
Count
● On count 1, squat with the heels flat, keeping the spine straight while reaching to the ground.
Face the palms toward the ground.
Gaze remains forward.
● On count 2, reach quickly up and overhead, raising off both heels without the feet leaving the ground.
Palms face inward.
● On count 3, return to the count 1 position.
● On count 4, return to the starting position.