Lateral
A side step with the trail leg brought toward the lead leg, 25 meters one way and back the other, always facing the same direction.
Demonstration
Official photo sequences from the Army's drill manual, read left to right, top to bottom.
Photos: U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training, ATP 7-22.02. Approved for public release.
How to perform it
Military Movement Drill 1, exercise 2 of 3
Starting position
Straddle Stance with the left side facing the direction of movement. Crouch slightly with elbows bent to 90 degrees and palms facing forward.
Straddle Stance: Stand with the feet pointing ahead and shoulder-width apart. ATP 7-22.02, para. 2-5, p. 2-3 (opens the official PDF)
Movement
- 1Movement. Step out with the lead leg, then bring the trail leg up toward it.
- 2Distance. Face the same direction throughout: move left for the first 25 meters and right for the second 25 meters.
- 3Progression. Increase speed as skill improves.
ATP 7-22.02, para. 8-4, p. 8-2, Figure 8-2 (opens the official PDF)
What it develops
Develops the ability to move laterally. The ATP notes it is the third leg of the AFT sprint-drag-carry.
Focus: Hips, Lateral movement
Form
Drawn from the cited instructions.
Cues
- Keep facing the same direction out and back.
- Stay in a slight crouch.