Vertical
An exaggerated high-knee skip with opposite arm swing, performed down a 25-meter course and back.
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 1 of 3
Starting position
Straddle Stance with staggered legs, right foot forward with the right heel even with the toes of the left foot. Head up, knees slightly bent, left arm 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. Swing the left thigh up to 90 degrees and the right arm forward, then step forward with the left foot.
- 2Movement. As the left foot lands, raise the right thigh to 90 degrees and the left arm forward, then step forward with the right foot.
- 3Distance. Repeat down a 25-meter course, stop, and repeat once to return to the start line.
ATP 7-22.02, para. 8-3, p. 8-1, Figure 8-1 (opens the official PDF)
What it develops
Improves single-leg jumping and landing skill in preparation for more vigorous training, testing, and combat activities.
Focus: Legs, Single-leg landing, Coordination
Form
Drawn from the cited instructions.
Cues
- Drive the thigh to 90 degrees.
- Swing the opposite arm forward.