How to Do
How to Do Lateral Speed Step
The lateral speed step should begin with a good posture to avoid injury. Brace the spine by drawing your lower abdomen inward. Your core muscles should be activated to support your posture as you perform the exercise.
If any pain is experienced, immediately stop the lateral speed step.
Beginning
Beginning Lateral Speed Step
Begin with a thorough dynamic warm up before starting this exercise; this engages the nervous system.
Movement
Lateral Speed Step Movement
1. Begin this drill looking down the length of a step with feet on either side of a step about 6 cm (2 inch) high.
2. In this progression, you will move sideways.
3. Use your arms like you were running to help you with this drill.
4. Position yourself on the toes and as quick as you can (under control) bring one foot onto the step, then the other.
5. Return down by bringing the first foot back on the ground followed by the other, landing on the toes.
6. Half way through the drill, switch the lead foot.
Benefits
Lateral Speed Step Benefits
Lateral exercises assist to strengthen and stretch the stabilizer muscles, allowing for more balanced and coordinated movement as well as lateral strength and flexibility. With so many traditional workouts focusing on linear motion, simply incorporating lateral movements into your practice can be a terrific way to give your routine a new lease on life.