Exercise guide · intermediate

Tuck Jump

The tuck jump is a plyometric exercise targeting the quads and developing explosive lower body power. The knee tuck at the peak of the jump challenges hip flexor strength and cardiovascular conditioning simultaneously.

quadriceps
FRONTBACK
PrimaryAlso worksOther anatomy
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Equipment
bodyweight
Typical range
8–15 reps
Also works
glutes, hamstrings, calves, core

01 · Set up

1

Set the listed equipment in a stable position and choose a resistance you can control through the full exercise.

2

Take the exercise-specific starting position, brace the non-working joints, and clear the movement path.

02 · Perform

1

Move through the exercise-specific path without borrowing momentum from the torso or adjacent joints.

2

Use the largest comfortable range you can control while keeping the resistance aligned.

3

Return deliberately to the starting position and reset before repeating.

Coaching tips

  • Keep the non-working joints still.
  • Use the full controlled range.
  • Own the return phase.

Common mistakes

  • Moving the torso to create momentum.
  • Using resistance that shortens the range.
  • Letting the resistance drop on the return.

What it should feel like

Expect the quadriceps to do most of the work, without sharp or joint-focused pain.

Stop or modify when

Stop or shorten the range for sharp, sudden, worsening, or joint-focused pain.

Reviewed alternatives

Other ways to train the same primary muscles

Box JumpFast Feet Sprint (Low Stance)High Knee Butt Kick