---
title: "6 m Timed Hop Test"
description: "Trhe 6 m Timed Hop Test assesses single-leg speed and repeated hopping capacity over a fixed distance."
url: https://help.matassessment.com/en/articles/101-6-m-timed-hop-test
collection: "Power"
updated: 2026-06-16
language: en
---

# 6 m Timed Hop Test

Trhe 6 m Timed Hop Test assesses single-leg speed and repeated hopping capacity over a fixed distance.

The 6 m Timed Hop Test measures how quickly a client can hop 6 metres on one leg. It assesses lower-limb power, rhythm, speed, confidence and fatigue tolerance.

## Introduction

Distance hop tests show how far a client can hop, but they do not always show how quickly they can repeat hops. The 6 m Timed Hop Test adds a speed component by timing repeated single-leg hops over a fixed distance.

## Quick Summary

Test name: 6 m Timed Hop Test  
Purpose: Assess repeated single-leg hop speed  
What it assesses: Hop speed, rhythm, power and dynamic control  
Equipment: 6 m marked course, stopwatch or timing gates  
Key finding: Time to complete 6 m  
Best used with: Single Hop, Triple Hop, Crossover Hop and strength testing  
Key limitation: Timing and course setup strongly affect results

## What Is the 6 m Timed Hop Test?

The 6 m Timed Hop Test is a single-leg hop test where the client hops as quickly as possible over a 6 m distance. The MAT article identifies it as a Power Testing hop assessment.

## Why It Is Used

It assesses how quickly the client can produce repeated single-leg hops across a set distance. This may be useful for lower-limb rehabilitation, return-to-running progression and athletic testing.

## What It Measures

It measures completion time, repeated hop rhythm, lower-limb power and dynamic control. It does not directly measure endurance, diagnosis or full sport readiness.

## Who It Is Useful For

Athletes, ACL rehabilitation clients, lower-limb injury clients and active people returning to running, jumping or sport.

## Equipment Required

Flat 6 m lane  
Cones or tape markers  
Stopwatch or timing gates  
Measurz or MAT  
Optional video

## Step-by-Step Protocol

Mark a straight 6 m lane.

Warm up with progressive single-leg hopping.

The client starts behind the line on one leg.

On “go”, they hop forward as quickly as possible on the same leg until crossing the 6 m line.

Timing stops when the foot crosses the finish line.

Repeat on both sides with rest.

Record best time or average time consistently.

## Scoring and Interpretation

The score is time in seconds. A lower time indicates faster repeated hopping performance. Compare sides and monitor change over time.

## Normative Data or Reference Values

No universal normative values should be applied without matching population and protocol.

## Reliability and Validity

Timed hop tests are commonly used in ACL and lower-limb functional batteries. Standardised timing, lane distance, start position and finish criteria are essential.

## Common Errors and Testing Limitations

Common errors include stepping instead of hopping, touching the opposite foot down, inconsistent timing, loss of balance and not crossing the full 6 m line.

## Practical Applications

Use the 6 m Timed Hop Test to monitor repeated hop speed, compare limbs and assess progress during later-stage rehabilitation.

## How to Record This in Measurz

Record side, time, timing method, number of hops if observed, pain, fatigue, confidence, errors and movement-quality notes.

## FAQs

### What is the score?

Time to complete 6 metres on one leg.

### Is faster always better?

Only if the movement is controlled and pain-free.

### Should both legs be tested?

Yes, if safe and relevant.

## Key Takeaways

The 6 m Timed Hop Test measures repeated single-leg hop speed.  
Timing rules must be consistent.  
Record errors and pain.  
Use with other hop and strength tests.

## References

Reid, A., Birmingham, T. B., Stratford, P. W., Alcock, G. K., & Giffin, J. R. (2007). Hop testing provides a reliable and valid outcome measure during rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. _Physical Therapy, 87_(3), 337–349.

Noyes, F. R., Barber, S. D., & Mangine, R. E. (1991). Abnormal lower limb symmetry determined by function hop tests after ACL rupture. _American Journal of Sports Medicine, 19_(5), 513–518.