The Triple Hop Test measures single-leg horizontal power and repeated hop control across three consecutive hops. It is commonly used in lower-limb rehabilitation and performance testing.
One good hop does not always mean a client can repeat force production safely. The Triple Hop Test challenges the client to generate power repeatedly on the same leg and control the final landing.
Test name: Triple Hop Test
Purpose: Assess repeated single-leg horizontal power
What it assesses: Three-hop distance, power, balance and landing control
Equipment: MAT, Hop MAT or tape measure
Key finding: Total distance after three hops
Best used with: Anterior Hop, Crossover Hop, 6 m Timed Hop, strength tests
Key limitation: Distance alone does not capture movement quality
The Triple Hop Test requires the client to perform three consecutive hops on the same leg, as far as possible, then stick the final landing. The MAT article describes measuring from the start point to the heel of the test foot after the third hop and recording the best of three trials.
It is used to assess lower-limb power, repeated force production, balance and functional capacity. It is common in ACL and lower-limb return-to-sport testing batteries.
It measures cumulative horizontal distance across three hops and final landing control. It does not isolate strength, diagnose injury or prove sport readiness.
Athletes, ACL rehabilitation clients, lower-limb injury clients and clients returning to running, jumping and sport.
MAT, Hop MAT or measuring tape
Flat non-slip surface
Measurz or MAT
Optional video
The client warms up with progressive hopping.
They stand on one leg behind the start line.
They perform three consecutive forward hops on the same leg.
They land on the same foot after the third hop and hold the landing for 1–2 seconds.
Measure from the start line to the heel of the landing foot.
Repeat three trials per side with rest.
Record the best distance or average consistently.
The score is total distance. Calculate LSI where relevant. Greater distance with stable landing usually suggests better repeated hop performance.
Poor rhythm, pain, instability or a large side-to-side difference should prompt interpretation alongside strength, balance and symptoms.
The MAT article provides example adult values from Munro et al. but notes that values vary by population and protocol. Use matched references or individual progress where possible.
Triple Hop testing has published reliability evidence and is included in functional performance test literature. The MAT article cites Bolgla and Keskula, Munro et al. and Hegedus et al.
Not applicable for routine use.
Common errors include pausing between hops, landing on the opposite foot, failing to stick the final landing, measuring inconsistently and comparing results from different footwear or surfaces.
Use the Triple Hop Test to monitor repeated power, compare limbs, guide power training and support return-to-sport decisions as part of a test battery.
Record side, total distance, trial number, best or average result, LSI, pain, landing quality, rhythm, compensation notes and confidence.
It measures total distance across three consecutive single-leg hops.
Yes. The client should hold the final landing for 1–2 seconds.
The MAT article describes three trials with the best score recorded.
The Triple Hop Test assesses repeated single-leg power.
Measure total distance after the third hop.
Record landing quality and side comparison.
Use as part of a broader lower-limb battery.
Bolgla, L. A., & Keskula, D. R. (1997). Reliability of lower extremity functional performance tests. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 26(3), 138–142.
Munro, A. G., Herrington, L. C., & Carolan, M. (2012). Reliability of 2-dimensional video assessment of frontal-plane dynamic knee valgus during common athletic screening tasks. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 21(1), 7–11.
