Exercise guide
Push Up 3 Points Hops
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
This advanced plyometric push-up variation builds explosive upper-body power while challenging core stability and hip mobility through multi-directional hops. It integrates chest and tricep strength with dynamic oblique and quadriceps engagement by moving the lower body through three distinct landing points.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Begin in a standard high plank position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width and feet together.
- Brace your core and align your head, hips, and heels in a straight line.
- Position your hands firmly on the floor with fingers slightly spread for maximum stability.
How to do it
- Lower your chest toward the floor to perform a push-up, then exhale and press back up explosively.
- Immediately hop both feet forward toward the outside of your left hand, then hop back to the starting plank position.
- Perform another push-up, then hop both feet forward toward the center (tuck position) and hop back.
- Perform a third push-up, then hop both feet toward the outside of your right hand and hop back to complete one full cycle.
Form checklist
- Keep your hips level with your shoulders; avoid letting them pike excessively high during the hops.
- Maintain a neutral spine and prevent the lower back from sagging during the push-up phase.
- Land softly on the balls of your feet to minimize joint impact and maintain control.
- Ensure your chest reaches elbow depth on every push-up repetition.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'quiet feet'—landing softly indicates superior core control and better eccentric loading of the muscles.
- Use your core to pull your knees toward your hands during the hops rather than just jumping with your legs to maximize oblique activation.
- Maintain a rhythmic tempo: 1 second for the descent, an explosive press, and rapid, reactive hops.
Make it harder
- Perform the push-up as a 'plyo push-up' where your hands leave the floor simultaneously with the foot hop.
- Increase the speed of the hops to turn the movement into a high-intensity cardiovascular challenge.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the push up 3 points hops work?
- The push up 3 points hops primarily targets the pectorals and quadriceps, and also works the serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the push up 3 points hops?
- The push up 3 points hops requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the push up 3 points hops good for beginners?
- The push up 3 points hops is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
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