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Single-Cone Sprint Drill: starting position Single-Cone Sprint Drill: end position

Sprint & Agility · Quads

Single-Cone Sprint Drill

A sprint & agility exercise that works the quads. Beginner level, using box or hurdle.

BeginnerBox or hurdleGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryQuads
SecondaryCalves (gastrocnemius & soleus), Glutes, Hamstrings

Quads, calves, and agility.

Setup and loading

One cone.

How to do the single-cone sprint drill step by step

  1. Stand next to a cone.
  2. Move your feet as fast as possible.
  3. Round the cone and sprint out.

Form cues

  • Short steps
  • Hips low on the turn

Common mistakes

  • Wide turn
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Sets and reps for your goal

Speed

4-6 x 10-30 m or 5-10 s · full rest

4-8 reps of 10-40 meters (or 3-6 seconds). Full rest: 1 minute for every 10 meters.

Always at 95-100%. If your time gets more than 3-5% slower or your technique falls apart, stop: running tired trains endurance, not speed.

Plyometrics

3-5 x 3-6 jumps · rest 1-2 min

3-6 sets of 3-8 jumps. In total, 60-100 contacts per session (40-60 if you're a beginner). Rest 1 to 2 minutes between sets.

Short, quiet ground contact. If the jump loses height or your foot sticks to the ground, stop: the set is no longer training reactivity. Two sessions per week, 48 h apart.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

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Variations and similar exercises

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