123 Back Drill

Boost agility and quickness with the 123 Back Drill. This dynamic plyometric exercise enhances footwork, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.

Intermediate
Compound
Push
10 min per set2 min rest

Description

A cardio exercise that involves three steps - jumping jacks, running in place, and air punches. It is designed to increase heart rate and improve cardiovascular health.

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How to Do 123 Back Drill

  1. 1
    Setup

    Begin in an athletic stance with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and core engaged.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Keep your chest up, shoulders back, and maintain a light, ready posture with your gaze forward.

  3. 3

    Step laterally to your right with your right foot (1), then quickly bring your left foot to meet it (2), maintaining a low, athletic stance.

  4. 4

    Immediately after the second step, step directly backward with your right foot (3), returning to your initial athletic starting position.

  5. 5

    Without pausing, repeat the entire 1-2-3 sequence to your left side: step left (1), bring right foot to meet (2), then step back with your left foot (3).

  6. 6

    Continue alternating sides, focusing on maintaining quick, explosive movements and a consistent rhythm.

Tips

  • Stay Low: Maintain a slight bend in your knees and hips throughout the entire drill to keep your muscles engaged and be prepared for quick changes in direction.
  • Arm Drive: Actively pump your arms forward and back, similar to sprinting, to help generate momentum and maintain balance and coordination.
  • Light on Your Feet: Focus on quick, light foot contacts with the ground, pushing off the balls of your feet to maximize responsiveness and minimize impact.
  • Rhythm and Pace: Establish a consistent 1-2-3 rhythm and smooth transition between movements before attempting to increase your speed.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Standing too Tall: Avoid performing the drill with straight legs, which diminishes power and increases joint impact; stay in an athletic, slightly bent-knee stance.
  • ×Lack of Quickness: Do not execute the steps slowly or with heavy footfalls; focus on rapid, explosive foot contacts to maximize the plyometric and agility benefits.
  • ×Incomplete Step Back: Ensure you fully execute the '3' (step back) component, returning to a balanced athletic stance, to properly train deceleration and re-acceleration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 123 Back Drill good for beginners?
123 Back Drill is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for 123 Back Drill?
You need Body weight to perform 123 Back Drill. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for 123 Back Drill?
Stay Low: Maintain a slight bend in your knees and hips throughout the entire drill to keep your muscles engaged and be prepared for quick changes in direction. Arm Drive: Actively pump your arms forward and back, similar to sprinting, to help generate momentum and maintain balance and coordination. Light on Your Feet: Focus on quick, light foot contacts with the ground, pushing off the balls of your feet to maximize responsiveness and minimize impact. Rhythm and Pace: Establish a consistent 1-2-3 rhythm and smooth transition between movements before attempting to increase your speed.
What are common mistakes when doing 123 Back Drill?
Standing too Tall: Avoid performing the drill with straight legs, which diminishes power and increases joint impact; stay in an athletic, slightly bent-knee stance. Lack of Quickness: Do not execute the steps slowly or with heavy footfalls; focus on rapid, explosive foot contacts to maximize the plyometric and agility benefits. Incomplete Step Back: Ensure you fully execute the '3' (step back) component, returning to a balanced athletic stance, to properly train deceleration and re-acceleration.

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123 Back Drill

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