123 Back Drill
Boost agility and quickness with the 123 Back Drill. This dynamic plyometric exercise enhances footwork, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance.
- Movement
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Per set
- 10 min
- Rest
- 2 min
Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store
Variations of 123 Back Drill
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.
Save 123 Back Drill to a routine
Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.
How to do 123 Back Drill
- 01Setup
Begin in an athletic stance with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and core engaged.
- 02Setup
Keep your chest up, shoulders back, and maintain a light, ready posture with your gaze forward.
- 03
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.
- 04
Immediately after the second step, step directly backward with your right foot (3), returning to your initial athletic starting position.
- 05
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).
- 06
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.
In the Ellim app, 123 Back Drill unlocks
Free — no subscription needed
Log sets, reps, and weight
Track every set as you train
See your strength curve
Performance graphs across all sessions
Add to a routine
Save into a custom workout in one tap
Rest timer with Live Activity
Dynamic Island countdown between sets
HealthKit sync
Workouts flow to Apple Health
3,500+ exercise library
Search, filter, and pick variations offline
Ready to train 123 back drill?
Get Ellim — FreeQuestions
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.
Related exercises
Plyometric Agility Drill
Plyometrics · Body weight
Ladder Drill
Plyometrics · Body weight
Cone Drill
Plyometrics · Body weight
Dot Drill
Plyometrics · Body weight
Stepback Pulldown
Plyometrics · Body weight
Alternating Step Out
Plyometrics · Body weight
Track every rep of 123 Back Drill.
Watch the weight climb session by session and add it to a routine you will actually run. Free on iPhone.
Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store