Hip Flexion Test

Chapter 4 · Fitness Assessment · 4.04

Measure hip flexion and the flexibility of the hip extensors and glutes, comparing each side with the tennis book’s range of motion criteria.

How to Perform the Test

Lie face up on a mat with the head neutral and eyes looking upward.
Pull both knees toward the chest, holding behind the thighs at the hamstrings.
Release one leg toward the floor until its hamstring rests on the mat. Keep that hip in contact with the floor.
Hold the other leg toward the chest and use a goniometer to measure its hip flexion angle. Test the other hip the same way, then assess both legs together.

Record the angle for each side. Keep the setup and measurement method consistent when retesting.

Photographic Examples

The images show the start and three measurement positions. The photographs illustrate the motion; the numerical score comes from a goniometer, not a visual estimate.

Start position: both knees drawn toward the chest while lying face up on the mat. — The starting position before one leg is released toward the mat.

Hip flexion test photograph with greater thigh-to-chest range and a tester measuring the angle. — Greater hip flexion shown with a goniometer. Record the measured angle for the book score.

Hip flexion test photograph with an intermediate thigh-to-chest position and the opposite leg on the mat. — An intermediate position; use the actual goniometer reading to score it.

Hip flexion test photograph showing reduced thigh-to-chest range during measurement. — Reduced hip flexion; compare the recorded angle with the book thresholds.

Scoring from the Tennis Book

Good: hip flexion of 120° or more.
Fair: 100°–119°.
Poor: less than 100°.

Score the right and left hip separately. The book notes that bilateral range is often less than unilateral range because of the thoracolumbar fascia. The photo labels do not replace an angle measurement.

If Hip Flexion Is Limited

The book recommends High Knee Pull and Supine Knee to Chest to improve range of motion. Work within a comfortable range and retest both sides with the same procedure.

Book Reference

4.04 Hip Flexion Test, Chapter 4 of Advanced Concepts of Strength & Conditioning for Tennis. Return to Fitness Assessment.