Raketsteg

Raketsteg, literally meaning “rocket step,” is a term used in Danish and Norwegian contexts to describe a rapid, explosive stepping movement. The exact definition and use vary by domain, but the common thread is a forward or sideways step executed with a brief airborne moment and a powerful push-off that evokes propulsion.

Etymology and scope. The word combines raket (rocket) and steg (step), reflecting the emphasis on speed and propulsion. Raketsteg appears in several Nordic training and performance traditions, and its precise mechanics are not standardized across disciplines.

Contexts and uses. In military and scouting drill manuals, raketsteg often denotes a short, forceful step intended to cover ground quickly while preserving balance and alignment. In stage dance and theatre, it describes a crisp footwork element used to punctuate movement and mimic a propulsion effect, frequently integrated with arm gestures. In some fitness and sports settings, the term surfaces as a plyometric stepping drill to develop power, ankle stability, and rapid weight transfer.

Technique. A general description involves shifting weight onto the lead leg, a strong push-off from the trailing foot, driving the knee and foot upward or forward, and landing softly on the ball of the lead foot. The torso remains upright, and the arms swing in coordination with the step to reinforce the momentum.

History. The concept has appeared in Nordic drill and performance literature from the mid-20th century onward, with regional variations in emphasis and execution. It remains relatively specialized and is not widely standardized outside Denmark and Norway.

See also. Step (dance), Plyometrics, Rocket jump (video games).