I'm not sure what figure you're doing before your hop, but in general, stay over your standing leg. For example: if you as lady are hopping off of your right leg, you (and your partner) will 'hunker down' over your right leg (and his left leg), then spring off of it together. His big lower & compression will be your lead. If this isn't making sense, write down your question so you can show the next teacher you see.