The Best Agility Hurdles

Athletes train for years to excel in their chosen sport. But there are different types of training. Perfecting sport-specific techniques is important, but in many sports, the ability to respond quickly can mean the difference between winning and losing.

Agility training is a proven way to boost response times, improve balance and strengthen muscles. With agility training, you use sprints, quick movements in a variety of directions, jumps and other drills to boost performance. Your coach may provide training for these drills, but you can also work on them on your own.

With agility hurdles, you create obstacles that helps you as you go through your drills. These tools are small but mighty, making them easy to pack up and take on the go with you. These hurdles are typically small and can be easily staked into the ground at intervals you determine.

Some hurdle sets also come with ladders that you can use for your interval sessions. Some of these ladders are customizable to your needs, letting you adjust them as your training needs change. You may also find sets with cones that help you further practice weaving.

One thing to consider as you’re investing in an agility hurdle set is how you’ll take them on the go with you. Chances are, you’ll need a carrying case or bag to store them in. Even when you aren’t moving from one location to another, this will give you a handy place for storing your agility set.

Although you’ll likely want a lightweight set, it’s important to find one that’s durable. Agility hurdles should be able to endure plenty of abuse, especially if you’re using them regularly. Look for sturdy plastic that will hold up. Some hurdles are even made to rebound after being flattened, making them handy for those times you accidentally trample them.

• To prevent injury, always stretch before training or practicing and take the time to cool down after your practice session.
• Hurdle sets come in varying quantities. You’ll often find five or six hurdles per set.
• Hurdles will need to be staked into the ground. Make sure they’re built to sink into the dirt. You might find it tougher to make the hurdles stay in place if the ground is too dry or too wet.
• Hurdle ladders can become a tripping hazard. Some will let you adjust the widths to boost your stability.
• If you’ve never done interval training with hurdles before, a set with a user manual could come in handy.
• Injuries aren’t uncommon with agility training. For best results, work with a trainer or coach to master the basics before you try it on your own.
• As always, check with your physician before beginning a new workout routine, especially if you’ve suffered an injury previously or you have preexisting conditions.
• Agility and speed work together to make you a well-rounded athlete. It’s important to practice speed while you’re working on agility.
• As you’re training, pay close attention to your posture. Make sure your back is straight and your hips are in the right position to prevent injury and get the best results.
• Jumping is also an important part of agility training. This is particularly important if you participate in sports that require vertical movement. Start slowly with small jumps and work your way up.
• Before you start agility training, make sure you have shoes that don’t inhibit your movement. Some athletic shoes are designed for agility training, supporting your feet and joints as you move side to side, as well as forward and back.
• Don’t feel the need to master agility training on the first try. Start slowly and work your way up, gradually improving as you go.