Footwork: Imaginary Agility Ladder
Footwork on agility ladders drawn in chalk on the blacktop, with stepping patterns that get more complex. Students work on coordination, foot speed and lower-body activation without needing any special equipment.
How to play
- Before class, or with student help, draw 5 chalk ladders with 10 boxes of about 16 inches each; groups of 5 line up behind each ladder (1 min).
- Pattern 1: one foot in each box, at an easy run; two passes, jogging back along the outside (1 min).
- Pattern 2: two feet in each box, one foot after the other (1.5 min).
- Pattern 3: lateral, stepping both feet into each box sideways (1.5 min).
- Pattern 4: in-and-out, both feet in the box and then both outside on the next beat (1.5 min).
- Final pass with each student's favorite pattern at top speed with accuracy (0.5 min).
Rules
- Wait your turn until the student ahead is halfway down the ladder.
- Accuracy comes before speed: don't step on the lines.
- Return along the outside of the ladder.
- Keep the arms moving with the feet.
Variations
Easier
Only patterns 1 and 2, at a jogging pace.
Standard
Four patterns with two passes each.
Harder
Each group invents a new pattern and teaches it to another group.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a ladder with large boxes, done in a wheelchair or walking, touching each box.
- Coordination difficulties: larger boxes and a slow-motion demo.
- Autism or shyness: a fixed pattern and the student chooses their place in line.
Learning goals
- Improve coordination and foot speed.
- Warm up the lower body gradually.
- Memorize and reproduce movement patterns.
Equipment for a class of 25
- sidewalk chalk: 10
Teacher tip
Draw the ladders the day before or during recess so you don't lose class time. On rainy days, jump ropes laid on the gym floor work just as well.
PatioLab has "Footwork: Imaginary Agility Ladder" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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