Hurdle Time Loss: 30 m Flat vs. Hurdles

Each student runs 30 m flat and 30 m over four low hurdles and calculates how much time is lost clearing them. This time-loss index shows how efficient their hurdling technique is and helps them set an improvement goal.

How to play

1. Explain the index: hurdle time minus flat time; the smaller it is, the more efficient the technique (2 min).
2. Set up three flat lanes and three lanes with four foam hurdles 7 m apart; groups of four with runner, starter, timer and recorder (4 min).
3. Each student runs the flat 30 m twice and keeps the best time (6 min).
4. Each student runs the 30 m hurdles twice and keeps the best time (7 min).
5. On the worksheet, students calculate their index, compare it with the group average and write one technique point to lower it (6 min).

Rules

• At least two minutes of recovery between runs.
• Hurdles are foam or tip over easily; if one moves, reset it before the next start.
• The timer starts the watch on the arm drop, not on the voice.
• No index is used to compare or make fun of anyone: each student competes against themselves.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: compares a straight run with a cone slalom in the wheelchair.
• Hearing impairment: start and finish are signaled with a dropped pinny.
• Ankle injury: works as timer and analyzes the group's data.

Learning goals

• Calculate and interpret a technical efficiency indicator.
• Improve hurdle clearance economy.
• Set personal improvement goals based on objective data.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam hurdles: 12
• cones: 24
• stopwatch: 6
• worksheets: 28

Teacher tip

Students who lose more than two seconds are usually jumping the hurdle instead of running over it: work with them at the lowest height. Save the indexes to retest at the end of the unit.

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