Hurdles Menu: Lanes with Different Heights and Spacing
Five hurdle lanes with different heights and spacing; each student picks the one where they can hold a three-step rhythm and explains why. It builds self-assessment and fits hurdling to every level.
How to play
- Setup in groups: each group builds a four-hurdle lane at its own spacing (shortest to longest) and height, measured with tape (6 min).
- Open tryout: everyone runs three lanes once and notes where they can three-step between hurdles without braking (7 min).
- Pick and repeat: each student stays in their lane for four fast runs while a partner times them (9 min).
- Move-up challenge: anyone who nails it twice in a row tries the next lane (5 min).
- Log: everyone records their final lane and best time and explains why they moved or stayed (3 min).
Rules
- Clear hurdles only in the running direction.
- One runner per lane; start when the previous runner finishes.
- Two hits in a row means you drop a lane.
- The clock starts on your partner's start call, not before.
Variations
Easier
Lanes made of sticks on cones with shorter spacing.
Standard
Five lanes of increasing difficulty.
Harder
Five-step rhythm in a long lane to compare with three steps.
Adaptations
- Visual impairment: high-contrast hurdles and a sound cue before each one.
- Limited mobility: a lane of sticks on the ground for step rhythm, or a wheelchair lane weaving through cones.
- Leg injury: time and log the group's data.
Learning goals
- Choose a difficulty level that matches your ability.
- Hold a three-step rhythm between hurdles.
- Record and analyze your own progress.
Equipment for a class of 25
- low hurdles: 20
- cones: 20
- measuring tape: 1
- stopwatches: 5
Teacher tip
If you're short on hurdles, use sticks on tall cones for the easy lanes. The common trap is picking a lane out of pride: grade the explanation on the card, not the lane.
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