Parallel Slalom Agility Duels

Like a parallel slalom in skiing, two students start at the same time on twin zigzag cone courses and race to the finish. It is played as an up-and-down ladder so everyone ends up racing opponents at their level.

How to play

1. Set up six double courses: two parallel rows of six zigzag cones, 3 yards apart, with a pole on the ground as the finish line 20 yards away (3 min).
2. Practice runs: each student runs their course twice, going around the outside of the cones with short steps on each turn (3 min).
3. Duel: two opponents start on a third student's call and the first to step over the finish wins. Jog back outside the courses.
4. Repeat each duel switching lanes. Winning both moves you up one course toward course 1; losing both moves you down one; a split stays (8 min).
5. Final round starting from lying face down to add reaction (3 min).
6. Wrap-up: each student says where they finished and what improved on the turns (1 min).

Rules

• If you knock over a cone, set it up and keep going; the duel is not lost.
• Each runner stays in their own lane.
• Return outside the courses, never through them.
• Leave 4 yards of open space past the finish line.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, the zigzag is wider and the student races their own previous time.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: start by dropping an arm within the student's line of sight.
• Lower fitness: the ladder matches them with similar opponents, and they may sit out one duel.

Learning goals

• Improve agility on linked turns at high speed.
• Control braking and foot placement on each change of direction.
• Move up or down the ladder with good sportsmanship.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 72
• poles: 6

Teacher tip

Turns are lost by swinging too wide, so teach students to pass close to the cone using the outside foot. Number the courses with signs so the ladder moves smoothly.

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