Pole Hurdles and Tunnels

Four lanes are set up with poles resting on cones at different heights, to step over like low hurdles or duck under like tunnels. It builds agility, changes of body level and hip mobility.

How to play

1. Set up four 30-foot lanes with 4 poles each on cones: two low (ankle height) to go over and two high (waist height) to go under (2 min).
2. Make four groups of 6 or 7, one per lane, lined up at the start.
3. First pass walking: step over the low poles lifting the knees high and duck under the high ones (2 min).
4. Second pass jogging: leap the low poles off one foot and pass the high ones in a squat without touching them (2 min).
5. Third pass: cross the low poles sideways and the high ones by army-crawling or bear-crawling (2 min).
6. Each group jogs back along the side; after each pass, groups rotate lanes (2 min).

Rules

• The next student starts when the one ahead has cleared the second pole.
• If you knock a pole off, put it back before moving on.
• Poles only rest on the cones; never hold one while someone passes.
• Always return along the outside of the lane.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: create one lane with only high tunnels so a wheelchair can pass under them.
• Autism: demonstrate each full pass before starting and keep the same order.
• Fitness level: students wanting more do two passes in a row; those needing less walk.

Learning goals

• Clear obstacles by changing body height.
• Gradually warm up hips, knees and ankles.
• Wait for a turn and take care of the equipment.

Equipment for a class of 25

• poles: 16
• cones: 32

Teacher tip

Poles resting on cones fall at the slightest touch, so there is no serious tripping risk: never tie them down. Set up lanes while students arrive or ask two helpers.

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