Three-Step Rhythm Hurdles

Students learn to clear low hurdles with the same three-step rhythm between them, choosing the lane whose spacing best fits their stride. They work on running rhythm, the lead leg, and comparing their time with and without hurdles.

How to play

1. Set 5 lanes of 4 low hurdles: two lanes spaced 5 m apart, two at 5.5 m and one at 6 m; the first hurdle is 10 m from the start (3 min).
2. Groups of 5 per lane walk through first, driving the lead knee up and landing on an active foot (3 min).
3. Then they jog the lane counting out loud "one, two, three, hurdle"; anyone arriving on the wrong foot tries a different lane (4 min).
4. In pairs within the group, one runs while the other checks that the same leg always leads and the jump stays low; then switch (4 min).
5. Thirty-meter time trial: each student runs the hurdle lane once and a flat lane once; the partner counts the seconds aloud and the difference is written in chalk on the ground (4 min).
6. Finish with all lanes racing at once; the winner is whoever keeps the three-step rhythm without knocking a hurdle (2 min).

Rules

• Always run the hurdles in the direction they fall so they tip over if hit.
• The next runner starts only after the previous one clears the last hurdle.
• Walk back outside the lanes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use poles on the ground as rhythm lines to pass in a wheelchair or walking, counting the same beats.
• Hard of hearing: mark the rhythm with visible claps or a partner holding up one, two and three fingers.
• Advanced students: lead with alternating legs in a four-step lane.

Learning goals

• Keep a steady three-step rhythm between hurdles.
• Clear the hurdle low with an extended lead leg.
• Choose the hurdle spacing that fits their own stride.

Equipment for a class of 25

• low hurdles: 20
• cones: 10
• chalk: 5

Teacher tip

Use foam hurdles or poles resting on cones that tip easily; never rigid hurdles. Students who jump very high usually stutter before the hurdle, so cue them to take off farther away.

More activities like this

More main activities for Elementary