7 Best Hurdles For Young Athletes to Build Speed
Boost your speed with these 7 hurdles! This guide explores top training tools to help young athletes improve explosive power, agility, and track performance.
Watching your child discover a passion for movement is one of the great joys of parenthood, but knowing which tools will actually help them improve can be overwhelming. Speed hurdles are a fantastic, low-cost investment that helps young athletes develop coordination, explosive power, and spatial awareness. This guide will help you navigate the options so you can choose the right gear for your child’s specific developmental stage.
Speed Hurdles: Set of 6 Adjustable Training Hurdles
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When your child starts showing interest in track or soccer, you might notice them tripping over their own feet during drills. These adjustable hurdles are a smart entry point because they grow with your athlete, allowing you to lower the height for a five-year-old and raise it as they gain confidence.
The versatility here is the real value. By adjusting the height, you can transition from simple "step-over" drills for younger kids to high-intensity plyometric jumps for pre-teens.
Trademark Innovations Adjustable Speed Training Hurdles
Families with limited backyard space often struggle with equipment that feels like a permanent fixture. These hurdles are lightweight and easy to store, making them perfect for parents who need to clear the driveway quickly after a practice session.
Because they are adjustable, they offer a great "middle ground" for siblings of different ages. You can set up a lane for your older child to work on speed while your younger one practices basic footwork at a lower setting.
Champion Sports Adjustable Height Speed Hurdles
If your child is starting to take their club soccer or basketball training more seriously, you might want equipment that feels a bit more robust. These hurdles are known for being sturdy enough to handle the repetitive impact of a dedicated athlete.
Sturdiness is important as kids reach the 10–12 age range and start putting more force into their movements. Investing in a slightly more durable set now can mean these become a staple in your garage for years to come.
GoSports 6-Pack Agility Hurdles for Speed Training
Sometimes the best way to get kids excited about training is to turn it into a game. The bright, high-visibility colors of these hurdles make them easy to spot in the grass, which helps kids maintain their focus on the drill rather than looking down at their feet.
The 6-pack configuration is ideal for setting up a "ladder" or a circular circuit in the backyard. It encourages kids to move through a sequence, which builds both speed and the mental focus required for competitive sports.
Pro Agility 6-Inch Fixed Height Speed Training Hurdle
Fixed-height hurdles are excellent for younger athletes, specifically those in the 5–8 age range who are just learning the mechanics of running. Because the height doesn’t change, there is less "fiddling" with equipment and more time spent actually moving.
These are essentially "set it and forget it" tools. They are perfect for teaching the fundamentals of lifting knees high and landing softly, which are the building blocks of all athletic movement.
SKLZ 6-Inch Speed Hurdles for Explosive Footwork
As your child transitions into middle school, their training needs shift toward explosive, rapid-fire movements. These 6-inch hurdles are designed specifically for high-frequency footwork drills, which are crucial for sports like football, lacrosse, and tennis.
The low profile forces the athlete to keep their center of gravity low and their feet moving quickly. It’s a great tool for the 11–14 age group to refine their agility without the risk of catching a foot on a tall hurdle.
Aoneky Adjustable Height Speed Training Hurdles
For parents who want a "one and done" purchase, these adjustable hurdles offer a high degree of flexibility. They are designed to withstand the wear and tear of frequent use, making them a solid choice for a household with multiple children who play different sports.
Think of these as an investment in a multi-sport foundation. Whether it’s a soccer player working on foot speed or a track athlete practicing hurdle form, this set adapts to the specific drill requirements of the day.
Developmental Benefits of Hurdle Drills for Kids
Hurdle drills are about much more than just jumping; they are about teaching the brain to communicate with the feet. For younger children, these drills improve balance and spatial awareness, which are the foundation for every other physical activity they will undertake.
As kids grow, hurdles help develop "proprioception"—the body’s ability to sense its position in space. This is critical for preventing injuries and improving performance in fast-paced, contact-heavy sports.
Safety Tips for Proper Hurdle Form and Technique
Safety always starts with the "look-up" rule: encourage your child to keep their eyes on the horizon rather than their feet. This keeps their posture tall and prevents the common mistake of hunching over, which limits speed and increases the risk of tripping.
Always ensure the hurdles are placed on a flat, non-slip surface like a track or a mowed lawn. If a child is just starting, have them walk through the hurdles first to master the pattern before attempting to run through them at speed.
Progression Framework for Youth Agility Training
Start your young athlete with "stepping" drills, where they focus on placing one foot in each gap between the hurdles. Once they have mastered the rhythm, move to "two-foot hops" to build power, and finally, "high-knee running" to build speed.
Remember to keep sessions short—15 to 20 minutes is plenty for most kids. The goal is to build a habit of movement, not to exhaust them, so keep the energy light and celebrate their progress as they get faster and more precise.
Choosing the right hurdles is a simple way to support your child’s athletic journey without breaking the bank. By focusing on equipment that matches their current developmental stage, you can provide them with the tools they need to build confidence and coordination. Most importantly, keep the training fun and low-pressure, and you’ll be surprised at how much they grow.