6 Best Adjustable Hurdles For Young Jumpers That Develop Proper Technique

You see your child racing around the backyard, leaping over lawn chairs and imaginary obstacles with boundless energy. It’s that moment you wonder, "Could they be a future track star?" Or maybe you just want to channel that energy into a fun activity that builds coordination and strength. Investing in the right gear can feel overwhelming, but for developing proper athletic form, a good set of adjustable hurdles is one of the smartest purchases you can make.

Why Adjustable Hurdles Build Proper Form Early

When a young child first tries to jump over something, their natural instinct is to simply hop over it with two feet or take a big, clumsy leap. This is perfectly normal, but it’s not the foundation for proper hurdling or agility technique. Bad habits, like swinging a leg around the side instead of driving a knee up and over, can get locked in early and become incredibly difficult to correct later on.

Adjustable hurdles are the key to preventing this. By starting with a very low height—sometimes just six inches—you allow a child to focus on the mechanics of the movement without fear. They learn to drive their lead knee up, snap their trail leg through, and maintain their forward momentum. As their confidence and skill grow, you can raise the height incrementally, reinforcing the correct muscle memory at every stage. This progressive approach builds a strong, safe, and efficient foundation for any sport that requires explosive power and coordination.

SKLZ Speed Hurdles for Versatile Drill Training

Does your child play soccer on Saturday, basketball during the week, and want to try track in the spring? If you’re nodding your head, you know the challenge of buying equipment for a multi-sport athlete. The SKLZ Speed Hurdles are a fantastic choice for this exact scenario because they are designed for all-around agility and speed development, not just formal hurdling.

These hurdles are typically lightweight, durable, and easily adjustable to different heights. This versatility means you can set them up for quick-foot ladder drills, plyometric box jumps (at low heights), or classic over-and-under patterns. They help develop the fast-twitch muscle fibers and coordination essential for quick directional changes on the court or field. Think of them less as "track hurdles" and more as a complete speed and agility training system that will serve your child across multiple seasons and interests.

Champion Sports Hurdles for Multi-Sport Agility

If durability is at the top of your list, especially if you’re outfitting a team or have multiple kids who will be putting the gear through its paces, Champion Sports Hurdles are a workhorse. They are often constructed from heavy-duty PVC pipe, which gives them a bit more heft and stability than some of the ultra-lightweight options. This makes them ideal for outdoor use on grass or turf where a lighter hurdle might tip over in a breeze.

The design often features a three-step adjustment, which is simple and secure for teaching progressive drills. Because they are so sturdy, they can withstand the inevitable bumps and crashes that come with energetic practice. This makes them a great investment for families who anticipate years of use, whether for backyard soccer drills, football agility training, or general conditioning. They strike a great balance between being light enough to move around but solid enough to stay put during intense workouts.

FORZA Hurdles: Lightweight and Easy to Store

Is your storage space already overflowing with bikes, balls, and bats? The practical logistics of sports gear are a real consideration for every family. FORZA Hurdles are often a parent’s best friend in this department, known for being exceptionally lightweight and designed for compact storage. Many models fold flat or come with a convenient carry bag, making them perfect for stashing in a garage, a car trunk, or even a closet.

Their portability is a huge plus. You can easily take them to a local park or a school field for a practice session without a hassle. While they might be lighter than other models, they are typically designed with a wide, stable base to prevent tipping. This makes them a fantastic entry-level option for younger kids (ages 6-10) who are just beginning to work on coordination and agility in a fun, low-pressure way.

Power Systems Smart Hurdles for Skill Progression

For the child who is starting to show a more serious interest in technique, the Power Systems Smart Hurdles offer a more systematic approach. The name "Smart Hurdles" comes from their design, which is focused on precise, incremental height adjustments. This allows a coach or parent to fine-tune the challenge to a child’s exact skill level, which is crucial for building confidence and mastering form one step at a time.

These hurdles often feature a unique one-piece construction with a bounce-back feature. If a child clips the hurdle, it tips over easily and can be reset instantly, minimizing interruptions and frustration. This is a game-changer for skill development, as it encourages kids to push their limits without the fear of a painful fall. They are an excellent tool for breaking down the hurdling motion into its component parts and perfecting each one before moving on.

Gill Athletics Pacer for a True Track Feel

As your young athlete’s interest in track and field solidifies, they’ll eventually need to transition from training aids to equipment that feels more like the real thing. Gill Athletics is a respected name in the track world, and their Pacer hurdles are designed to bridge that gap. They are built to look and feel more like official competition hurdles, giving kids a psychological and physical edge as they prepare for meets.

While still adjustable and made from safe, lightweight materials, they often have the classic L-shaped legs of a standard hurdle. This helps young jumpers get used to the sight picture and spatial awareness required on the track. Investing in a set like this sends a clear message of support for your child’s specific passion and provides them with the right tool to hone the specific skills they’ll need to compete. This is the logical next step for the dedicated track athlete aged 11 and up.

Pro-Down Step-Over Hurdles for Safe Practice

For the youngest jumpers or any child who is a bit hesitant, safety is the number one priority. The fear of tripping and falling can be a major barrier to learning. Pro-Down Step-Over Hurdles (and similar "no-fear" models) are brilliant because they are designed to collapse or tip with the slightest touch. They are often made of lightweight foam or have a weighted base that allows the top to pop off on impact.

This design completely removes the penalty for making a mistake. A child can focus entirely on the movement—driving their knee, keeping their eyes up—without worrying about getting hurt. This makes them the perfect introductory tool for ages 5-8. They build the foundational confidence needed to attack obstacles aggressively and correctly, setting the stage for a positive and productive athletic journey.

Choosing Hurdles for Your Child’s Age and Goals

Navigating the options comes down to a simple question: What does my child need right now? It’s easy to overbuy for a future that may not happen, or underbuy and leave them without the right tools to progress. Let’s break it down.

For the Young Explorer (Ages 5-8), the goal is fun and fundamental movement. You’re building a love for activity, not a future Olympian.

• Focus on: Safety and low heights. Look for foam or tip-over models like the Pro-Down hurdles.
• Key Feature: Anything under 12 inches that won’t cause injury or fear. Bright colors are a plus!

For the Developing Athlete (Ages 9-12), who is likely involved in multiple sports, versatility is king. You want a tool that can grow with them and adapt to different activities.

• Focus on: Adjustability and durability. Hurdles that can be used for both agility drills and basic hurdle form are ideal.
• Key Feature: Models like SKLZ or Champion Sports that offer multiple height settings (e.g., 6", 9", 12") and are sturdy enough for regular use.

For the Focused Competitor (Ages 12+), who has identified track as a primary sport, the equipment needs to support more specific skill refinement.

• Focus on: A realistic feel and precise progression.
• Key Feature: Hurdles that mimic the shape of competition equipment, like the Gill Athletics Pacer, or offer incremental adjustments for fine-tuning technique, like the Power Systems Smart Hurdles. This is where you invest in quality that matches their commitment.

Ultimately, the "best" hurdles are the ones that meet your child where they are. The goal isn’t to have the most professional gear in the backyard; it’s to provide a safe and effective tool that builds confidence and fosters a love for movement. By matching the equipment to their developmental stage and current goals, you’re making a smart investment in their long-term athletic journey, one small, successful leap at a time.