Game version
Hurdle rhythm: a partner claps the 1-2-3 rhythm as you step over low hurdles. Swap.
Age-Height Hurdle Runs
Run over hurdles set to your age-group height and spacing with a coach.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Your coach sets hurdles to your age-group height.
Core: Three, jogging. Beat your own steadiest rhythm.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 15 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Hurdles at your age height, track
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Hurdles
The steps
How it works
- Your coach sets hurdles to your age-group height.
- Run 3 to 5 hurdles from a start, staying in rhythm.
- Snap your lead leg down fast after each one.
- Do 5 runs with full rest.
Coaching point
Run through, not over.
Safety: Use soft foam or fold-down hurdles set low for your age. Stop if your hips or hamstrings feel tight. If you fall and hit your head, stop and see a doctor. For ages 11 and up, where your association requires it; younger athletes play hurdle and hop games instead.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (one hurdle, walking), Core (three, jogging), More (five). Beat your own steadiest rhythm.
Story
You are a horse stepping over fences in a meadow.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own steadiest rhythm. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
Free for families and teams
Save this drill to your child or team, free
Sign up and the free track and field week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
14 days free for a family, no card · Running a team is always free
Does your child's coach know about this?
An email from you to the coach, with the words ready. Nothing is tracked and nobody is rewarded.