How to Improve a Kid's Agility

Agility is vital to play many sports.

Possessing agility allows an individual to quickly change his body position and rapidly accelerate into a different position. Helping a kid improve his agility keeps his body functioning at a high level while keeping him in shape. If he plays a sport like basketball or football, improving agility also helps him when it comes to game time. Following four steps should help most parents or coaches improve a kid's agility and maximize his body functioning.

Things You'll Need

• Jump rope
• Four cones

Instructions

1. Have your kid work on the fundamentals of agility by practicing jumping rope. This is one of the best and simplest ways to help a kid get started and work on agility and coordination. Usually, it's best to start off with the standard jump rope technique where both feet are lifted off the ground. Once he gets the hang of this, have him hop from one foot to the other while continually alternating between feet.

2. Instruct your child to work on gradual acceleration skills by placing four cones in a straight line approximately 10 yards apart. Have him start at the first cone and walk to the second one. Then, have him jog to the third cone and run to the fourth and final cone. Afterward, have him turn around and repeat the same process on the way back. Start with slow transitions initially, and then gradually have him increase his speed between cones.

3. Have your kid work on his directional agility by placing four cones in an area to form a square with approximately 10 yards between each cone. Instruct him to start at the bottom, right corner and then jog to the top, right corner. Then, have him move laterally from the top, right corner to the top, left corner. Then have him back pedal from the top, left corner to the bottom, left corner. Then have him move laterally from the bottom, left corner back to the bottom, right corner where he started. Tell him to gradually increase his speed until he sprints as fast as possible.

4. Set up two cones in a straight line with approximately 20 yards of space between them. Have your kid stand at the starting cone and run to the second cone. Once he reaches the second cone, he should change directions and go to the right as quickly as possible. Tell him to firmly plant his feet on the ground and lean his body to the right to change momentum. Then have him repeat the same process, but move left this time. Doing so will help him with directional turns.

Tips & Warnings

• Start out with quick sessions of only 15 minutes or so at first. Over time, extend the sessions to approximately 45 minutes.

References

• NCSA; Agility; Jason D. Vescovi
• 1 Speed Training: Agility Training