Elisha Brewer, University of Kansas assistant coach, teaches how to get into the correct position and posture for the hurdles with these hurdle mobility drills. Hurdlers work on keeping their upper body at a constant height while working on the form of their lead and trail leg.

Hurdle Mobility

Drill Summary: Set up a row of eight hurdles with about 3 feet between each hurdle. For the “Lead Leg” drill, athletes will do their reps on the left side of the row of hurdles. Walk forward, focusing on bringing the lead leg up and back down quickly while keeping the knee and arm connected. The athletes should keep their upper bodies at roughly the same height throughout the entirety of the drill.

For the “Trail Leg” drill, athletes do their reps on the right side of the row of hurdles. Walk forward, focusing on bringing the lead leg up, then following it with the trail leg over the side of the hurdles. The arm and knee should stay connected just like with the Lead Leg drill. Also, the athlete should always be on the balls of their feet, not their heels.

Keys to the Drill:

1) Legs up and down quickly.
2) Knee and arm connected.
3) Not much movement in the upper body.
4) On the balls of your feet.

This video came from Championship Productions’ video “Becoming a Champion: Hurdles for Girls’ Track & Field.” View other world class Track & Field videos!