Running Ladders

Activity Overview

Running Ladders is focused on developing both agility and endurance. There are many benefits to this, including mastery in speed, reaction time, balance, and coordination. In addition, being proficient with gross motor functions can help build self-confidence that will lead to better performance not only in sports and physical activity, but in academic tasks as well. For younger students, this activity is a wonderful way to practice hopping, jumping, walking and balancing. For older students, this can become a challenge of controlling gross motor movements through movement.

What You Need

• Blue painters tape

• An open area for movement (approximately 6’ x 4’)

• Ladder sequences

Steps

1. Clear space for the ladder to be placed on the ground. Be careful of the surface you choose, and the level of slip you can expect. We recommend doing this activity on carpet.

2. Pull two six-foot long pieces of tape and place them parallel to one another about 18” apart to create the sides of the ladder.

3. Create the ladder rungs by placing 18” pieces of tape perpendicular to the two long pieces of tape, approximately one foot apart. Once you and your student have finished setting up the ladder, it is time to use it!

4. Use these Ladder sequences to help guide your instruction.

Guiding Questions

• How can we use this formation to move our bodies?

• Can you move forwards and backwards? Side to side?

• How can you challenge your body to make this harder? How can you challenge me?

Extensions

• The Ladder sequences are challenging not only for students, but for adults as well - climb on the ladder and get to work!