Hurdling is a sprint race that is run over barriers. The faster and more efficiently an athlete can clear a hurdle and begin sprinting again, the faster his/her time will be. The athlete must develop the skill of stepping over the hurdle rather than jumping over it. Rhythm is the key to running a good hurdle race. The athlete who can clear the barriers with the least amount of stride alteration will be the most successful. The athlete should strive to use the same number of steps between each hurdle. The optimum is three. Basic foot speed is an essential ingredient for becoming a good hurdler.

This activity will strengthen your child's leg muscles and improve his coordination and flexibility.

Note:

1. Training hurdles that are collapsible and adjustable are good for introductory and indoor training.

2. It is important to help young children in the learning situation, by using adapted equipment, lowering the hurdles and altering the distance between hurdles

3. Hurdling is dangerous on wet grass or any other slippery surface.

Steps:

1. To initiate the concept, you can create the setting by placing long sticks/ cardboard bars across the seat of two small chairs. Have your child navigate under or over the bars without touching the bars at any stage!

2. As your child progresses, you can create a more real challenge by incorporating the collapsible and adjustable hurdles used for indoor training

3. Make sure the hurdles are low enough for your child to safely step over it without tripping over

4. You can also adjust the distance between hurdles to make it easier for your child to complete the hurdle