{"id":801067,"date":"2024-02-23T12:30:58","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T12:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-your-vo2-max-copy\/"},"modified":"2024-04-30T10:55:01","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T10:55:01","slug":"blog-how-to-improve-agility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Improve Agility and Move Better"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div><p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=&#8221;50px&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Open Sans||||||||&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; ul_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Whether you\u2019re an athlete looking to optimise your performance, a gym goer looking to increase your functional fitness, or simply interested in prioritising moving well as you age, improving agility is a crucial workout consideration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">But what <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">is <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">agility, and how can you improve it?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In this article, we\u2019ll outline what agility is, why it matters, and share 5 of the best exercises to improve agility. Ready to learn how to improve agility? Let\u2019s get started.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_agility\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is agility?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#What_is_agility\" >What is agility?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#Why_is_agility_important\" >Why is agility important?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#Who_needs_to_do_agility_training\" >Who needs to do agility training?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#What_is_agility_training\" >What is agility training?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#How_to_improve_agility_5_training_drills_to_improve_agility_and_speed\" >How to improve agility: 5 training drills to improve agility and speed\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#Plyometric_box_drills\" >Plyometric box drills<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#Ladder_drills\" >Ladder drills<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#Plyometric_hurdles\" >Plyometric hurdles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#Jump_rope\" >Jump rope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#Running_drills\" >Running drills\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility\/#Test_your_agility_with_a_functional_movement_assessment\" >Test your agility with a functional movement assessment\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Agility refers to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfit.com\/understanding-agility-in-sports-3120338\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">the ability to change direction<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, at speed, with ease. Being agile requires a mixture of speed, power, flexibility, and coordination. It also requires a lot of joint stability, as they are being put into compromising positions, and under varying levels of strain. When combined, these skills equip us to move easily, navigate obstacles, and adjust course.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Agility is an essential component of most sports \u2013 particularly those that require fast change of direction. Team sports such as football, basketball, rugby, and hockey require fast responses to both the ball and other players. Similarly, individual sports like tennis and squash require rapid movement in response to the ball, while sports like skiing, surfing, and snowboarding call on the athlete to respond to the elements while moving at speed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_agility_important\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Why is agility important?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In addition to improving sports performance, incorporating exercises to increase agility has a range of benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Agility training helps to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Improve overall fitness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Help injury prevention and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0966636211007971?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">reduce the chance of falls<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> in older adults<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Improve functional movement and body awareness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Boost calorie burn\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Improve cardiovascular fitness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Increase workout engagement and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2075-4663\/6\/3\/76\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">program adherence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> \u2013 agility training is fun!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Improve <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/nsca-jscr\/fulltext\/2013\/12000\/the_influence_of_agility_training_on_physiological.10.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">cognitive functioning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, including working memory and attention<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Improve mobility\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">With so many benefits, getting more agile is a great <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-smart-fitness-goals-to-kickstart-the-new-year\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">SMART fitness goal to prioritise this year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_needs_to_do_agility_training\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Who needs to do agility training?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Agility is an essential training component for almost all athletes. Many agility drills mimic the skills and movements used during sports that include quick changes of direction, such as football, and agility training is a common component of athletic training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">However, agility training isn\u2019t only for athletes \u2013 pretty much everyone can benefit from incorporating agility training into their workout regime. Agility is a key element of functional fitness, which is a core element of workout programs like Crossfit and Les Mills. Functional fitness prioritises building strength through movements that support activities of everyday living, such as lifting, carrying, bending, and reaching. Functional workouts can be a great way to improve mobility, balance, and flexibility, and encourage injury prevention as we get older.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_agility_training\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is agility training?\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">There are endless training exercises to improve agility, and agility training doesn\u2019t need to look one specific way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Whether you incorporate agility drills into an existing workout or train agility separately, the key is to incorporate a range of drills that build upon basic movements with increasing control, speed, and complexity. This could be as simple as a series of shuttle runs, alternating between a run, shuffle, and lateral step.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Agility training doesn\u2019t need to be a separate workout if you don\u2019t have the time \u2013 many agility workouts can double as cardio training, and agility drills also make a great warm-up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_improve_agility_5_training_drills_to_improve_agility_and_speed\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">How to improve agility: 5 training drills to improve agility and speed\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Ready to get started improving your agility and speed? Incorporate the following drills into your agility training 1-2 times per week and watch your agility improve.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plyometric_box_drills\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Plyometric box drills <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_641880727.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A white, male athlete lands a plyometric box jump inside a gym. He is crouched on top of a tall box having jumped up as part of an agility drill. Fitness equipment is visible in the background against a red wall. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;shutterstock_641880727&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Plyometric exercises focus on building explosive power, agility, and speed. Box drills are a great place to start, with endless variations to experiment with and build up to.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you need: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A padded or unpadded plyometric box or box step (alternatively, find a sturdy step or bench in your home or local park). Choose a box between 14-36 inches in height \u2013 you can start small and build up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Drills to try:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Forward step-ups<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Lateral step-ups<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Box jumps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Box jump overs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Squat jumps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Burpee box jumps\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How to get started: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Start with a forward step-up drill. Position yourself with feet facing the box, and use a controlled movement to step up one leg at a time. Then, repeat the movement in reverse to step back down. This basic step can be repeated as many times as you like.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Once you\u2019re confident, add lateral step-ups, or work towards box jumps or squats, which build explosive power.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">To complete a box jump, begin with feet facing the box, shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees, and using your arms to create power, jump up onto the box, landing with feet together. Immediately jump back down. This is one rep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Reps: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">1 set = 10 steps (1 step = step up and down) or 10 jumps (1 jump = jump up and down). Complete 3 sets, or to exhaustion for jumps.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Coaching tips: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Prioritise good form before using a taller box. For box steps, focus on pushing yourself up through your leading foot, and support yourself through your core, without straining forward. For box jumps, complete as fast as you\u2019re able without comprising form, and aim to minimise the time between landing and jumping again.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ladder_drills\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Ladder drills<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_492031081.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A young male athlete jumps a plyometric hurdle after having completed an agility ladder drill. Other althetes are visible in the background on a grassy football field. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;shutterstock_492031081&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A popular schoolyard exercise and football drill, ladder drills are an accessible agility exercise, regardless of your existing fitness level. The need for fast footwork, precision, and changes of direction make this drill a must for improving agility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you need: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">An agility ladder (or chalk to draw a ladder on the ground); an open indoor\/outdoor space. Incorporate a plyometric hurdle for bonus explosive power!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Drills to try:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">1-in (1 foot in each box, alternating left, right)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">2-in (2 feet in each box, alternating left, right)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Single leg hop (Hop the ladder! Complete on your left leg, then right, then alternating)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Side shuffle (Facing sideways, place both feet into each box in succession)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Carioca sideways run (Run sideways, each foot crossing the other as you move)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In-in-out-out (Both feet in, followed by both feet out to form a straddle position over the ladder)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How to get started: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Lay the ladder flat on the ground, and begin with feet facing the ladder. Start with a 1-in ladder run, 2-in ladder run, or single-leg hop drill. As you gain confidence, build up your speed, go in reverse, or try some of the more advanced drills on the list. Add a plyometric hurdle at the end for a burst of power!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Reps: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Complete<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">2-4 sets of 3-5 reps of each drill, with 60 seconds recovery in between sets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Coaching tips: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Engage your core, with your pelvis tucked under. Pump your arms to add power to your run, and keep your head (and eyes) facing forward. Focus on clearing each step of the ladder neatly and with good form before increasing your speed.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Plyometric_hurdles\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Plyometric hurdles <\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_2207616609.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A white, male athlete dressed in black jumps with feet together over a plyometric hurdle, as part of an agility hurdle drill. he is on a basketball court, and trees and a fence are visible in the background. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;shutterstock_2207616609&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Plyometric hurdles can be used for a vast range of agility drills, and encourage coordination, speed, and explosive power.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you need: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Plyometric hurdles (20cm-50cm); a clear indoor\/outdoor space. Scissor hurdles are a great option for easy height adjustment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Drills to try:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">1-step (A running hurdle drill with 1 step between hurdles)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">2-step (A running hurdle drill with 2 steps between hurdles)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Standing<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">hurdle jumps (A static hurdle jump with feet together)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Multi-directional hops (Forward and backward hurdle jumps in succession)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Lateral hurdle jumps (A sideways jump that starts at a 90\u00b0 angle to the hurdle)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How to get started: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Set up hurdles with equal spacing, taking stride length into consideration. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/simplifaster.com\/articles\/hurdles-plyometric-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">standard hurdle <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">setup includes five hurdles at 33 inches high, spaced 1.5 meters apart.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Start with a basic 1-step hurdle drill to get acclimated to the hurdle setup. This is a quick run through the line of hurdles, with one foot stepping down in between each hurdle. From there, introduce standing hurdle jumps to build agility and power.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Reps: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">3 sets per drill, with 60 seconds of recovery in between each set.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Coaching tips:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> Focus on keeping the hurdles standing before you work on building up speed. Once you can consistently complete the drill without knocking any hurdles, experiment with drill type, hurdle spacing, and the number of hurdles you use in the drill. The ability to consistently clear the hurdle with good form is more important than the height \u2013 focus on a clean takeoff, successfully clearing the hurdle without knocking it, and a supportive landing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jump_rope\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Jump rope<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_682028083.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A female athlete jumps rope inside a gym. She is wearing black shorts and a black sports top, and fitness equipment is visible in the background. A long window lines the back wall of the gym, and light is shining on the floor.  &#8221; title_text=&#8221;shutterstock_682028083&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Jump rope is a high-impact, full-body exercise that\u2019s a great addition to your agility workout. Not only does jump rope build agility and speed, but it\u2019s also an excellent way to get your heart racing and build cardiovascular fitness. Plus, with practice, you\u2019ll be able to build endurance, coordination, and power \u2013 and maybe even throw in an impressive move or two.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you need: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A jump rope and a clear indoor\/outdoor space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Drills to try:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Slow jump (Double feet jumps, 2 jumps per rope turn)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Quick jump (Double feet jumps, 1 jump per rope turn)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">High knee steps (1 foot touches down at a time, raising your knees to your chest)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Criss-cross steps (Alternate between left foot crossing right to right foot crossing left. Add a neutral jump in between for an easier version)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Twist (double feet jumps, twisting your hips to alternating sides on each jump)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Ali shuffle (Starting with staggered feet, jump and switch feet positions. A great one for coordination)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Single leg jumps (Hop, but with a jump rope! Alternate legs per set)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Hurdle steps (Combine a high knee step with a lateral movement. Great for ankle stability and balance).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>How to get started: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Find a clear space, and warm up with some slow jumps for 60 seconds. Pick a drill, and complete 10 sets of 30 jumps. If this is too easy, increase the reps or take it faster.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Reps: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Depending on your stamina, track sets in reps, or set a stopwatch with a time limit. Try 10 sets of 30 jumps for each drill, with 30 seconds of recovery in between.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Running_drills\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Running drills\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/shutterstock_2066731928.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A male athlete completes a powerful sprint drill on a red, outdoor running track. He is suspended midair by the power of his run. He is wearing a red athletic shirt, grey athletic shorts, and black running tights. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;shutterstock_2066731928&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Running drills hit several training points simultaneously \u2013 they\u2019re a great lower body workout, help build power, speed, and endurance, and build cardiovascular fitness. Short, focused running drills that incorporate changes of direction or speed are a great way to improve your agility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What you need: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A space to run! While a treadmill can work for sprint drills, an open space provides more options for different types of running drills.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Drills to try:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Shuttle runs (Sprint drill: run between two markers spaced 20m apart, touch down, change direction, and run back)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">High knee runs (Set up as a shuttle run, but run with high knees)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Lateral runs (Set up as a shuttle run, but run side-to-side.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Box drills (Working within a square of 4 cones: sprint, shuffle, backpedal, and shuffle each side of the \u201cbox\u201d in turn)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Run-shuffle-shuffle-run (A straight line drill between 3 cones: run, then shuffle, shuffle, and run again)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">There are endless variations of these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kingsportstraining.com\/8269753-10-best-speed-and-agility-cone-drills\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">popular running drills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. As you increase your agility, mix things up to keep yourself on your toes \u2013 literally.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How to get started: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In an open space, set up 2 cones 20m apart. Warm up with a jog and touch down to each cone. Then, progress to sprint drills, running to each marker, touching down, and running back \u2013 as fast as you can. For an alternative, run around the cone as tightly as possible at each end. Once you\u2019re comfortable, progress to other movements in the same formation, such as high knees, lateral runs, or backward runs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Reps: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Complete 3-5 sets of 10 reps, with 60 seconds of recovery in between.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Coaching tips: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Running drills can be as accessible or challenging as you want. Add resistance for more of a challenge. To switch things up, combine running drills with ladder drills or hurdle drills, or create an obstacle course featuring a mixture of the drills from this list!<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Test_your_agility_with_a_functional_movement_assessment\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Test your agility with a functional movement assessment\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Agility and moving well don\u2019t have to be out of reach. By consistently incorporating the drills outlined in this blog, you can work towards greater agility, improve your sports performance, and experience greater ease of movement in your daily life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">If you\u2019re not sure where to start, an agility test and assessment of your range of movement can give you a concrete baseline to build upon. At <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">My Vital Metrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, our dedicated sports lab brings together the very best in scientific testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/functional-movement\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">functional movement assessment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, we assess your current functional strength, flexibility, and range of movement. We start off each functional movement assessment with a large compound movement to visually assess your levels of strength, movement, and coordination across multiple joints simultaneously. We use this info to inform which tests we perform. High-sensitivity pressure plates (ForceDecks) and a Dynamometer allow us to measure your strength, movement, and stability across individual joint complexes. This will give you a quantified assessment of strength and flexibility levels which you can work on to see improvement. Based on the results of your assessment, we can make any personalised recommendations for improving your range of motion, flexibility, or agility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">To find out more, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">book a free fitness consultation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> at My Vital Metrics today!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you\u2019re an athlete looking to optimise your performance, a gym goer looking to increase your functional fitness, or simply interested in prioritising moving well as you age, improving agility is a crucial workout consideration.\u00a0 But what is agility, and how can you improve it? In this article, we\u2019ll outline what agility is, why it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":801969,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,59,37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-801067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fitlife","category-health-and-fitness-testing","category-performance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/801067","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=801067"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/801067\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/801969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=801067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=801067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=801067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}