Agility, as associated with sports, describes your ability to respond rapidly to a stimulus. Agility activities include running backward to catch a baseball, dodging opposing players to recover a fumble in football or diving to return a backhand in tennis. Agility ladders are used for a variety of forward, backward and sideways running exercises involving numerous foot patterns and are available from sporting goods stores. Instead, you can make your own quickly, easily and cheaply.
Step 1
Clear a work space. You will need at least 40 feet to lay out your ladder, as well as space to move around. Use a floor that is relatively dust-free so the duct tape will stick.
Step 2
Prepare the garden canes. Cut the garden canes into 15 inch lengths. You will need 28 in total for a 33-foot ladder. Any small diameter rod, such as bamboo or plastic, can be used in the manufacture of your ladder. Flexible canes are best so they will bend but won't break when used.
Step 3
Lay out the duct tape. Place a 33-foot long strip of duct tape on the floor, sticky side up. Lay another strip alongside, 14 inches away. Make sure the strips are straight and parallel. Do not use fabric tape, as this can tear easily. Use PVC or waterproof tape, as this will be more sturdy.
Step 4
Place the canes on the duct tape. Start at the end of the lengths of tape, and place a cane every 14 inches. Make sure the canes are perpendicular to the tape and that both ends are resting on the sticky surface. Once you have laid them all out, inspect the canes and reposition any as necessary.
Step 5
Secure the canes in position. Lay another strip of duct tape, sticky side down, to hold the canes in position. Do this on both sides of your ladder. Work your way along the ladder to ensure that the tape is firmly pressed down and the canes are secure.
Tips and Warnings
- Strengthen your ladder by using extra strips of duct tape to secure any exposed edges, especially if the ladder will get wet.
- Wear eye protection and protect your fingers when cutting the garden canes to the correct length.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Flexible garden canes
- Duct tape
- Scissors
References
- "101 Agility Drills", Patrick McHenry and Joel Raether; 2004
- "Effective Use of the Agility Ladder for Soccer"; Peter Schreiner; 2003
- "Agility Ladder Instructional Manual"; Power Systems; 2004
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