VariHurdle Hurdle
PVC crossbar is 47"W and adjusts via push-pins to 5 heights, from 30"-42"H in 3" increments. Weighted aluminum legs also adjust to support the various heights and act as a counterweight when hurdle tips. Stackable design allows for compact storage and easy transport. Each hurdle is 43½"W x 28½"D; 21 lb.
15 Creative Ways to Teach Fundamental Movement Skills Using the VariHurdle Hurdle
The VariHurdle Hurdle is a highly adaptable training hurdle that instantly adjusts to five heights by simply rotating it. Its no-assembly, one-piece design is incredibly convenient for busy PE teachers who need quick transitions and durable equipment that won’t tip easily thanks to its wide 3-point base. This versatile tool supports development in agility, coordination, jumping, and more. The following 15 activity ideas use the VariHurdle Hurdle in fun, imaginative, and skill-building ways for students of all ages and abilities.
1. Hurdle Hustle Hopscotch: Set up a series of VariHurdle Hurdles at mixed heights to form a “hopscotch” path. Students must jump or hop over each hurdle based on a pattern (e.g., one foot, two feet, skip one). Great for locomotor skills like hopping, jumping, and skipping.
2. Jumpin' Jungle Journey: Create a jungle obstacle course with hurdles as "fallen trees" students must leap over using proper leaping technique. Encourage storytelling to engage imagination while practicing locomotor and body control skills.
3. High-Low Hurdle Hike: Students move down a line of VariHurdle Hurdles set at alternating heights, adjusting their jump or step pattern to match. Focus is on dynamic balance, coordination, and adaptability.
4. Duck-Dive Dash: Place hurdles at the lowest height and instruct students to duck under some while jumping over others. This combo teaches dodging, bending, and agility.
5. Stop-and-Pop Jump Challenge: Students sprint to a hurdle, stop just before reaching it, then jump from a standstill. Reinforces control, landing skills, and explosive power.
6. Wacky Walk Relay: Use hurdles as checkpoints in a relay where each segment has a different “silly walk” (e.g., crab walk, bear crawl). Enhances core stability and coordination while keeping energy high.
7. Leapfrog Ladder: Pair up students. One performs leapfrogs over low hurdles while the other sets the pace. Teaches leaping, timing, and balance.
8. Power Jump Pyramid: Create a pyramid circuit where students start at the lowest hurdle and work their way up to highest. Encourages development of leg strength and power movements.
9. Jump 'n' Juggle Mania: Students jump over a hurdle while tossing and catching a beanbag. Builds coordination and combines jumping with manipulative catching skills.
10. Push Past the Peak: Have students crawl under a low hurdle, do a push-up, then jump over the next hurdle. Incorporates pushing and body control movements with transitions.
11. Shadow Sprint Showdown: Students pair up and race side by side through a hurdle course, mimicking each other's movement patterns. Reinforces movement pattern recognition and speed control.
12. Catch Me If You Can Canyon: Set up multiple hurdles as “canyons” to cross. Taggers try to catch runners as they jump over or sprint between them. Great for speed, stopping, and decision-making.
13. Swing & Spring Circuit: Students swing their arms for momentum, then jump as far as possible over a hurdle. This builds jumping power and upper-body coordination.
14. Sliding Safari Chase: Students slide laterally between spaced hurdles, chasing a partner while avoiding bumping into them. Enhances spatial awareness and sliding skills.
15. VariHurdle Twister Trail: Alternate directions at each hurdle station with a different twist or turn before jumping. Encourages directional change and twisting/turning motor skills.