VariJump Jr Hurdle

Designed for elementary users, these kids' hurdles feature shorter height adjustments from 21"-30"H in 3" increments. At 42"W, the hurdle is the same width as our full-size VariJump hurdle, allowing it to sit better on the track than narrower options. The standard width also provides a more realistic training experience for young hurdlers. Extremely lightweight aluminum base and PVC crossbar make transportation easy, while still keeping the hurdle heavy enough to not blow over during outdoor use. Stack hurdles when not in use. Each is 42"W x 22"D; 4 lb.

15 Engaging Activities Using the VariJump Jr Hurdle to Teach Fundamental Movement Skills

The VariJump Jr Hurdle from Gopher Sport is a versatile, lightweight, and adjustable-height hurdle designed specifically for younger students. Its bright colors, safe plastic construction, and quick height adjustments make it perfect for teaching jumping, leaping, coordination, and agility skills. Because it’s less intimidating than traditional hurdles, it's ideal for elementary and middle school PE classes where skill-building, confidence, and safety are key. Below are 15 creative, age-appropriate activities using the VariJump Jr Hurdle to teach a wide range of fundamental movement skills (FMS) through movement-based fun.

1. Zigzag Zoom: Arrange hurdles in a zigzag pattern. Students gallop diagonally between them, then leap or jump over. Teaches galloping and directional changes.

2. Backward Bounce Bash: Students jump backward over low hurdles. Emphasizes spatial awareness and balance while moving in reverse.

3. Stop-and-Hop Surprise: While jogging in place, students wait for a signal (e.g., whistle or clap) to immediately hop over the nearest hurdle. Teaches reaction time and explosive movement.

4. Twist Over Towers: Students do a twist jump over the hurdle, landing facing the opposite way. Focuses on twisting mid-air and coordination.

5. Jump, Freeze, and Balance: After jumping a hurdle, students must freeze in a balance pose for 3 seconds. Reinforces dynamic balance and body control.

6. Crawl Under Chaos: Lower hurdles to the lowest setting. Students must crawl under some and jump over others. Promotes spatial awareness and upper/lower body coordination.

7. High-Low Hop Line: Set up alternating low and medium heights. Students must hop with varied effort and posture. Focuses on power control and vertical jump training.

8. Superhero Start & Soar: Students strike a superhero pose, then leap over hurdles “like they’re flying.” Builds confidence, imagination, and jumping technique.

9. Duck, Dive, Dash: Lower hurdles so students can squat and duck under them before sprinting to the next one. Works bending, running, and explosiveness.

10. Musical Hurdles: Like musical chairs, but students jog in a circle of hurdles. When music stops, they jump the nearest hurdle and freeze. Reinforces jumping and spatial response.

11. Jump It, Jack It: After jumping a hurdle, students perform 3 jumping jacks before the next jump. Combines jumping endurance and movement transitions.

12. Leap & Land Challenge: Emphasize proper landing technique (soft knees, controlled stance) after each leap. Set up a scoring system for “best landings.”

13. Animal Action Arcs: Students pretend to be animals (kangaroos, bunnies, frogs) jumping over hurdles in character. Builds imaginative play and locomotor fluency.

14. Jump & Roll Combo: Jump over a hurdle, drop and roll on a mat, then return. Adds floor movement and body transitions.

15. Rhythm Jump Circuits: Set up hurdles at even spacing with music playing. Students must match jump tempo to the beat. Reinforces timing, coordination, and fun!