Kids' Agility Games
Agility means being able to move quickly and easily. Being agile give kids the ability to rapidly change direction or movement during the course of playing a game or sport, and can make a big difference in athletic performance. The key to boosting agility in children is to practice fast changes in movement and on-the-spot decision-making skills. Games are an effective and enjoyable way to build agility in children.
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Build an Obstacle Course
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Obstacle courses require children to change their movements quickly as they progress from activity to activity. Include small hurdles somewhere in your obstacle course ̵1; the act of jumping over them builds agility, according to the IDEA Health and Fitness Association. Running through cones and climbing ladders are other activities that promotes agility. Consider creating your obstacle course on a playground or include your child̵7;s swing set in the course.
Time for Tag
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Tag games get children moving in a variety of different ways, which is another agility booster. The classic game of tag is useful, but variations are effective, as well. Have the kids play tag by running backwards or by hopping on one foot. Pair the children up and have them play tag by keeping their arms linked or by holding hands. Another way to play is to have the "it" person act like a zombie, and when he tags the other players, they must turn into zombies, too. The last person to become a zombie is the winner. The variations of tag games are endless.
Be Quick
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Rapid movement helps build agility, so play games that encourage children to move quickly. The National Strength and Conditioning Association recommends the game "Red Light Green Light." Kids line up at one end of the play area while the leader stands on the other end. The leader calls out "green light" and the players run toward him. When the leader yells out "red light," the players must stop. Play continues until all the children have reached the leader. Organized sports, such as tennis, badminton, soccer and hockey, require quick movements and rapid changes in direction and are other agility-building options.
Cooperate, Cooperate, Cooperate
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Cooperation games require children to move together in specific ways to accomplish a common goal. Leapfrog is a good example ̵1; it requires two people to work as a team. One child crouches down while the other launches himself over the crouched child, and they switch places and repeat the activity. Relay races where the children run piggybacking another child, or games such as dodgeball that require kids to work cooperatively, are also effective ways to build agility.
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