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For many sports and other physical activities, having quick, agile feet can take your performance to the next level. From Crossfit workouts to football, the ability to pivot in an instant and change direction can mean the difference between success and failure. But sprints and other typical running activities aren’t always enough to improve your agility. A speed ladder can help you kick your footwork up a notch.
A speed ladder, also known as an agility ladder, is an ideal tool for athletes who are training for specific sports, as well as for anyone looking to add variety to their usual workout routine. It consists of a series of rungs at regular intervals and can be spread across a floor, field, or any flat surface. Speed ladders encourage you to move your feet quickly to clear each rung in your path.
Choosing the right speed ladder means figuring out the best length and width, number of rungs, and rung intervals that will help you meet your training goals. Making sense of all your choices can get confusing. Fortunately, our handy shopping guide provides all the information you need to find the ideal speed ladder for your next training session.
Speed ladders are available in a variety of lengths, typically ranging from 6 to 32 feet, with 15-foot ladders being most common. While longer ladders obviously allow you to work on your agility for an extended period, they may not necessarily be the best option for your training regime. Some users find that shorter speed ladders actually allow them to focus more effectively on their footwork, since there’s less ground to cover.
Most speed ladders are 16 to 20 inches in width. When you’re trying to decide on the best ladder width for you, consider the size of your feet and how much space you need to comfortably land when you’re moving across the ladder.
The number of rungs that a speed ladder features usually depends on its length. For the standard 15-foot ladder, however, you can typically choose between different rung number options to find the arrangement that best suits your needs.
In most cases, you can decide between 8, 11, 12, and 15 rungs. Keep in mind that a ladder with more rungs means that there’s less space between them, so you’ll have to move your feet more quickly. If you’re new to training with a speed ladder, it’s usually best to choose a model with fewer rungs. But if your footwork and coordination are already fairly advanced, a ladder with more rungs may be a better challenge.
It’s important to consider the materials that a speed ladder is made from so you know that it can hold up to repeated use, as well as outdoor training sessions. Most ladders feature durable plastic rungs that won’t break if you accidentally land on them. Nylon is the best material for the side straps because it’s lightweight but still strong, easy to clean, and resistant to UV rays, making it ideal for outdoor use.
To gain the most control over your speed ladder sessions, it’s a good idea to choose a model that allows you to adjust the spacing between the rungs. Adjustable ladders enable you to customize your workouts as you improve your agility, coordination, and footwork, so your training is always challenging no matter how long you’re working out.
While a speed ladder is designed to lay on the ground, it might move around as you jog across it — especially if you’re training on grass or dirt. Some models allow you to attach the ladder to soft ground with stakes, which prevents the ladder from shifting as you train, so you’re less likely to get injured.
Some speed ladders have snaps running along their nylon straps, which allow you to connect two or more ladders together to increase the overall length. If you’re training by yourself, this feature may be unnecessary. But if you’re purchasing a speed ladder for a sports team or a group to use, the ability to connect multiple ladders can come in handy.
If you train outdoors or work out in multiple locations, being able to easily take your speed ladder with you on the go is an important feature. Fortunately, most ladders are highly portable because they’re made of lightweight plastic and nylon and are easy to roll up.
For even more portable convenience, opt for a model with a carrying case or bag. Having some type of container for the ladder makes it easy to grab and prevents it from getting tangled. A carrying case or bag also makes it easier to store your speed ladder.
The most affordable speed ladders range from 6 to 15 feet in length and cost between $10 and $25. These ladders are ideal if you’re new to agility training and are training by yourself.
Ladders that cost between $25 and $50 are usually 15 to 20 feet in length — a good option if you have some experience with agility training but aren’t an expert.
The most expensive speed ladders are usually between 20 and 30 feet in length and cost between $50 and $90. They work well if you’re an agility training expert or you’re looking for a ladder to use for team training.
A. A speed ladder can be used on nearly any flat surface. You can use it on indoor surfaces, such as hardwood flooring that you might find in a gym. It also works well on tile and vinyl flooring, though you should make sure that your shoes have good traction so you won’t slip as you’re moving across the speed ladder. On outdoor surfaces like grass or dirt, it’s best to secure the ladder with stakes.
A. Training with a speed ladder can help you with any type of sport that requires quick footwork, be it soccer, basketball, football, lacrosse, or even martial arts.
A. Speed ladders are not meant to bear any weight. While the plastic and nylon components are durable and sturdy, they’re not strong enough to support an individual using it to climb vertically up a surface. If you try to use the ladder in that manner, you can expect to fall and get injured.
