Ladder One-Foot-Per-Box Run

Run the length of an agility ladder placing one foot in each box. The base footwork drill: it trains foot speed, rhythm and staying over the balls of the feet.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Agility ladder
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Calves · Hip Flexors
ALSO WORKS
Quads · Feet & Arch · Tibialis Anterior
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Lay the ladder flat and stand tall at one end, weight on the forefeet.
  2. 02Run through placing exactly one foot in each box, alternating left and right.
  3. 03Keep the contacts light and on the balls of the feet, heels off the floor.
  4. 04Drive the arms in time with the feet, elbows around ninety degrees.
  5. 05Accelerate out of the last box for five metres, then walk back and repeat for 4 to 6 passes.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Fast feet, tall chest.
  2. 02Arms match the legs.
  3. 03Run out the end, do not stop on it.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Looking straight down at the ladder — the head drops, the chest folds and it stops looking like running.
  2. 02Landing flat-footed — contact time doubles and the drill's entire point is short contacts.
  3. 03Arms hanging still while the feet move fast — the limbs are meant to be coordinated, which is what transfers to sport.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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