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Agility drills can generally be classified into two categories – open and closed. Closed drills are preprogrammed drills, performed in a predictable and unchanging environment. The focus should be primarily on proper movement mechanics, proper body position and simple changes of direction. The drills should be performed at a speed that allows proper execution of the targeted movements. Once the technique has been mastered, then the speed may be increased.
Open drills are drills that are not programmed, such as mirroring the actions of another person, or that require the individual to respond to an outside cue.
Agility Drills-For all drills that follow, 2 cones should be placed approximately 6-10 feet apart.
Closed drills
Forward Run Drill: Start behind one cone. Sprint forward to the second cone. Come to a complete stop in an athletic position (weight on the balls of the feet, knees bent, back straight and slightly leaning forward). Immediately turn and accelerate in the opposite direction. Sprint past the first cone.
Backpedal Drill: Start with your back facing the first cone. Backpedal to the second cone. When you’ve reached the second cone, immediately turn and backpedal to the first cone. The focus should be on keeping the hips low and maintaining the athletic position.
Lateral Shuffle Drill: Begin by facing parallel with both cones. Shuffle to the second cone while keeping the hips low and keeping the hips, shoulders, and torso parallel to the cones. When you’ve reached the second cone, immediately shuffle back to the first cone.
Open drills
Ball Drop Drill: While performing the forward run, randomly drop a tennis ball. The client should immediately sprint toward the ball and catch it before it bounces twice.
Forward Run/Backpedal with Auditory Cue: The client should begin this drill by running forward to the 2nd cone, decelerate the body and backpedal to the first cone. Periodically the trainer will provide an auditory cue, such as blowing a whistle, to signal the client to immediately sop where they are and change directions.
Mirror Drill: Begin with the trainer facing the client in the center of the cones. On the go command, the client must mimic the trainer’s movements.
