Whether you’re looking to add more dynamic movements to your training regime or are continuing to build your at-home gym, agility ladders are one of the best ways to get your heart rate up and improve your speed and footwork.
Agility ladders are flat ladders typically made from nylon rope with plastic rungs. They are often used for HIIT workouts or SARQ training, which stands for speed, agility, reactivity and quickness. A favorite for sports teams who want to help their players improve their footwork and speed, agility ladders are affordable, easy to transport and simple to store, making them a great addition to your workout. From training for the Olympics to simply training to be better than you were yesterday, agility ladders can help you reach your goals.
How To Use an Agility Ladder
Agility ladders, also called speed ladders, can be used for a wide range of drills and exercises. If you’ve never used one, there’s still a good chance you’ve done something similar. Agility and speed ladders are like the workout equivalent of hopscotch, requiring that you rapidly move within the designated boxes on the ground. These include quickly running through the rungs of the ladder, stepping in and out, moving laterally or rapidly shuffling from side to side.
These drills require speed and coordination, helping to improve your agility while working on cardio through the use of repetitive movements. These will often be used for football drills, but there’s no reason you can’t use them in your home gym or backyard for warmups or as part of your workout. Because they’re so easy to set up and store, they’re a great workout option for anyone who doesn’t have space for a gym’s worth of fitness equipment.
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What To Look For When Buying an Agility Ladder
When buying an agility/speed ladder, you should look for an option with enough rungs to fully run the drills. If they’re too short, you’ll interrupt the flow of your workout. An added bonus is picking up ladders with clearly visible rungs, so you can see where you’re stepping without having to stare at your feet.
Agility ladders should also be sturdy enough to not slip from side to side as you run through them. Of course, they don’t need to be as sturdy as an actual ladder, since agility ladders don’t bear any weight. Suffice to say, you shouldn’t use your agility ladder for climbing.
We’ve included several styles of agility ladders on our list, including traditional straight designs, circular designs and a quad-style agility ladder. One style of agility ladder may be all you need, or you may opt for a variety to help inspire creativity in your exercises.
Another factor to consider is where you will be using the ladder. Some of the agility ladders on our list include metal pegs, which are helpful when working out on grass since the pegs secure the ladders.
Pick a ladder that is easy to set up, especially if you’re purchasing it for kids or seniors. Some of the ladders on our list are easier than others to fold and store. Agility ladders have excellent benefits for older people and young children since both are often working to maintain or improve their balance and coordination.
How We Picked the Best Agility Ladder
We opted for a variety of ladders on our list to show readers just how many workouts can be achieved using this affordable and portable workout tool. All the ladders on our list are made to be user-friendly and have positive reviews from customers who have incorporated the ladders into their workout routine.
1. Yes4All Ultimate Agility Ladder
BEST OVERALL
For a great basic agility ladder that will last through several indoor and outdoor workouts, we like the Yes4All Ultimate Agility Ladder. Durable nylon straps help to keep the adjustable rungs in place and users can move the rungs to shorten or lengthen the space in between each. The Yes4All will lay flat on almost any surface, including grass, turf, tracks and indoor gym floors. Once the workout is over, the ladder, which is available in several bright colors, can be stored in a small carrying case. Yes4All makes their agility ladder in three lengths with 8, 12 and 20-rung options. There are also snaps on the end of the ladder that allow users to buy multiple ladders and connect them to make longer agility courses.
2. PRIMED Agility Training Ladder
FIXED RUNGS
PRIMED’s agility training ladder has a unique design that addresses one of the common problems found with traditional agility ladders. Instead of plastic rungs supported by a flexible nylon fabric, each rung is a single, rectangular piece of plastic. The squares are larger, so it’s easier to have both feet inside the rungs at one time. Plus, the vibrant color makes it easier to see. If you’re stashing the ladder, the individual rungs can be detached from each other using the hook and loop closures. The ladder consists of nine individual boxes.
3. YISSVIC Agility Ladder and Cones
INCLUDES 10 BRIGHT CONES
The YISSVIC Agility Ladder and Cones is a great set for anyone looking to set up a large obstacle course. The ladder measures 20 feet in length and includes 12 rungs that are adjustable and made from durable plastic that will lay flat. The ladder will stay in place when used on grass and paired with the four metal pegs included. Thanks to the plastic material used, the ladder provides a sturdy workout accessory when used indoors, on a track or at the gym. The set also includes 10 bright orange cones for added agility workouts. The set comes in a convenient carrying bag that lets users take their workouts just about anywhere.
4. SKLZ Agility Quick Ladder
ECONOMICAL OPTION
SKLZ is one of the top brands for agility ladders, and this option is one of the brand’s more economical options. That makes it a great pick if you need several agility ladders for training a class, or if you’re new to agility ladders and want to try one out in a low-risk way. There are a total of 11 rungs, forming 10 full boxes. Each rung is 15″ apart. The ends of the ladder have triangular loops, which can be used to mount the ladder in place in the grass.
5. Mantra Sport 20ft Agility Ladder
EXTENDED LENGTH
For workouts that need to go the distance, we like the Mantra Sport 20ft Agility Ladder. While most agility ladders max out at 15 feet in length, the Mantra Sport extends to an impressive 20-foot length, making it perfect for athletes who want to add in a few more steps to each rep. Made with heavy-duty nylon straps, the 12 rungs can be adjusted to shorten or lengthen steps. The set also includes eight bright yellow cones, four metal pegs to help keep the ladder in place, and a carrying bag for added portability. Mantra Sport also includes a double wall chart that includes several exercise ideas to help get users started with their ladder.
6. TRX XD Agility Ladder
BEST UPGRADE
TRX is best known for making strength training equipment, such as resistance bands. Their agility ladder is a good option for smaller workout spaces. There are a total of five boxes enclosed by six rungs, so it is somewhat shorter than other options. That said, it has a more sturdy construction. Each rung is a single piece of square plastic, making this ladder less likely to shift and move around, compared with alternatives.
7. Merrithew Agility Ladder
ADJUSTABLE RUNGS
This agility ladder is another simple option that works great for various skill levels. It has nine rungs, allowing for a full workout drill, without the ladder taking up too much space. The rungs of the ladder slide along the nylon straps. That means you can make the gaps between the rungs wider or shorter as needed.
8. GoFit 15 in. Agility Ladder
INCLUDED CARRY BAG
Agility ladders should be able to be taken on the go, which is why it’s good that this ladder from GoFit comes with a carrying bag. The total length of the ladder is 15 feet, while the rungs are spaced 15 inches apart from each other. The straps on the ends of the ladder allow this one to be extended using other ladders.
9. ALPHAWORX All-in-one Agility Ladder Speed Training Equipment and Speed Hurdle
LADDER AND HURDLE COMBO
The ALPHAWORX All-in-one Agility Ladder Speed Training Equipment and Speed Hurdle combines two types of exercise in one easy-to-use product. The Alphaworx is a traditional agility ladder, but thanks to the addition of a semi-rigid spring steel design, the flat rungs can be stood up into 15″ high hurdles. The polypropylene fabric rungs can be formed into several shapes and configurations and can withstand rigorous workouts. The tangle-free ladder can be used flat, on its side, or in the hurdle formation to help users create several unique workouts. The Alphaworx ladder is extremely lightweight and portable.
10. CANPPNY Speed Agility Training Kit
BEST PARACHUTE
Add some resistance to your workout with the CANPPNY Speed Agility Training Kit. The kit comes with a standard agility ladder and anchor stakes, as well as five bright orange training cones and a storage bag. When it’s time to make your workout even tougher, there’s a resistance parachute that can add between 11 and 33 pounds of resistance to training. Designed to help improve explosiveness stamina, the parachute can be adjusted to fit adults and kids with a waist belt.
11. SPRI Roll-Out Agility Ladder Speed Training Equipment
BEST SOLID LADDER
Most of the agility ladders on our list have an open-rung design, but the SPRI Roll-Out Agility Ladder Speed Training Equipment includes the same agility training as the other rungs with a solid finish. The roll-out workout tool allows for fast and easy setup and helps to protect floors. The ladder is made from non-skid recycled rubber that lays flat and provides a sturdy workout partner. The 15-foot long ladder can be used indoors and outdoors and rolls up for ease of portability.
12. Trademark Innovations Agility Quad Ladder
BEST FOR GROUPS
Agility ladders are a great tool for solo or group workouts and the Trademark Innovations Agility Quad Ladder is designed to make it even easier for the whole team to get their sweat on at the same time. The quad ladder makes it easy for four people to work out at once or even more when running drills. The four-ladder system is still awesome for solo workouts since it extends the length of a traditional agility ladder. Each 15-foot ladder is made with adjustable rungs for a total surface area of 32 feet by 32 feet.
13. Webby Agility Trainer
CIRCULAR LADDER
Get your footwork on point with an agility ladder that keeps you moving. The circular design of the Webby Agility Trainer helps athletes and workout fans get creative with their movements. Ideal for boxers, soccer players, or anyone who wants to run circles around their opponent, the ladder unfolds to a 6’ circle when in use. When it’s time to stop training for the day, users can fold the ladder into two figure eights for a small, 6” package.
14. SKLZ Agility Trainer Pro
GREAT FOR CUSTOM COURSES
If you’ve already mastered the straightforward agility ladder, it may be time to train your mind and body to expect the unexpected. Create a unique course that moves in a variety of patterns using the SKLZ Agility Trainer Pro. The set includes 10 trapezoids that can be placed in swirls, side-by-side, straight or circular formations to create a course that keeps you on your toes. Designed to be used on just about any training surface, including grass, tracks, and courts, the trapezoids are a great way to add some creativity to your workout.
15. SKLZ Elevation Ladder
MINI HURDLES
Add some height to your training with the SKLZ Elevation Ladder. The ladder is designed like a typical agility ladder in that it rolls out for easy setup and is perfect for practicing footwork and speed, but unlike most flat ladders, the rungs can be slightly elevated to create short 4” hurdles. The multi-use six-rung ladder is made from durable and lightweight PVC and includes 15” of space between each rung. When practice is done, the ladder partially disassembles to a 20” by 26” package.