Key points
- Choose hurdles that cover the heights the athlete races and the lower heights used in training.
- {'Youth and beginner athletes benefit from forgiving hurdles': 'foam, flexible or easy-tip designs.'}
- Competition-style hurdles are heavy and expensive. Practice hurdles are lighter and cheaper.
- Buy enough hurdles for rhythm work, usually at least 3 to 5.
On this page
Types of training hurdles
| Type | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Foam / soft hurdles | Young children, first-time hurdlers, indoor use | Lower height range; not race-like |
| Adjustable practice hurdles | Most teams and home use | Check the height range and how it adjusts |
| Flexible “safety” hurdles (bending top bar or tip-over design) | Beginners and rhythm work | Feel different from competition hurdles |
| Competition hurdles | Meet setup, school tracks | Heavy, expensive, need storage |
| Mini hurdles (6–12″) | Rhythm, mobility, drills | Not for clearance practice at race height |
What to look for
- Height range. Make sure the range covers the heights your athletes race: 30″ for youth, 33″ for the 100m, 36″ for long hurdles and 13–14 boys in USATF, 39″ for high-school 110m. See hurdle heights by age.
- How it adjusts. Pins, sliding uprights and notch systems vary. Measure the top of the bar after adjusting rather than trusting the label.
- Forgiveness. For beginners, a hurdle that tips over or flexes when hit is much less intimidating.
- Stability. A practice hurdle shouldn’t fall over from wind or light contact. Check base width and weight.
- Portability. If you carry hurdles to a park or field, lighter and stackable matters.
- Quantity. Rhythm work needs several hurdles. One hurdle only allows single-hurdle drills.
Best for
- Youth and first-time hurdlers: foam or flexible hurdles at 12–30″
- High school and club athletes training at home: adjustable practice hurdles that reach 33–39″
- Long hurdlers: adjustable hurdles covering 30″ and 36″
Common mistakes when buying
- Buying one hurdle. Most useful drills need 3–6.
- Only buying race height. Most training happens below race height.
- Rigid hurdles for young kids. A painful hit early can make an athlete afraid of the event.
- Ignoring the height range. Some “adjustable” hurdles don’t reach 33″ or 39″.
Coach’s considerations
- Set hurdles with the feet toward the approaching athlete
- Store and transport hurdles so the bar isn’t bent or cracked
- For meets, competition hurdles must meet the governing body’s specifications (see hurdle heights)
This guide is general educational information for athletes, parents and coaches. It is not medical advice. Progress gradually, and consult a qualified coach or medical professional about pain, injury or a specific athlete's needs.