Back to Results

Fast Feet

As we apply our skills

Skill
Locomotor
Play to Learn

Instructions

‘Fast Feet’ skills are required to change direction quickly.

  1. Get into the ‘Ready Position’, with weight slightly on balls of feet
  2. Keeping knees bent and hips low, transfer weight forwards, backwards and sideways, by stepping, jumping or pivoting
  3. Use arms to balance
  4. Encourage a low centre of gravity
  5. Lean back and decelerate into change of direction
  6. Use ‘Crossover Step’ or ‘Pivot’ to change direction
  7. Lean forwards and accelerate away from the direction of travel accordingly

Safety

Ensure…

  • the area is free from objects
  • the surface is not slippery

Opportunity to develop

  • Co-ordination
  • Agility
  • Motor Skills
  • Accuracy

If you see

Observation Likely Cause Solution
Child stumbling Weak core stability Encourage strong stance
Off balance Standing too upright, not bending knees and sinking hips, not shifting weight Slow it down and really emphasise each point; use key words to help, for example left, right, right, left, in, out, in, out, on, off, etc.
Overrunning markers Not decelerating sufficiently in time to coincide with the marker Slow it down, emphasise small steps and lean back to decelerate

Can you see?

  • the child getting into the ‘Ready Position’?
  • the child moving on the balls of their feet?
  • the child keeping their hips low?
  • the child stepping across and in front or pivoting?
  • the child’s head stable and their eyes focused in front?

  • Mostly No

    • Walk the pathway using colour markers to help with foot placement
    • Use simple pathways to start: straight, curved, zigzag
    • Stand behind a partner and copy their actions

  • Yes and No

    • Break each pathway down into small sections – discuss what is the best way to change direction, mark it through slowly, gradually building speed

  • Mostly Yes

    • Use markers, chalk or ladders to introduce basic foot pattern drills, 2 in 2 out, 2 in 1 out, 2 in 2 out, lateral spotty dogs, 2 in lateral shuffle, crossover 1 in 2 out

  • Challenge

    • Travel in different directions and at different speeds, using different foot patterns, then in response to a range of cues
    • Complete a figure of 8, W, M, square perimeter and square centre to corner touch, in the quickest possible time – complete against a partner
    • Combine ‘Fast Feet’ patterns, ‘Crossover Step’ and ‘Pivot’ in response to a range of cues, using different directions, pathways and speeds

Video

Original Resource

See original resource.

Download

Fastfeet