AGILITY

Domande frequenti - Agility

• What is an agility ladder used for?
  The agility ladder is used to train stride frequency, foot placement and rhythmic coordination. It is not primarily a tool for strength training or aerobic conditioning: it is a neuromuscular activation tool. It is typically used in warm-ups for team sports, in return-to-sport protocols following ankle injuries, and in technical training for racket sports.
• What is the difference between a rubber ladder and an adjustable one?
  The 4111 Rubber Agility Ladder has rungs fixed at equal intervals and is made of rubberised material that withstands use on tarmac, artificial grass and intensive outdoor use. The 4112 Adjustable Agility Ladder allows you to adjust the spacing between the rungs, making it suitable for both short-stride drills and wide-stride drills. The adjustable version offers greater flexibility indoors; the rubber version is more durable on the pitch.
• How high should the obstacles be for agility training?
  The two standard heights are 30 cm (Speed Hurdle 0255) and 50 cm (0257). The 30 cm hurdles are used for skip A, kick runs, knee lifts and frequency drills. The 50 cm hurdles are used for bilateral jumps, introductory plyometric work and power endurance drills. For rehabilitation or young athletes, start with the Soft Hurdle 1005 or the adjustable set 0253.
• How does the reaction ball differ from normal cones?
  The Reaction Ball 0465 has an irregular shape that produces unpredictable bounces. The athlete cannot anticipate the trajectory and must react to a real visual cue, just as they would on the pitch. Cones are fixed markers: they are used to practise pre-determined patterns. The reaction ball adds the cognitive and stochastic element that is lacking in pre-programmed drills.
• Can you use the agility ladder at home?
  Yes, both the rubber 4111 and the adjustable 4112 take up about 4–5 metres in a straight line and roll up into a bag. You need a flat floor and sufficient ceiling height for the skip. It works well in a garage gym or basement. On delicate parquet flooring, it’s advisable to lay a protective mat underneath to prevent scratches caused by the machine being placed down quickly.
• Are the Sidea 3-in-1 plyoboxes suitable for repeated box jumps?
  The soft models (9112, 9112V, 9116) and the 9105–9107 Soft Impact series are specifically designed for high-volume box jumps: the surface absorbs the impact in the event of a miss and reduces the risk of shin injuries. The wooden 9111 models have a rigid surface, which is more stable and precise, and are the preferred choice in competitive CrossFit settings.
• Which is best: a wooden, soft or foam plyobox?
  The wooden version offers firm feedback, precise footing and greater stability: it is the choice of CrossFit boxes and experienced athletes. The soft version is safer for group classes, commercial gyms and beginners. The foam version (9116) offers the most protection and is recommended for home gyms, for athletes returning from injury, or when very high volumes of jumping are planned.
• How many cones are needed for a team training session?
  For a team of 12–16 athletes, the 0251 set of 50 small cones covers most circuits: T-drills, shuttle runs, slaloms and zone markings. The larger individual 0250 cones are used as the main markers for a station. In physical training sessions, 15–20 cones are sufficient; on a football or rugby pitch, the full set is almost always required.
• Should agility training be done before or after strength training?
  Agility training should be carried out when the nervous system is fresh, so either before strength training or as a separate session. Short sessions (10–15 minutes of high-quality work) incorporated into a structured warm-up make more sense than long sessions at the end of a training session, where fatigue compromises the quality of foot strike and motor learning.
• Do agility rings replace the ladder?
  No, they are complementary. The Agility Rings 2035 and 2035/1 mark out individual platforms spaced freely on the ground: they allow for non-linear courses, changes of direction and asymmetrical patterns that the ladder – being a straight grid – does not permit. In many training programmes, both are used in the same session.
• What instalment payment options are available?
  Sidea offers a range of instalment payment options to make it easier to purchase professional equipment. Please see the dedicated page: Payment options Sidea.
• I’m a fitness professional – can I get special rates?
  If you work in the fitness or sports sector, register on the website as a Professional or as an ASD to gain access to the price list reserved for industry professionals. Pro registration allows you to view exclusive discounts and special terms across the entire Sidea catalogue.
• Is Sidea listed on the MEPA for public sector procurement?
  Yes, Sidea is an authorised supplier on the MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace). Public bodies, schools, universities, local authorities and public sports facilities can purchase Sidea equipment via the platform Public Sector Online Procurement. For information on product codes and direct MEPA orders, please contact Sidea customer service.
• What are Sidea’s returns and warranty terms?
  Sidea guarantees the right to cancel within 14 days of delivery for all online purchases, in accordance with current legislation. Products must be returned undamaged and in their original packaging. For full details on returns, refunds and the warranty, please see the page Terms and Conditions of Sale.
• Why choose Sidea equipment?
  Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor StrongFirst e Luxiaojun, which is exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and is the technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is designed with durability, functionality and suitability for real-world operational contexts in mind. The service Gym Design Offers bespoke design services with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) to ensure rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs.