Locomotor Skills

What Are Locomotor Skills?#

Every time you move from one place to another, you are using locomotor skills! The word "locomotor" comes from Latin words meaning "to move from a place."

Locomotor skills are the basic ways your body moves through space. Learning these skills is one of the most important things you do in Physical Education!

Why Are Locomotor Skills Important?#

• They help your body grow strong and coordinated
• They are the building blocks for sports, dance, and play
• They help you understand how your body works in space
• They make playing with friends more fun!

The Six Main Locomotor Skills#

1. Running — Moving quickly on two feet, with both feet briefly leaving the ground at the same time. Faster than walking!

2. Jumping — Pushing off with one or two feet and landing on two feet. You go up into the air!

3. Hopping — Taking off on ONE foot and landing on that SAME foot. Like a bunny hop!

4. Skipping — A step-hop pattern done alternately with each foot. Skip-hop, skip-hop!

5. Galloping — One foot leads and the other catches up, like a horse! Both feet go forward together.

6. Sliding — Moving sideways! One foot slides out to the side and the other foot slides to meet it.

How Are They Different?#

All locomotor skills move you from place to place, but they use different patterns of feet and legs:

• Running and walking use both feet in an alternating pattern
• Jumping uses both feet to take off and land
• Hopping stays on one foot
• Skipping alternates feet in a step-hop rhythm
• Galloping keeps one foot in front
• Sliding moves sideways

In today's PE class, you will practice each one!