Providing opportunities for active outdoor play significantly increases children's agility and it need not be expensive, says Julie Mountain.

Agility is a very particular skill; it's not just about balance or co-ordination, although these are important elements of it. An agile child is able to combine balance and co-ordination with the ability to move rapidly, change direction, stop promptly, maintain core strength and endure effort for a sustained period of time. An agile child responds quickly to changing circumstances - such as an adjustment in their centre of gravity as they tumble from a log or whirl and dance to music. This child is also far less likely to be injured during active play, because they are familiar with and confident about their body's capabilities and can react appropriately.

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