I have heard some strength and conditioning coaches question the effectiveness of ladder training. They feel like doing ladder drills only gets you better at ladders drills – it does not improve sport performance. I think this is completely ridiculous. If ladder drills are executed properly athletes are improving their foot work, coordination, center of gravity management/control, speed, quickness, running technique, and explosiveness (if performing plyometric drills).
I do see some coaches abusing the ladder – it is the only training tool they use to improve athletic performance for their athletes. For myself, the ladder is simply a tool in my big box of tools just like kettlebells, Olympic lifts, medicine balls, TRX’s, body weight training, hurdles, agility rings, etc. The ladder has proven to be a great training tool for younger athletes to learn movement control and coordination. For my advanced athletes I use the ladders to improve foot work. Most times I have athletes perform ladder drills to a sprint or other agility drill. The ladder alone is just a tool.
Make sure to use the right tool for the job.