Ampe From Ghana: Jump, Clap and Shoot Out a Foot

Ampe is a traditional game from Ghana: two players jump facing each other, clap and land with one foot forward; depending on whether the feet match, one or the other scores. It's very intense, works on coordination and anticipation, and we play it in mixed groups.

How to play

1. Explain the origin and the move: jump, clap in the air and land with one foot forward. Solo practice to the teacher's clapping (3 min).
2. In pairs: the leader announces beforehand whether she or he wins on «same» (same side, like a mirror) or «different»; play rounds of ten jumps (5 min).
3. Line ampe: groups of six, a leader facing the line. The leader plays each person in turn; on a loss, the winner becomes leader (6 min).
4. Circle ampe: the leader moves around the inside of the circle; count how many points in a row they score before giving up the spot (6 min).

Rules

• Small jumps and soft landings with bent knees.
• Stand an arm's length apart so feet don't collide.
• Nobody leads more than two rounds in a row.
• Rest 30 seconds between rounds: it's harder than it looks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: play with the hands, putting one hand forward instead of a foot after the clap.
• Hearing impairment: the rhythm is set with a hand signal everyone can see.
• Knee or ankle injury: play without the jump, just the foot, or referee the line.

Learning goals

• Coordinate jump, clap and landing to a rhythm.
• Anticipate an opponent's choices.
• Learn a traditional game from Ghana.

Teacher tip

The rules for which combination wins vary by area; settle yours before starting. In Ghana it's mostly played by girls: use that to talk about stereotypes and have the whole class play.

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