Ampe: Ghana Jump and Clap Game
A traditional game from Ghana where two players jump at the same time to a clapping beat and land with one foot forward: whether the feet match or not decides who scores. Students build rhythm, jumping coordination and quick decision making.
How to play
- Teach the basic jump (3 min): the whole group claps a steady beat. Every four beats everyone jumps and lands with either the right or left foot forward.
- Make groups of 6 in a half circle with a leader in front. The leader and the first player jump together to the group's claps and land with one foot forward.
- If they put out the same foot (both right or both left), the leader scores a point; if they put out different feet, the player scores and becomes the new leader.
- If the leader wins, they go on to the next player in the half circle. Each group keeps track of everyone's points on their fingers or in chalk.
- Play for 8 minutes. Remind students that the whole group keeps the clapping beat, so those waiting are part of the game too.
- Finale (3 min): team version, two facing lines where the front pair jumps and points go to their line.
Rules
- Always jump on the same beat as the claps: jumping early or late means a do-over.
- Put one foot forward clearly when you land.
- The group may not change the beat to throw someone off.
- Safety: land with soft knees and keep at least 3 ft between jumpers.
Variations
Easier
Play without jumping, just stepping one foot forward on the beat.
Standard
Jump every four beats and land with one foot forward.
Harder
Speed up the clapping and add the option of landing feet together, which always beats the leader.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays with hands, showing right or left on the beat instead of jumping.
- Hearing impairment: show the beat with an arm moving up and down that the whole group can see.
- Lower fitness: alternate a round of jumping with a round of clapping or judging.
Learning goals
- Jump in time with a shared beat.
- Decide quickly which foot to show to outsmart your opponent.
- Enjoy a traditional African game that blends music and movement.
Teacher tip
In Ghana it's mostly played by girls at recess; present it as a game for the whole class. Start with a slow beat: if it's too fast, the jumps fall apart and the fun is lost.
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