Ankle Hoop Skip: Spin and Hop

With a small hoop around one ankle, students spin it with that leg and hop over it with the other foot every time it comes around, like a skip-it toy. Students build two-leg coordination, rhythm, and dynamic balance.

How to play

1. Hand out small hoops (about 20 inches); each student puts one foot inside and rests it at the ankle, standing 10 feet apart (2 min).
2. Without hopping: make slow circles with the hoop leg so the hoop spins around the ankle; 20 spins on each leg (3 min).
3. Add the hop: as the hoop comes toward the free leg, hop with that foot so it passes underneath; sets of 5 hops (4 min).
4. Long sets with music: count how many hops in a row you get in 30 seconds, rest 30, and switch legs (5 min).
5. In pairs, one claps a beat and the other tries to match it; then hop while traveling forward (4 min).

Rules

• The hoop goes on the ankle, never on the knee.
• Stay 10 feet apart so a hoop that flies off doesn't hit anyone.
• Switch legs every set to work both sides.
• Hop low with your eyes forward.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: seated, spin the hoop on the wrist or arm to the music.
• Autism: give a slow demonstration and count every hop out loud; mark a fixed spot with chalk.
• Fitness level: students who tire quickly alternate 20 seconds of hopping with 40 seconds of rest.

Learning goals

• Coordinate one leg's spinning with the other leg's hop.
• Keep balance while hopping on one foot.
• Match movement to a set beat.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 25
• music

Teacher tip

Full-size hoops don't work here; find 20 to 24 inch hoops or make some from tubing and tape. Many students spin from the whole hip, so ask for a small circle using just the ankle and knee.

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