Hoop Hop Showdown

Two teams start at opposite ends of a winding path of hoops, hopping from hoop to hoop; when two opponents meet, they play rock, paper, scissors and the winner keeps going. It builds linked jumps, eye-foot coordination, and quick reactions.

How to play

1. Lay out two snake-shaped paths of 12 touching hoops with a cone at each end. Make four teams of 6 or 7, with two rival teams at opposite ends of each path (2 min).
2. Move with a two-foot jump into each hoop without landing on the rim. Everyone does one slow practice pass (2 min).
3. On the signal, the first player from each team starts. When they meet, they stop face to face and play rock, paper, scissors (3 min).
4. The winner keeps hopping; the loser steps off to the side, runs back, and sends the next teammate, who starts from their cone. Reaching the other team's last hoop scores a point and both teams restart (5 min).
5. Each team plays a round against a team from the other path, then add up points (3 min).

Rules

• If you land on a rim, jump back inside that hoop before moving on.
• Leave the path to the side, never crossing in front of the hoops.
• Play together on "Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: use a path of cones spaced wider to weave through in a wheelchair; the showdown is the same for all.
• Blind or low vision: use hoops that contrast with the ground and a partner who calls out the next hoop.
• Fitness level: strong jumpers hop on one foot; students who tire mix jumps and steps.

Learning goals

• Link two-foot jumps accurately inside the hoops.
• React quickly to a role change in the game.
• Accept the showdown result and follow the rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 24
• cones: 4

Teacher tip

The pace depends on the loser getting off fast and sending the next player; otherwise the path jams. If the ground is slippery, swap the hoops for chalk circles.

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