Hoop Jump Rope: Jump Through the Hoop

Students use a hoop like a jump rope: they hold it with both hands, bring it over their head, and jump when it reaches their feet. It's a great lead-up to single-rope jumping for young students and develops coordination between the arms and the jump.

How to play

1. Each student has a hoop sized to reach about waist height and stands in their own space, 10 feet apart (2 min).
2. Step by step: hold the hoop in front with both hands, bring it over your head to behind you, lower it, and step over it (3 min).
3. Same movement, but jump with both feet when the hoop reaches the floor; 10 slow reps with a stop each time (3 min).
4. Continuous jumps without stopping: count how many you get, and also try it backward (4 min).
5. Traveling: jump through the hoop from one court line to another 30 feet away, then walk back (4 min).

Rules

• Hold the hoop on the sides with thumbs pointing up.
• Keep your distance: with arms and hoop extended, you shouldn't touch anyone.
• Jump low and land on the balls of your feet.
• When traveling, everyone moves in the same direction.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: pass the hoop around the body while seated, from head to knees and back.
• Autism or shyness: work next to the teacher or a classmate who mirrors each step.
• Skill level: students who master it try a jump rope to compare.

Learning goals

• Coordinate arm movement with the jump.
• Jump with both feet in a continuous rhythm.
• Prepare the motion used in single-rope jumping.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 25

Teacher tip

A hoop that's too small makes students hit their heels, so keep several sizes handy. Many kids let go with one hand when they jump; remind them the hoop is a steering wheel they never let go of.

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