Hoop Jump Rope Warm-Up

Each student uses a hoop like a jump rope: they swing it over their head and jump when it reaches their feet. Students work on arm-leg coordination, jumping rhythm, and waking up the ankles and calves.

How to play

1. Give each student a hoop and spread the class out on the blacktop with at least six feet of open space around each person (1 min).
2. Level 1: hold the hoop behind your body with both hands, swing it over your head to the front, and jump with feet together as it reaches the ground so it passes under your feet; 10 reps at your own pace (1 min).
3. Level 2: continuous jumps, counting out loud; each student tries to set a personal record in 30 seconds, with two tries and easy walking in between (2 min).
4. Level 3: run-jump with alternating feet, traveling from one line to another about 15 yards away, down and back twice (2 min).
5. Level 4: swing the hoop backward and jump, 10 reps; students who have it down try it on one foot (1 min).
6. Partner finish: one jumps and the other counts; switch every 30 seconds and compare with your first try (1 min).

Rules

• Keep your space clear: if someone gets close, stop and wait.
• Hold the hoop with hands about shoulder-width apart.
• Jump on the balls of your feet and land softly with bent knees.
• If the hoop gets away from you, walk to get it and go back to your spot.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: circle the hoop with the arms in front of and over the body, or pass it around the trunk, without needing to jump.
• Autism: demonstrate each level and show a picture card, and keep the same spot and the same sequence every lesson.
• Fitness level: students who tire alternate 10 jumps with 10 marching steps; students who need more add one-foot or backward jumps.

Learning goals

• Coordinate the hoop swing with the timing of the jump.
• Keep a steady, controlled jumping rhythm.
• Warm up the ankles, calves, and shoulders before the main activity.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hoops: 25

Teacher tip

Hoops around 24–28 inches are the easiest; very small hoops force students to hunch and cause frustration. The most common mistake is jumping too early, so have them watch the hoop hit the ground and say "Now!" as they jump.

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