Hoop Lane Triple Jump

Students learn the triple jump rhythm (hop on the takeoff foot, step to the other foot, jump and land on both) by stepping into hoops placed in lanes with growing gaps, and each student picks the lane they can complete. They build coordination, jumping rhythm and self-assessment.

How to play

1. Set 4 lanes, each with 3 hoops in a line and a landing mat at the end: lane 1 with hoops 1 m apart, lane 2 at 1.3 m, lane 3 at 1.6 m and lane 4 at 1.9 m; the start is 4 m from the first hoop (3 min).
2. Teach the rhythm with a chant: "left, left, right, together" (or the reverse); everyone practices it walking in place (2 min).
3. Learning round in lane 1: a 3 or 4 step approach, land in each hoop with the right rhythm and finish on both feet on the mat (4 min).
4. Each student chooses a lane; after two correct tries in a row, they may move up to the next lane (5 min).
5. In pairs, one jumps while the other calls the rhythm aloud and checks that the feet match; switch every two jumps (3 min).
6. To finish, each student tells a partner the hardest lane they completed and which phase is toughest (1 min).

Rules

• Only one student jumps per lane; the next waits until the previous jumper is off the mat.
• Mats are pushed tightly together with no gaps at the end of each lane.
• Move to a harder lane only after two correct tries in a row.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student walks the hoops with a "same foot, other foot, both feet" pattern, or claps it from a wheelchair.
• Hard of hearing: show the rhythm with a colored card next to each hoop.
• Advanced students: finish with legs reaching forward onto the mat, as in the long jump.

Learning goals

• Perform the triple jump rhythm with the correct foot in each phase.
• Stay balanced when landing on the same foot after the hop.
• Choose a challenge level that matches their ability.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hoops: 12
• mats: 8
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Use flat hoops on a non-slip surface or tape them down so they do not slide when stepped on. The most common mistake is switching feet on the first landing, so rehearse it walking before running.

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