Ski Hop Line Challenge

In pairs, students jump over a line on the ground in different ways: forward and back, side to side like a skier, straddle in and out or hopping on one foot, counting how many jumps they do in 20 seconds. It improves rhythmic jumping, coordination and personal progress.

How to play

1. Each pair has a 3-foot chalk line on the ground, 6 feet away from the next pair.
2. Teach 4 jumps (3 min): forward and back, side-to-side ski hops, straddle in and out over the line and one-foot side hops.
3. Trial round (3 min): one jumps for 20 seconds while the partner counts jumps that clear the line; then switch.
4. Improvement round (5 min): each student repeats the same jumps trying to beat their number, with 40 seconds of rest between sets.
5. Final challenge (3 min): the pair invents a two-jump combo and teaches it to another pair.

Rules

• A jump that lands on the line does not count, but keep jumping.
• Jump on the balls of your feet, light and quiet.
• Compare only with your own number, never with others.
• Pairs stay at their own line so nobody collides.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: move the arms or wheels from side to side of the line in rhythm while the partner counts the same way.
• Visual impairment: mark the line with thick raised tape and have the partner clap the rhythm.
• Fitness level: each student chooses the type of jump and the length of the set.

Learning goals

• Jump rhythmically in different directions.
• Improve a personal score through effort and persistence.
• Count for and encourage a partner respectfully.

Equipment for a class of 25

• sidewalk chalk: 6
• stopwatch: 1

Teacher tip

Run the stopwatch yourself and start the whole class at once. At this age, praise persistence more than the final number.

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