Truque: Hop-and-Kick Hopscotch
A traditional hopscotch variant in which the marker isn't tossed: it's pushed with the hopping foot, from box to box, without landing on the lines. Students work on dynamic balance, foot control, and strength in the support leg.
How to play
- Groups of 4. Each group chalks a court of 8 boxes, 20 x 20 in, in a row, with a final rest box (3 min).
- The first player places their marker (a beanbag) in box 1, hops in on one foot, and pushes it with that same foot into box 2, then 3, all the way to the end (1 min demo).
- If the marker stops on a line or leaves the court, or the player puts the other foot down, their turn ends and the next player goes (2 min of practice).
- A player who completes the course starts from box 2 next time, and so on. Both feet may touch down in the rest box (10 min).
- Switch feet: in the second half, everything is done on the less skilled leg (3 min).
- Each group notes how far each player got and compares it with their first try (1 min).
Rules
- Push the marker with the hopping foot, never with hands.
- Stepping on a line or putting the other foot down outside the rest box ends the turn.
- Safety: play in sneakers on a dry surface, away from benches and corners.
Variations
Easier
Bigger boxes and one free two-foot touch per course.
Standard
Eight boxes, always hopping, without touching a line.
Harder
An out-and-back course or boxes in a zigzag.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student pushes the marker with one foot while seated on a rolling chair, or walks with a partner's support.
- Visual impairment: lines are marked with raised tape, and a partner calls out the box number.
- Lower fitness: the student may put both feet down every two boxes.
Learning goals
- Keep balance on one foot while controlling an object with that foot.
- Control the push so the marker stays inside the box.
- Learn traditional variations of hopscotch.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beanbags: 8
- chalk: 6
Teacher tip
Beanbags slide better than stones and don't roll, so they make the best markers. Encourage both legs from the start so students don't always tire the same side.
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